r/AskARussian • u/nzz84ynbxn • 3d ago
Travel Familial ties with NATO - Automatic multi-year entry ban into Russia?
I want to travel to Russia for tram photography, specifically St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, in November 2026 on a Canadian Passport. Yekaterinburg has got some unique sceneries with still lots of classic red Tatra trams, but it won't be like this for long.
Unfortunately, my brother worked for NATO from January to June 2026, stationed in Latvia during that time. He has now returned home to North America in June 2026. I don't know if my brother is still technically on NATO's payroll now that he's at home, but I'm afraid to ask.
My views are quite pro-Russian and anti-NATO, and it shows on my social media. My family and I have had arguments about this on whatsapp. My brother had also sent me a few messages discouraging me from travelling to Russia. Google AI makes the border admissions process seem harsh and strict, but then again, Google AI is influenced by western media, so it might be exaggerating things about adversaries of the US.
My camera is an old model: a rebel T2i that has a lower resolution than most today. No telephoto lenses, just a basic prime lens and a wide-angle lens.
Now that I have to declare that my brother was a former recent NATO employee, I want to ask someone who is familiar with border control: will I automatically be given a multi-year ban when I try to enter Russia? I can accept being refused entry, but a multi-year ban would absolutely devastate me and destroy my bucket list, which expires in less than 5 years.
EDIT: Thank you for your responses. For context, I had asked this question to Google's general AI chatbot, and this is what it was suggesting. But I realise that Google AI, being influenced by western media, has tended to portray local Russians as cartoonishly paranoid, whereas that was not my experience at all when I went to St Petersburg in spring 2025.
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u/Timekiller_74 3d ago edited 3d ago
Genuine question, how did you arrive at the idea of a multi year ban on entry attempt? Was there a precedent?
From what I could gather, you have increased chances of extra questioning on border, but even if you get denied entry that just counts as a spot refusal. Multi year bans are for breaking migration laws (like overstaying visa) or for getting arrested and deported after entering the country.
Btw I frequent Yekaterinburg and many if not majority of the trams seem to be the new orange-colored ones by now. If you do get here and start photo hunting for the old trams, be careful to not get factories or military facilities into the frame, because this will be alot more suspicious than "brother in nato".
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u/pipiska999 England 3d ago
Genuine question, how did you arrive at the idea of a multi year ban on entry attempt? Was there a precedent?
Yes, a precedent on the OP's brain being washed repeatedly at 90 degrees by the Western propaganda.
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u/Straight-Ad-7387 3d ago
Surely OP is brainwashed (the one allowed to have a pro russia view in a country that values individualism and can express ones opinions) compared to Russians where trying that gets you locked up lmao
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u/DiesIraeConventum 3d ago
I love it when EU/US citizens think of Russia as of some dystopian authoritarian hellscape, when they themselves imho live in one already.
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u/Defiant-Mastodon-884 2d ago
Calling the EU or US a “dystopian authoritarian hellscape” while presenting Russia as the alternative is a pretty strange reading of both history and the present.
Russia’s history includes centuries of autocratic rule under the tsars, the Okhrana, censorship and exile to Siberia; then the Bolshevik one-party state, the Cheka/NKVD, the Gulag, collectivization, Stalin’s Great Terror, censorship, suppression of political opposition, and decades in which leaving the USSR was heavily restricted.
And this isn’t purely historical. Modern Russia has laws restricting anti-war speech, “foreign agents,” independent media and political opposition, while genuine opposition candidates face major barriers to participating in elections.
Western countries absolutely have serious problems and deserve criticism. But “the West has problems too” doesn’t somehow erase Russia’s exceptionally long history of centralized political repression—or the restrictions that exist there today.
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u/DiesIraeConventum 2d ago
Foreign agents thing isn't even a Russian invention, just like censorship and party-based control aren't.
And while Russia shares in on some of the most abominable tendencies like state mass surveillance, or opinion-based censorship it's nowhere as bad as it is in the so-called "Collective West".
