FAQ for filming in Russia update
Yes, UK, USA, Australia, EU citizens need a visa to entry Russia. For most filming you will have enough with a tourist visa, but if you plan to make a complex filming project that includes filming in areas that require a special filming permit – we recommend to get a business visa.
We can help you with all the paperwork. Getting a business visa will take from 7 to 30 days.
Your passport must be valid 6 months after the return date.
2) Do we need special filming permits for filming in Russia?
Filming in public places in Saint Petersburg is possible without a special permit if your filming crew is smaller than 7 people. In Moscow it’s the same except for “controlled areas” (Places close to government buildings. Unfortunately Red Square is one of the controlled areas so you need to apply for a special filming permit).
Places where filming is restricted throughout the country are: Most factories, borderlines (including port areas) and military units.
Getting a filming permit in Russia got much easier over the last years, but it still may take 3 weeks to get the filming permit from a palace or a museum. Keep this in mind when you plan your filming.
Contact us at info@filmspb.tv for knowing the exact regulations for the place where you want to film.
3) Local currency
Throughout the country you can pay using your credit card, but if you plan traveling to the countryside or to some small towns – take some cash with you.
You can withdraw Russian rubles from any ATM or to visit a bank for a currency exchange. Cash dollars and Euro are not accepted for payments inside the country.
4) Transport
You can rent a car and drive in Russia using your international driving license.
Domestic flights are quite expensive in Russia due to the distances between the cities.
5) Filming equipment rental in Russia
It’s possible to rent all the filming equipment needed in Saint Petersburg or in Moscow. In other cities the choice is limited, but it’s possible to find lights or sound equipment almost in every regional center.
It’s possible to rent a simple camcoder almost everywhere, but if you need something like an Alexa – you will find them only in 4-5 cities in the country.
Of course, Saint Petersburg Production Team can provide you all the needed equipment.
6) Customs
You can bring into the country any filming equipment using the Carnet system. Despite the fact that custom rules are the same throughout Russia – sometimes there are some peculiar properties depending on the region where you enter the country.
We can help you with bringing the filming equipment into the country. Contact us for further information
7) Sanctions against Russia
First of all – filming in Russia is 100% possible for any person or any company from any country.
The sanctions that were applied to Russia affect only a list of state-owned companies and a list of russian politicians. There are no restrictions for doing business in Russia or with Russian companies that are not in the list.
For contacting us please e-mail to: info@filmspb.tv
