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Russian Customs Declaration

Declaring Cash
Word for word what is posted at the airport by Customs regarding declaration of cash:

“A physical person (resident or non-resident) may export from the Russian Federation cash foreign currency in an amount not exceeding the equivalent of 10000USD without any documents, permitting its export.

Except this amount a physical person (resident or non-resident) has the right to export from the Russian Federation cash foreign currency, which was imported upon arrival. This amount must be indicated in the incoming customs declaration, which proves its importation to the Russian Federation

If physical person (resident or non-resident) exports cash foreign currency in an amount not exceeding the equivalent of 3000USD this amount may not be declared to the Customs.

If physical person (resident or non-resident) exports cash foreign currency in an amount exceeding the equivalent of 3000USD this amount is to be declared in written form in the customs declaration.”

So basically if you are taking in (importing) more than 3000USD you are advised to complete a Customs Declaration form just in case you exit with an amount exceeding this threshold.

If however you happen to be exporting an amount greater than 10000USD that wasn’t originally declared (i.e. through the sale of a property in Russia) then further documents must be provided in addition to a completed exit declaration form.

Antiquities
Exporting pieces of art produced over 100 years ago or items of special cultural importance irrelevant to the date of manufacture is forbidden. However, when necessary these items can be exported only if accompanied by an authorised certificate issued by the "Local Management Body at the Russian Federation Ministry of Culture on Preserving Items of Cultural Value in St. Petersburg" (quite a title!).

Standard souvenirs and mass-produced cultural items need no permission to be exported

Forms
Declaration Forms are available prior to Customs. They must be stamped by the customs official by going through the RED channel (Goods to Declare) and kept to eliminate any problems when leaving. If applicable another declration form must be completed on exit - they are available in the departure terminal.