What can’t be taken out of Russia in 2025?

Items prohibited from being exported from Russia:

- More than 5 kg of seafood and/or more than 250 grams of sturgeon caviar

You can export fish, crabs and/or other seafood, but only in factory packaging and in limited quantities. Anything exceeding the limit will be confiscated at the border.

- Sables and/or other rare animals

Russia prohibits the export of live sables, both wild and farm-raised. Animals listed in the Red Book (of endangered species) also cannot be moved across the border.

- Industrial equipment

Agricultural machinery, industrial food production equipment, machine tools, etc. – all of these are banned from being exported. Personal electrical appliances, such as a hairdryer for personal use, of course, can be taken out.

The full list of prohibited goods can be found here.

- Drugs

All types of drugs are prohibited from being transported across the Russian border. Strong prescription medications, meanwhile, require a doctor’s note (in Russian or a notarized translation).

- Bones of rare animals

Skins, hides, horns, bones of rare animals and/or mammoth tusks (except for souvenir items) cannot be exported.

- Food and/or plants without factory packaging

- Weapons and ammunition

Including bullets and/or explosives. Exception: sporting weapons with a special permit.

Antique weapons fall under cultural valuables and can be transported with permission from the Ministry of Culture.

What must be declared at customs

- Cash and/or valuables

If you’re carrying more than $10,000 (or equivalent in another currency), you must declare it. Funds on a bank card do not need to be declared.

Expensive jewelry, including watches, must also be declared and the declaration should be kept if you plan on returning to Russia with it.

- Cultural valuables

Artworks, antiques, old books, etc. can only be exported with permission from the Ministry of Culture and a completed declaration.

Items created more than 50 years ago are considered cultural valuables – so Soviet-era badges, posters, etc., may fall under this category.

Important notes:

- Always keep all receipts for valuable items purchased in Russia.

- Before leaving, check the latest regulations on the Federal Customs Service website.