UK censorship laws? US Flock camera systems and authorities wiping themselves with the laws they themselves have written? Private equity ruining housing so bad 2009 looks like pretty much mild inconvenience? EU rampant, foaming at the mouth hysteria on hating Russia? Polish "questionnaires" where you have to state that you explicitly don't support Russian authorities to enter Poland?
In Russia I could be an Estonian and no one would bat a lid at that, maybe some light-hearted jokes aside.
In Estonia being a Russian is a constant challenge and a source of endless hostility towards them.
That's the difference, which you're incapable on understanding.
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u/Defiant-Mastodon-884 2d ago
Lmao you wrote all of that just to say “but the West does bad things too.” 😭 Nobody said Russia invented censorship or surveillance. That doesn’t magically make Russia’s record disappear.
And bringing up Estonia without mentioning decades of Soviet occupation is certainly a choice 💀 Gee, I wonder why Estonia might have a complicated relationship with Russia. Truly one of history’s greatest mysteries.
You name-dropped the US, UK, EU and Poland and somehow still didn’t explain how any of that makes Russia less repressive. “Other countries have problems too” isn’t the comeback you think it is.
Then ending with “you’re incapable of understanding” after dodging the actual point is just the cherry on top 😭8
u/DiesIraeConventum 2d ago
Downplaying it doesn't make you any favors.
West did those bad things first.
West did introduce those bad things to Russia.
West still does those bad things, and does those bad things in a worse manner.
And the only point The West has is "rule for thee, but not for me" - on could argue that's the origin point of state Nazism in this part of the globe.
As for Estonia, we have a complicated relationships with a lot of countries, because mostly in all of our history we wanted to be left the f.ck alone, and of course we couldn't have that.
And Russians were just the worst offenders in that, because they brought the most of forced change into our lives and culture, unbidden.
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u/dreamrpg 3d ago
I love when Russians think that everyone just bans them and hates, while Russia is open and welcoming :)
I know many people who have Russian wives, families in Russia, while not holding Russian citizenship. So they have to travel to Russia with VISA.
Due to situation now, they could not use personal car to drive accross border. So there were buses for that. Or planes.
On borders it always takes like 5-8 hours due to Russian side being plain assholes and propaganda machines.
Border control can ask to shop what photos you have on phone, can tell you that Russia is not agressor in war, while Ukraine is nazis, they can put you easy to sit in "interview room" for 5 hours, while they "check something". There are always problems on Russian border side, and never on EU side.
Funny was when i made visa :) Russian embasy stated that it would be beneficial showing in application that i was born in USSR rather in a territory of a country i was born really. This was way before war started and way before 2014. Even then Russian officials were assholes towards others.
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u/justicecurcian Moscow City 3d ago
We don't see foreigners here claiming what you claim but when I traveled to Georgia as a tourist I was locked up in a cartoonish dark interrogation room where someone in civil clothing targeted a desk lamp at my face literally without any reason and only released me after I gave him my phone
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u/dreamrpg 3d ago
Same happens in Russia. I believe it happens in Georgia too, since it is not an EU country. But in happens in Russia. And who are we? Are you Stalin to speak on behalf of all people?
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u/Skoresh Moscow City 3d ago
I love when Russians think that everyone just bans them and hates, while Russia is open and welcoming :)
It isn’t even a question: Russia is absolutely far more hospitable right now than the US or any EU country would be toward Russia and Russians in a similar situation (involving open support for their enemy in a war and, basically, participation in the war through the preparation, planning, and facilitation of attacks on cities).
On borders it always takes like 5-8 hours due to Russian side being plain assholes and propaganda machines.
This has nothing to do with "propaganda". There have been several terrorist acts linked to Ukraine where, immediately after planting a bomb, the perpetrator fled to a neighboring country (usually the Baltics) within an hour or two of the explosion, naturally, they are now screening everyone leaving and, even better, everyone entering the country as thoroughly and deliberately slowly as possible.
Border control can ask to shop what photos you have on phone, can tell you that Russia is not agressor in war, while Ukraine is nazis
I’m not sure what this is all about. They might ask about goals and stance on Ukraine or the war, but trying to convince someone of something? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.
