Despite the current conflict with Russia and Ukraine it is indeed possible for western journalists to travel to Russia and report on the war there. There are though of course caveats, as well as vis and logistical concerns that should be kept in mind.
To read if journalists can visit Socotra click here
Is Russia open for tourist visas in 2023?
Russia is technically open for people to apply for tourist visas, with many cases of them indeed being granted. There are also numerous cases that we have seen of visas being flatly refused and while the country is technically open, the reality is that visas now attract much more scrutiny.
Journalists, or at least those wishing to travel to Russia for journalistic purposes should not travel on a tourist visa.
Can journalists travel to Russia currently
Technically and as with any war journalist can travel to Russia and be afforded the rights to go about their jobs. The reality of course is though somewhat different. The west and Russia have been in a ti-for-tat back and forth over their respective news agencies and the reality is there is now no free travel for most news agencies.
There are though still a number of major news outlets with station offices in Moscow, and technically at least travel to Moscow can be achieved for journalists if they are prepared to go through the lengthy visa process – which of course is not guaranteed to be granted.
To read about Xi Jinping visiting Moscow click here.
Can journalists cover the war in Ukraine from Russia?
Russian journalists and indeed those friendly to the Russian cause have been granted access to at least Rostov-On-Don, or areas slightly further afield from the from the front-line, but the key part of tis statement is “Russian friendly”.
Generally speaking your best chance of success getting to these areas is if you are working fro an agency not considered hostile to the Russian Federation, or are a freelancer without history of anti-Russian sentiment.
Is it possible to cover protests in Russia?
As has been reported in the west there have been sporadic protests about the Russian special military operation in the Ukraine, but a few point should be noted. Firstly these have not been nearly big, or regular as has been reported by western media, but also they remain illegal.
Rigidly, or wrongly Russia is for all intents at war and therefore much like Ukraine exists as more of a police state that it would in usual times. Protests should be avoided by both tourists and journalists alike, or you risk prison or worse.
Similarly you can expect to be heavily monitored as a journalist in Russia, agin part of the territory when reporting in a state that is at war.
Can you do guerrilla journalism in Russia?
Embarking on any kind of guerrilla journalism in Russia should be avoided at all costs. Not only is it highly unlikely for anyone with journalistic background to be granted a visa, but should you manage the feat then you are more than likely to be monitored when you are in country.
The same can be said for bloggers and “influencers” with live reporting creating high risk of getting expelled from the country, or worse jailed for spying.
Can YPDR arrange a journalist visa for Russia?
YPDR have contacts on a diplomatic level with various Russian figures, which gives an opening to potentially arrange Russian visas for journalists.
We do not though in any way shape or offer guarantee we can get you, or your team a visa. Our fee is charged for using our contacts to make the application for you.
