Why are there no direct flights from Canada to Russia? Russia barred Canadian, American, British and European Union operators from its airspace more than a year ago in response to airspace prohibitions against it by those states and others that support Ukraine, after Moscow invaded its neighbour in February 2022.
To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.
United, British Airways, and Finnair are all avoiding the area. Russia's airspace is closed to many global airlines, forcing carriers to detour around the nation. Routes to and from Asia are up to four hours longer.
Russian Airlines Are Flying High Despite Sanctions. The West had sought to largely ground the country's carriers, but they continue to operate by skirting global rules and cannibalizing older planes for parts. An Airbus A321-211 flown by Aeroflot sits at the Geneva airport on March 25, 2022.
Most foreign nationals need a visa to travel to St Petersburg in Russia. Citizens of just a few countries can visit Russia without a visa for a limited period. The quickest and most convenient option for travelers is the unified Russian eVisa: the application process is available 100% online.