There are no mandatory vaccination requirements in Russia. However a few basic immunizations will stand you in good stead and a few simple precautions will ensure a healthy visit.  Polio and Hepatitis A, B vaccinations are recommended. Be careful of the water you drink in Russia. The cheap vodka could make you ill and the waterborne diseases owing to untreated water could result in a bad bout of diarrohea, giardiasis, cholera or hepatitis A.  Eating precautions should cover uncooked and raw food items like fruit salads and salads. Other health hazards are altitude sickness, hypothermia, motion sickness and sunburn. It is highly advisable to have comprehensive health insurance cover when on a visit to the Russian Federation, even though emergency medical treatment is free, except for the nominal cost of medicines and hospital stay.

The health infrastructure is pretty extensive and highly efficient - but medicines are expensive and often hard to find, so carry along an adequate supply of basic medicines and prescribed medication (alongwith the prescription). Anybody staying in the Russian Federation for a period exceeding three months must furnish an HIV test certificate declaring them free of the HIV virus.

Safety

Safety is as much a matter of concern in Russia as it is in any other place in a state of transition. The 1990s were the worst years for forign travellers but matters have improved considerably since then. Foreigners still need to be extra alert when in public places, on public transport and at tourist sites, food markets, flea markets, art exhibitions, monuments as these places are prone to petty crimes like pickpocketing, theft and purse snatching. Also be on guard against being swarmed by 'gypsy gangs' aroung train stations and on bus terminals.

There are certain areas of the Russian Federation where travellers should not venture into - these areas are in the grip of political and civil unrest, a direct offshoot of the secession movements in the Caucasus region of Russia. Certain countries like the US, UK, Japan, France etc have warned their citizens against travel to Chechnya and its border areas, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya and Kabardino-Balkariya.