EXPORT RULES

We advise tourists visiting Russia to take into account the country's laws when buying antiques and works of art as souvenirs. Russian law bans cultural valuables such as art and religious objects, musical instruments and any museum exhibit from being taken out of the country without special permission. The fine is up to $40,000 or several years of prison.

There have been increasing reports of rigorous searches of baggage and stricter enforcement of customs regulations against the exportation of items of “cultural value.”  Visitors to Russia have been arrested for attempting to leave the country with antique items which they believed were legally purchased from licensed vendors.  Travellers should obtain receipts for all high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia.  Any article that could appear old or as having cultural value to the Customs Service, including artwork, icons, samovars, rugs, military medals and antiques, must have a certificate indicating that it has no historical or cultural value.  Certificates will not be granted for the export of articles that are more than 100 years old, irrespective of the value.  These certificates may be obtained from the Russian Ministry of Culture.  For further information, Russian speakers may call the Airport Sheremetyevo-2 Customs Information Service in Moscow at (7) (495) 578-2125/578-2120.  In St. Petersburg, the Ministry of Culture may be reached at 311-3496.