US and Canadian citizens require valid passport and visa for Russian and Ukrainian River Cruises. Citizens of all other countries should check with appropriate local consulate for requirements. The tour operator is not responsible for refusal of visa to any individual by any consulate, and any cancellation charges shall not be affected by such refusal.

Payment on board will be in Rubles. Some ship also accept credit cards.

Airline Baggage - Free baggage allowance on trans-Atlantic flights is two bags per person. However, weight and size limit on checked baggage is subject to each particular air carrier rules.
Baggage on Land - All baggage is carried at owner's own risk. Your flight bag or other carry-on must remain in your possession at all time. Every care will be taken to protect your baggage, but the tour operator cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage to your baggage or belongings. For your protection, we recommend that you purchase baggage loss insurance coverage.

Each participant is responsible for obtaining required travel documents, such as Passports, Visa, etc.

Travelers who are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Wheelchair passengers should be aware of the following limitations. Ships and motor coaches are not equipped to handle wheelchairs or walkers. A responsible adult who is fully capable to assist the passenger must accompany any person requiring special aid. Unfortunately river cruise ships have no elevators, and cabin doors and restrooms are not wide enough to allow access by standard wheelchairs. For safety reasons, passengers in wheelchair cannot be carried on ramps in ports where the ship is at anchor. Additionally, extensive walking is required in order to fully participate in mot of the shore excursions offered. Imperial Travel must be advised of any special requirements at the time of booking.

To speed your clearance through customs, keep receipts or all your purchases abroad an be ready to show the inspector what you've bought. You should also include in your custom form any jewelry (particularly silver, gold and amber) as well as any electronic goods (cameras, computers, etc.)you have with you. Computers, electronic notebooks and related hardware must be presented for scanning at the airport at least two hours prior to departure. As custom regulations change frequently, it is best to check with the Russian consulate or embassy in your home country about restrictions and limitations before traveling.

Please leave a copy of your itinerary and contact numbers with a relative or friend. In case of an emergency, leave your travel agent's phone number with a friend or family member with instructions to contact your agent in the event of an emergency. Your travel agent will in turn contact Imperial Travel office and the message will be sent to the Moscow travel agency office for relay to the ship. Although we will attempt to contact the ship as soon as possible, there is no guarantee how soon the message will be delivered. The service must be reserved only for serious, life threatening or medical emergencies.

Over the counter personal medication, vitamins

Extra pair of eyeglasses and contact lenses

Photocopy of your passport and Visa

List of emergency numbers (US. Embassy in Moscow etc.)

Extra set of keys for luggage

Small flat purse( for use when large bags are inconvenient or have to be checked at the front desk before entering a museum or building)

Small, collapsible umbrella and light weighted rain-poncho

Sunglasses

Binoculars

Camera and extra batteries

Electrical converter/adapter

Travel alarm clock

The electrical current on board is 220 volts. If you plan to bring any electrical appliance, get one that switches from 110 to 220 volts. You will also need set of universal adapter plugs. You will find a European round two-pin outlet in your cabin.

Moscow and St. Petersburg are three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Russia spans a range of climatic zones, from the arctic tundra of northern Siberia to the steppes of Central Asia. Therefore, the climate in Russia and Ukraine changes dramatically with the season. Almost everywhere is extremely cold in winter. However, most of the country experiences warm even hot summers. In Moscow, July daytime temperature average 23°C (73 F°), but vary widely from year to year. Southern Russia and Ukraine have hotter and more humid summers. Most of Russia has a summer maximum of rainfall, with thunderstorms common in early summer.

It is recommended that you wash fruit and raw vegetables before you eat them. We also advise you refrain from buying food from the street vendors. It is generally safe to drink tab water; however, different mineral composition can easily produce upset stomach. Bottled mineral and spring water available everywhere.

Generally the attire is casual with the emphasis on the comfort and convenience. Easy-to-care-for clothing and mix and match separates are ideal. Do not forget to pack your most comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes for your excursions ashore. There are two nights when you may wish to dress for the occasion: the Captains Welcome Cocktail Party and Farewell Dinner. A dress for the ladies and jacket and tie for the gentlemen are recommended. Another occasion to dress would be for the included evening performances to the theaters in Moscow and St. Petersburg. To accommodate the variable weather, you should pack rain gear ( raincoat or all-weather jacket, collapsible umbrella and hat) and clothing you can layer. Do not forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.

Russians use Rubles for all purchases of goods and services. Many establishments and vendors may accept US Dollars. However, it is advisable, while ashore, to use Rubles. Our staff will advise you on the places where you can make exchange. Russians are very specific about the condition of the paper currency; they will not accept US bills that are dated prior 1990, or are dirty, torn or over-worn. Credit cards are accepted in many stores, hotels and restaurants. Street vendors and small shops accept cash only. The ruble is now fully convertible, but its rate of exchange varies almost daily. We suggest that you only exchange as much as you think you will spend. Small currency.
ATM's can be found in major cities, on main roadways, and at the central metro/subway stations.
Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks can be cashed at the state-run bank offices, private banks, and most major hotels.
You may be approached by people on the streets, in your hotel, or by member of the serving staff at the restaurants offering to exchange money at more advantageous rates. Under Russian Law these unofficial activities, commonly referred as the black market, are now legal, but it is unwise to engage in them. Your chances of being shortchanged are extremely high, and the minimal profit is hardly worth the risk.