Frequently asked questions about the situation in Russia
If you are in Russia and want to know what to do, read the frequently asked questions below.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs colour code for Russia is orange and partly red. See the travel advisory (in Dutch) for more information.
General questions and contact information
The most important thing is to inform the Dutch embassy that you are in Russia and how you can be reached.
Sign up for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service. Select ‘Aanmelden + registratie bij ambassade’ (sign up and register with embassy). This will help you stay up to date on the latest developments. It also lets the Ministry of Foreign Affairs know you are in the country. Are you leaving Russia? Please pass this on via the Information Service.
You can also download the Travel App (Reisapp) and add Russia as a favourite. You will then receive a notification whenever the travel advisory changes. Follow @247BZ on X to get the latest travel advice.
The ministry can be reached at any time of the day or night by calling +31 247 247 247.
Please read the travel advisory for Russia. (information in Dutch)
Developments around 24 June 2023 have shown that the security situation in Russia is unpredictable and can deteriorate rapidly. Keep in mind that the possibilities to leave the country (by plane, by land) can be restricted at any time. The Dutch government cannot help you leave Russia.
Contact your bank to ask about alternatives. You can still make online payments, for example to buy airline tickets.
The embassy is currently operational. The Netherlands consulate-general in St. Petersburg is currently closed.
Read more about this in the travel advisory for Russia (in Dutch).
European airspace is closed to all air traffic from Europe to Russia and from Russia to Europe.
You can fly to the Netherlands via, for example, Türkiye, Dubai or Serbia.
Take into account a major detour, more expensive tickets and a longer travel time. The situation can change quickly.
If Russia closes its airspace, or if flying via other countries is no longer possible, departure will be very difficult.
There are no passenger trains running between Russia and Finland, Estonia and Latvia due to the closure of the borders.
It is currently possible to leave Russia with your own car. Before you leave, take a good look at the exit rules of Russia and the entry rules of the country of your destination. More information can also be found in the travel advisey under the heading 'Traffic'.
Take into account that it may get very busy at border crossings if the situation gets worse. Be prepared: make sure you have enough fuel and cash. And remember that not all bank cards and credit cards may be accepted. Don’t forget the green card for your car, and remember that in many European countries driving with studded winter tyres is not allowed.
Travelling and travel documents
In the Russian Federation, you can only apply for a Schengen visa for the following purposes of travel:
- family visit to 1st and 2nd degree relatives in the Netherlands
- business visit
- seafaring
- social or cultural purpose
Do you have a different purpose of travel? Then it is not possible to apply for a Schengen visa.
Read more about how to apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in the Russian Federation
As a result of the decision of the Russian authorities to declare the Dutch consular staff of the embassy in Moscow persona non grata, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has had to restrict the regular Schengen visa granting. This allows visa applications for a limited number of travel purposes. See "Can I apply for a Schengen visa?" to find out for which purposes you can apply for a Schengen visa.
Are you coming to the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days to visit family? And do you have 1st or 2nd degree relatives in the Netherlands? Then you can apply for a Schengen visa at VFS Global in Moscow.
The following persons are 1st or 2nd degree relatives:
- 1st degree: partner (marriage partner or registered partner), parent (also adoptive and stepparent), parent-in-law, child (also adopted and stepchild), daughter-in-law, son-in-law
- 2nd degree: brother, sister, grandchild, grandfather, grandmother, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, stepsister and stepbrother
Read more about how to apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in the Russian Federation
A visa application from a third country is only possible if you have a residence permit for that country and you are currently residing there.
Yes you can apply for a MVV.
You can submit your long-stay visa application at the embassy in Moscow. For more information, go to Applying for a long-stay visa (MVV) for residents of the Russian Federation.
Yes. You can still go to the Netherlands. Make an appointment at the embassy via our online appointment system to collect your long-stay visa (MVV).
If you want to move your appointment for a long-stay visa, please send an email to the Dutch embassy (mos-ca@minbuza.nl) where you made the appointment. The embassy can discuss the options with you.
Yes. You can still go to the Netherlands. Use the online appointment system to make an appointment at the embassy in Moscow to collect your long-stay visa (MVV).
You can contact the embassy in Moscow (mos-ca@minbuza.nl).
Yes, you can apply for a passport at the Dutch embassy in Moscow. Read more about how to apply.
You can apply for a (one-way) laissez-passer at the Dutch embassy in Moscow. You can then apply for a regular passport at a border municipality in the Netherlands.
Yes, you can collect your passport from any Dutch diplomatic mission or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague. You must indicate where you want to collect your passport when you submit your application. You cannot change this later.