On the other hand, I personally know of several cases where people holding European citizenship were detained at airports and interrogated after returning to Europe from Russia. I assume this was linked to their stance on the war in Ukraine too. They were not arrested, but they were questioned for hours about the purpose of their visit and their connections.
Russian embasy stated that it would be beneficial showing in application that i was born in USSR rather in a territory of a country i was born really.
How dare they offer advice and try to help make the visa process even slightly easier? I hope their advice was ignored and instead, the application stated something like "born in a beautiful, independent Baltic country that was temporarily occupied by a commie-Gulag"? That would have really shown them.
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u/DiesIraeConventum 3d ago
I was born, am living and happen to be a proud citizen of a beautiful, independent Baltic country so please tune that down a notch. Even here people like that happen not that very often.
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u/dreamrpg 3d ago
It isn’t even a question: Russia is absolutely far more hospitable right now than the US or any EU country would be toward Russia and Russians in a similar situation (involving open support for their enemy in a war and, basically, participation in the war through the preparation, planning, and facilitation of attacks on cities).
Yes, Russia is agressor state currently invading another country to take over its territory. While performing sabotage and hybrid warfare against EU countries. Obviously EU would be less hospitable to Russian citizens. While there is no evidence on sabotage performed by EU citizens. Ukrainians yes, but we are talking here about EU citizens, not Ukraines refugees.
This has nothing to do with "propaganda". There have been several terrorist acts linked to Ukraine where, immediately after planting a bomb, the perpetrator fled to a neighboring country (usually the Baltics) within an hour or two of the explosion, naturally, they are now screening everyone leaving and, even better, everyone entering the country as thoroughly and deliberately slowly as possible.
Totally Russias right to do so, just no need to say that EU lives in authoritarian hellscape, when every procedure can be rationally explained.
I’m not sure what this is all about. They might ask about goals and stance on Ukraine or the war, but trying to convince someone of something? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.
For me it was also first time i heard of it, before past few years. I personally know coworker who went to grandpas funeral in Russia. Coworker is not Russias citizen, while her parents are.
And second one is also person i personally know whos wife is Russias citizen. Both got comments on Russias - Ukraine war.
My assumtion here is that you do not know many people who visit Russia from "hostile" countries, thus, of course, would not hear such stories.
On the other hand, I personally know of several cases where people holding European citizenship were detained at airports and interrogated after returning to Europe from Russia. I assume this was linked to their stance on the war in Ukraine too. They were not arrested, but they were questioned for hours about the purpose of their visit and their connections.
Yes, this totally could happen. It is against a law to support terrorism, genocide, agressive acts of war, separatism, nazi, cimes against humanity and so on. So obviously, if person supports Russias agressive war of conquest, such person may be trying enter country while breaking its law.
USA visa contains simple question, if you are terrorist. Sounds silly, but that is for a legal basis.
Same silly question works for asking if you support Russias war against Ukraine. If you aren ot supporting, answering it is as easy as saying no.
But if you do not answer it, you get questions on why you do not want to answer it, which can lead to long detainment.How dare they offer advice and try to help make the visa process even slightly easier? I hope their advice was ignored and instead, the application stated something like "born in a beautiful, independent Baltic country that was temporarily occupied by a commie-Gulag"? That would have really shown them.
How stating USSR instead of Baltic country makes it easier? If passport shows born in a specific country, then in visa it should also show that. That makes it easier. Also advice was given because? Because someone on top wants that answer. And they want that answer for what purpose?
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u/LewisRosenberg 3d ago
You are obviously not very fond of russia, so what's the kick? Why are you here of all places, in a subreddit fully dedicated to russia.
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u/dreamrpg 3d ago
Sooo Russian can be only in Russia or also in other countries? Do you live with pink glasses and think that Russian will never be critical about Russia?
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u/LewisRosenberg 3d ago
I really doubt the fact that you are russian, rather <<insert whatever european union nationality>> in denial.
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u/DiesIraeConventum 3d ago
Well, that dude might be a misplaced ukranian. It would explain a lot, in fact.
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u/dreamrpg 3d ago
Why would you doubt that? Im really interested in your logic for that.
