As of January 27, 2021, Russia has opened its borders to four countries, whose citizens can come in freely without restrictions provided they have a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of departure. These are Finland, Qatar, Vietnam and India.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a government decree on lifting travel restrictions for citizens of the four countries to allow a flawless arrival in Russia, no matter what the purpose of a trip.
The decree has come into force on January 27. The relaxing of the rules only applies to air travelers. Flights to Russia will be carried out from the capitals of the countries to Moscow for the Indians, Vietnamese and Qatari, and to Moscow and St. Petersburg for the Finns.
There will be two flights a week between Moscow and Delhi, Helsinki and Hanoi, two flights between St. Petersburg (Pulkovo airport) and Helsinki, and three flights between Doha and Moscow.
Coming to Moscow enables tourists to further travel within Russia as there are no restrictions on travel throughout the country. The fastest ways to get to St. Petersburg from Moscow are by plane and by the daytime high-speed Sapsan train departing a few times a day from morning to evening. There are also night trains between the cities.
While Russia is still experiencing the hit of the second COVID wave, main cultural activities are on, though in a limited mode. In St. Petersburg, nearly all the museums are open, including the Hermitage. Theaters are also working but selling up to 50 percent of their capacities.
No Russian region has enacted a lockdown.