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Marina Çelik

Marina Çelik

Journalist

Author and journalist at Moscow Pass. Shares travel tips, attraction guides, and insider knowledge about Moscow to help visitors make the most of their trip.

Marina Çelik's articles

Photography Rules in Moscow (2026): Where You Can and Can't Take Photos

Photography Rules in Moscow (2026): Where You Can and Can't Take Photos

Personal photos are fine almost everywhere in Moscow — but not in the Mausoleum, parts of the Kremlin, or near military sites. Here's exactly where the lines are.

7 min read
July 10, 2026
National Centre RUSSIA: A Visitor's Guide to Moscow's Newest Exhibition Space (2026)

National Centre RUSSIA: A Visitor's Guide to Moscow's Newest Exhibition Space (2026)

Moscow's newest free cultural attraction on the Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment — how to get there, opening hours, what to see and how to combine it with Moscow-City.

6 min read
July 10, 2026
Trans-Siberian Railway: A Complete Guide (Moscow to Vladivostok)

Trans-Siberian Railway: A Complete Guide (Moscow to Vladivostok)

The world's longest railway, 9,289 km from Moscow to Vladivostok. Routes, classes, the best stops, how to book tickets and when to ride the Trans-Siberian.

4 min read
July 09, 2026
Can Americans Travel to Russia in 2026?

Can Americans Travel to Russia in 2026?

Yes, Americans can legally visit Russia in 2026 — but there are no direct flights, U.S. cards don't work and you need a visa. Here's what to know first.

4 min read
July 09, 2026
Crossing the Verkhny Lars (Upper Lars) Georgia–Russia Border in 2026: A Traveler's Guide

Crossing the Verkhny Lars (Upper Lars) Georgia–Russia Border in 2026: A Traveler's Guide

A 2026 traveler's guide to Verkhny Lars, the only land border between Georgia and Russia: visa and e-visa rules, vehicle-only crossing, winter closures, queues, and reaching Moscow.

7 min read
July 08, 2026
Can You Pay With UnionPay, Alipay or WeChat Pay in Moscow in 2026?

Can You Pay With UnionPay, Alipay or WeChat Pay in Moscow in 2026?

A July 2026 reality check on paying in Moscow with UnionPay, Alipay and WeChat Pay - where they work, where they fail, and why cash plus a MIR card is the only reliable setup.

7 min read
July 08, 2026
WhatsApp and Telegram in Russia 2026: What Still Works for Tourists

WhatsApp and Telegram in Russia 2026: What Still Works for Tourists

WhatsApp is blocked and Telegram is throttled in Russia. Here's what still works for tourists, and how to stay connected in 2026.

5 min read
July 03, 2026
Moscow Metro Big Circle Line: Riding the World's Longest Loop

Moscow Metro Big Circle Line: Riding the World's Longest Loop

The 57.5-km Big Circle Line opened in 2023 as the world's longest metro circle. Discover its architectural highlights and how to ride it as a sightseeing experience.

7 min read
June 29, 2026
Saudi Arabia to Moscow Visa-Free Travel 2026: Entry Rules

Saudi Arabia to Moscow Visa-Free Travel 2026: Entry Rules

Saudi citizens can now visit Moscow visa-free for up to 90 days. Learn entry requirements, what the new regime covers, and how to handle payments in Russia.

7 min read
June 29, 2026
Maslenitsa Festival in Moscow 2026: Complete Guide

Maslenitsa Festival in Moscow 2026: Complete Guide

Moscow's Maslenitsa festival runs February 13-22, 2026, with the main week February 16-22. Discover where to find blini, folklore shows, and the burning of Lady Maslenitsa.

8 min read
June 29, 2026
Jordan to Russia Visa-Free Travel 2026: Moscow Entry Rules

Jordan to Russia Visa-Free Travel 2026: Moscow Entry Rules

Jordanian passport holders can now visit Russia visa-free for up to 30 days. Learn entry requirements, payment tips, and what to expect in Moscow.

8 min read
June 25, 2026
Moscow Tourist Scams: The Fake Police Passport Check and How to Respond

Moscow Tourist Scams: The Fake Police Passport Check and How to Respond

The fake police scam targets tourists across Moscow. Learn how to identify fraudulent officers, what genuine police checks look like, and the exact steps to protect yourself.

7 min read
June 25, 2026
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