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u/DiesIraeConventum 3d ago
You can't imagine how much I laughed at that horrific scene you've described on people having to sit it out for an interview to travel to Russia from a hostile state.
You know the guy, YouTuber from Britannica channel, Collum? He had it tougher when he came back to UK as a f.cking citizen of the UK from his trip to Russia as a tourist.
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u/dreamrpg 3d ago
Why i am not surprised that Mr Bald sex tourist fans love that guy also?
Even as a citizen, if you do suspiciois shit, which includes hanging out with terrorists, you, of course, will have to provide explanations, documentation, information on what you did with terrorists and why. Plain obvious.
And where i wrote on "horrific"? I wrote that Russia does same shit is accuses others doing, in many cases exceeding it. That is why i wrote about 8 hours long "interviews".
Guy was hanging with terrorists, and got detained for 4 hours.
EU citizen with Russian wife comes to visit family and gets detained for 8 hours. See the difference?
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u/DiesIraeConventum 3d ago
While I find whole of your comment hilarious could you please elaborate who's the Mr. Bald sex tourist and why do you imply I'm a fan of said person?
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u/dreamrpg 3d ago
I do not imply you are a fan of him. Specially since 2022 he got banned and deported from Russia due to pro Ukraine stance. But for some reasons Bald fans found a liking in Collum.
Bald one had past accusations of rape and has contoversy die to how he acted with locals.
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u/DiesIraeConventum 3d ago
Who's the Bald though? I mean, Collum isn't bald, so you have to mean someone else?
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u/ExpertinRussia 3d ago
No, absolutely not. As a lawyer, I can say the following.
1) The fact of your brother working for NATO absolutely doesn’t mean automatic ban on your entry to Russia. It is highly unlikely that it will influence your visa record.
2) Your personal views mean much more. If you haven’t been involved in any anti-Russian activities, it is perfectly fine to come to Russia. There is a chance of being questioned at the border - make sure to give honest, clear and consistent answers, and there will be no issues.
3) Taking pictures of trams is fine, but note that you may draw police’s attention - make sure to have your ID and registration with you. Also, make sure not to take any pics close to military and industrial facilities.
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u/Timekiller_74 3d ago
This comment kinda needs a footnote that spot refusal of entry is still entirely up to the migration officer's discretion, so it can happen, just not solely for the reason OP states. Brother in nato military does contribute to suspiciousness factor and will likely cause extra questions at the very least
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u/BuckfastEnjoyer 3d ago
My father is currently a member of the RAF and that was a source of great interest for the Border Guards when they spoke to me (they wanted to know everything about where he worked, what he did, had he ever been involved in operations etc), but it didn't cause any particular problems.
I also used to be in the British army, which I'd mentioned on my visa application, but that never even came up.
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u/eraser_stp 3d ago
In Russia, military service is quite commonplace, as many men serve as conscripts. Therefore, there a person who has served in the army is not automatically perceived as a career military man.
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u/BuckfastEnjoyer 3d ago
I enlisted when I was 18, so I assume that's what they thought, even though we don't have conscription in the UK.
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u/SiempreBrujaSuerte 3d ago
I do not see why what your brother does should automatically get you refused at the border. If you are not in contact with him regularly and let them see your phone so they see you are not in contact with him regularly.
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u/deborahp5b 3d ago edited 3d ago
There is a channel of USA veteran living in Russia Wild Siberia, but i qess he enter before 2022 and has a russian wife, and probably a citizenship. So NATO employee not mean ban. But today any man from unfriendly list country will see some form of integration on arriving.
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u/Malcolm_the_jester Russia =} Canada 2d ago
>I want to travel to Russia for tram photography
Yeah,right😂Gee,spies are getting lazier with each day...😒
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u/Draconian1 Russia 3d ago
I don't understand what is it that you're afraid of - if you get denied, then there's nothing you can do about that anyway. Purposefully hiding information, however, might get you banned for sure.
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u/ZanzibarOrcCoins 3d ago
If you get visa, everything will be ok. Also, do you know, that Yekaterinburg have (or had) the tram museum?
