Highlights of Moscow (And Securing a Russian E-Visa.Yes,Online Lang!)

Sabi nga nila, it is common for Moscow to completely shift your perspective once you experience the city in person. Many people arrive expecting a strictly utilitarian, cold and bleak city left behind by the Soviet era, but instead find a vibrant, green and ultra-modern metropolis. Sobrang ganda.

If pangarap mo din marating ng Moscow, read on.

Securing a Russian E-visa for tourism. Yes po! Filipinos are qualified for E-visa; online application – NO Personal appearance at the embassy needed. This method is as of September 2026. Should you wish to apply in the future, check embassy announcements first to confirm.

Getting a Russian E-visa for tourism is easy, but medyo tricky. Curious? Here are the conditions:

For tourism/holiday purpose. Though the website mentions business purposes as well, I highly suggest getting the full visa for this case, as you might also need to present documents during business transactions.
Maximum of 16 days stay only
Single Entry only
Entry/Exit at specific Russian cities only. Moscow and St. Petersburg are among them.
Apply no earlier than 86 days and no later than 4 calendar days before your expected date of entry.(Source:https://philippines.mid.ru/en/consular-services/)

Documents to prepare/submit online:

Scanned colored copy of valid passport Bio Page. Jpeg file size should not exceed 500kb
Passport sized photo w/ white background. Jpeg file size < 500kb.
A medical insurance policy with a minimum coverage amount €30,000 from Russian-accredited agencies. I got mine from GoingRus.com , purchased online for less than 1,000 Pesos.
No Invitations Needed: Hotel bookings, tourist vouchers, or formal invitation letters are NOT required.

See screenshots below for website process reference. If you tried applying for US visa, the process is relatively similar. Create an account first, fill up the online form truthfully and upload the scanned files required. The Website will prompt if the file (size/format) is acceptable.

Once complete, a separate link (GKD Global) will be prompted for payment via VISA or Mastercard. GKD is based in the UAE, so AE-Dirham is the expected currency. VISA and Mastercard don’t work in Russia. That’s the reason why payment is done via third party.

Got the Result via email after 5 working days. When planning a Moscow trip, here are some points to consider:

Booking an Accommodation: Upon Arrival in Moscow, a booked-accommodation may be asked. Here’s the tricky part. Agoda goes not work in Russia. I booked my accommodation via OSTROVOK Website. Site accepts Visa/Mastercard payments.

Internet Connection is very limited in Russia. Ok here’s the thing, I purchased an E-sim via YESIM App(with positive reviews). But upon arriving, the E-sim did not work for the first 24 hours. I installed a VPN but it did not work properly with the E-sim throughout the trip. VPN only worked with my hostel wifi. Throughout my trip, I barely had access to the internet.

The Necessary Apps:

Yandex MAP – Download offline map of the city. Google does not work.

Yandex Translate – though expect very little effort from Russians to reply. Generally, they are not as conversant.

Yandex Go – if you plan to get a taxi ride, but I did not use this. Metro is very efficient, linking the airport to city center by a 45 mins. fast train, for only around 70 pesos.

Yandex Metro – Biggest help. Works offline.

Metro train in Moscow is one of the world’s most complex with over 300 stations in 15 lines. It just takes extra common sense because there are no English announcements, and the Russian pronunciations are quite difficult to comprehend. Example “Arbatskaya” Station is pronounced as “Arbatskie”. Riding the Moscow is already an adventure. Yes, overwhelming, but you’ll get the hang of it after successfully pulling off your first or second transfer.

Money Changing. Visa and Mastercard debit and credit do not work in Russia. Exchange your EU, USD or even Chinese Yuan and UAE Dirham at the airport. Rates are poor at the arrival hall (VKO Airport). Better go up the Departure area at the upper floor.

Airport to City: VKO Airport is directly linked to City Center by Metro train (Yellow Line). The trip takes around 45 minutes with 23 stops for only 90 Rubles ( 70 Pesos converted).

Note: There is also an aero express train from the airport that goes directly to Kievskaya Railway, which will then link you to other Russian Cities.

Since you will be arriving to the city center without data, then goodluck to you. You can also look for printed maps that are posted on all train stations. Metro train station is one challenge, finding the right exit is another. This is where the maps come in handy.