Latvia - Russian Border at Zajesje E22 on 4 July 2014
 

As forms and information requirements seem to change from time to time, and sometimes without warning I will not provide a detailed step by step guide to this crossing, only what seemed helpful to us in getting through the paperwork where appropriate. We spent over seven hours at this crossing. The long processing time appeared to be caused by the larger number than usual of non Russian tourists crossing and the human resources available on the Russian side to complete the processing formalities. Things to watch out for include:


- Do have all your original paperwork with you, and keep checking requirements. We were asked by the Latvians for proof of our UK motorcycle insurance, which we had printed from the pdf document supplied by the insurance company, plus proof of the geographic coverage of the insurance, which I happened have on an iPad. We heard they asked for originals but the pdf of terms and conditions on the iPad seemed to suffice. Seemed strange as our coverage stopped at the border of the EU which we were about to leave.

- On the Latvian form given to you as you enter the customs and immigration, make sure you acquire both the customs and immigration stamps on this form as both are needed to exit Latvia to enter Russia.

- Russian forms for immigration and customs need to be filled in duplicate. Any mistakes and you have to start again, which slows to process for you and those behind. If in doubt, leave it blank and you will be directed what needs to go in and avoid having to start again.

- The Customs form, if you have a motor vehicle, will have a sticker added over the section which contains the vehicle details including a QR code, I assume to stop changes being made to the vehicle details.

- The process is has a number of defined steps, if you find yourself waiting, best to check as there may be an assumption that you know the process and should have moved to the next window.

- Keep calm, be polite and make sure you have enough water and food if the process is slow. Remember that the customs and immigration staff are only following their procedures and for visitors to western countries such as ours the process for visitors can be more arduous.

- If you are travelling to either Belarus or Kazakhstan after Russia, note that they are both in the Eurasian Customs Union with Russia and your customs declaration form received at the Russian will be needed to exit either of those countries.

While the time to cross was lengthy, the process was fairly straight forward, but if you miss a step or stamp you have to go back and complete the missed action.

Russian third party vehicle insurance is available at any petrol station across the border, expect at 11:30 at night and a small motel can be found opposite the first petrol station, not cheap for what is offered but again at 11:30 at night offers a bed and includes breakfast.