Taking cash to Russia: What travellers need to know

Important: Due to EU sanctions against Russia, strict rules apply to taking cash into the country. The European Court of Justice has now clarified that money for medical treatment is not covered by the exemption for personal use.

This article is provided by BRG Rechtsanwälte, Berlin, Germany – your lawyers in Germany.

The legal situation: EU sanctions at a glance

Due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the European Union has imposed comprehensive sanctions against Russia. One of these measures concerns the export of cash.

Basic rule: It is prohibited to sell, deliver, transfer or export banknotes denominated in an official currency of the EU Member States to Russia. This applies to payments to natural or legal persons, organisations or institutions in Russia, including the government and the Russian Central Bank.

Legal basis: Art. 5i(1) Regulation (EU) No 833/2014

The exemption for travellers

There is an important exception to this general prohibition for private travellers:

Travellers may carry cash for personal use. This includes:

• Costs for the trip itself
• Accommodation costs during the stay in Russia
• Needs of immediate family members travelling with the traveller

Please note: Strict interpretation!

The exception must be interpreted strictly and may only be used for personal needs during the trip. The following is explicitly not permitted:

• Bringing cash for acquaintances, friends or relatives
• Use for commercial purposes
• Pursuit of commercial interests

ECJ ruling: Medical treatment not covered

In a landmark ruling on 30 April 2025, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that the costs of medical treatment are not covered by the exemption for personal use.

The case in practice

During a customs check at Frankfurt Airport, almost €15,000 in cash was found on a woman travelling to Russia. The money was not only intended for travel expenses, but was also to finance the following medical treatments:

• Dental treatment
• Hormone treatment as part of fertility treatment
• Follow-up treatment after breast surgery in a plastic surgery clinic

Consequences: Customs seized most of the cash and left the woman with only about €1,000 to cover her travel expenses. The Frankfurt District Court sentenced the woman to a fine of 120 daily rates of €150 each for attempted unauthorised export of banknotes.

Source: ECJ, judgment of 30 April 2025, ref. C 246/24

The ECJ’s decision in detail

The ECJ clarified: ‘The export of euro banknotes by a person travelling to Russia to finance medical treatment that that person wishes to receive in that country does not constitute an export necessary for personal use.’

The court thus emphasised the narrow interpretation of the exemption. Medical treatment goes beyond mere personal needs during a trip and is therefore not covered by the permitted uses.

Practical advice for travellers

What you should bear in mind:

• Only carry cash in an amount that covers your actual travel and accommodation costs
• Expect checks at airports and border crossings
• Keep receipts and proof of planned expenses
• Do not plan to finance medical treatment with cash from the EU
• Find out in advance about alternative payment options

Legal consequences

Violations of the export ban can result in criminal penalties:

• Confiscation of excess cash
• Fines
• Criminal prosecution for unauthorised export

Conclusion: Travellers to Russia should take EU sanctions regulations seriously and only carry the cash necessary for their immediate travel and accommodation expenses. Financing medical treatment or other purposes beyond the scope of the trip is not permitted and can lead to significant legal consequences.

Legal basis:

• Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, Art. 5i

• ECJ, judgment of 30 April 2025, Ref. C 246/24

• Art. 267 TFEU (Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union)