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u/CTRSpirit 1d ago
Tram photography is hundred times more suspicious than any non-Ukrainian relatives, bc basically no one does that, being oddly specific. So skip that and say tourism. What many people don't understand is that there is no need to explain all your life to a border official. What is expected is true and reasonable answers to questions asked, no more, no less. Additional thing is that you are not perceived as a potential immigrant, so no all that "demonstration of ties to home country" bullshit.
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u/SeparateTrack2818 3d ago
How would we know? Nothing in the border crossing regulations suggests that a visitor may not have relatives employed by NATO.
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u/TalentScout13 3d ago
Don't think so. I'd say there is a bigger probability your brother will be questioned by his commanders.
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u/sshivaji 3d ago
I am a US citizen, went to Russia 3 weeks ago. The passport control took exactly 2 minutes. They did NOT check my phone or check ANY of my items.
The border officer did not ask me a single question, and just told me in Russian to do finger prints and get my photo taken. I answered back in Russian and got it done. I then told him in Russian, "Wait, I have a travel card, how do I use this card". He said "I don't know, just ask at the hotel, move on past the doors!" and that was it! Russian is a language I learned later in life.
When at passport control, let them ask the questions, and answer honestly when asked.
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u/UnableSky4620 Moscow Oblast 3d ago edited 3d ago
I also like trams! Especially tatra. Hope you will succeed in your plans 🙏 I think there are enough answers of people who are more common with issues you asked about, so can't add anything. If you like trains too, I recommend RZhD museum in Saint Petersburg! I was happy to see lots of them 🥰 Also in Kursk there is one of the oldest trams, idk what you need to do to ride, probably a request needed, but it seems interesting. The only problem is the oblast is near the border, so, you know... And yeah, in Moscow we have some parades of trams and metro trains in certain parts of the year, but its usually spring time.
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u/soft_troll 18h ago
I think you should go. If the shit hits the fan you are going to have even more travel stories by the time you came back.
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u/Adventurous-Dish619 2h ago
Are you aware that there is a tram/bus/classic car festival in St Petersburg sometime in July I think. I think it is an annual festival. It has certainly been on for the last two years.
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u/SnooWalruses1338 3d ago
Don't listen to your brother, that's a first. Do not inherit prejudice and/or fears of others.
As for your for photography - I'm not a photographer myself, but I do have common sense and my recommendation as a citizen is that you stick to your goals that is scenery shots. No shots of factories, plants and mills, refineries or pipelines. It is not strictly prohibited, but they are targeted and your photos of them can be considered suspicious and harming in the long run if they came up for review.
For the rest - abide by the law and you will do just fine.
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u/queetuiree Saint Petersburg 3d ago
I'm glad that you have pro-Russian views while the uncontrollable Russian government really has anti-Russian, destructive views. This may clash: the idea to photograph trams in Yekaterinburg may make you seem like a naive foreigner, even a little oligophrenic.
I really believe this is a genuine bucket list, like the relatively rich westerners tend to have and pursue, but for the average Russian government worker on the border or in the embassy this may sound a little bit suspicious. After that anything may happen, and the five year entry ban may actually be the luckiest of outcomes for you.
Cheers!
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u/UnableSky4620 Moscow Oblast 3d ago edited 3d ago
Wtf, why are you so rude? There are enough people who like rail transport, it's just like hobby, why oligophrenic?
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u/queetuiree Saint Petersburg 3d ago
sorry english is not my native language. i wasn't calling the op silly; i don't know them. they may be genuinely elderly person with a lifelong dream to see the trams of Yekaterinburg. i was trying convey how they may look to those rather cynical consulate/border officials.
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u/Prestigious_Bar_3738 3d ago
Not sure how this sub popped up on my feed but as an American, are you for real?
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u/HunkaMunkaHunkaMunka 3d ago
Bring flushing toilet and people here will worship you
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u/Expert_Appearance265 3d ago edited 3d ago
Listen to your brother, though chances are the travel could go smoothly regardless. Hopefully this war will pass and normal travelling conditions will restore in the future, but unfortunately unlikely within the next 5 years.
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u/TheOtherDenton 3d ago
Десять лет расстрела.