What is the usual procedure at the Customs?

If you don't carry drugs, billions of euros or weapons with you, you do not need to complete the ‘Customs and Currency Declaration Statement’ upon arrival or departure. This applies even if your cabin crew gives you this form. Just collect your luggage and simply go to the green (nothing to declare) channel.

More important however is completion of the immigration card (see IMMIGRATION CARD). If your airline does not distribute these, don't worry, they can be found in the airport.

If you are carrying valuables, or if you are the argumentative type, it is better to fill in the customs declaration and have it stamped. In this case, take the red (to declare) queue. 

In general the rules are:
cash: You can bring in up to US$3,000 in cash without declaring it. If you have between US$3,000 and US$10,000, you will have to declare it.
Art: Anything resembling art should be cleared in advance (before the departure at the Ministry of Culture). It’s illegal to take out Icons or paintings which are more than 100 years old.

What is an Immigration Card?

Foreigners are obliged to fill in the immigration card which will be given to them when they enter Russia. Most airplane passengers get it from the crew. If your airline does not distribute the cards, don’t worry – they can be found in the airport at the passport control booths. The immigration card is not complicated; it's just another piece of paper to fill in – you have to give the same information you already did for obtaining your visa. It is important to fill in the name of the inviting company (written in Russian on your visa) and the address of the inviting company if you have it.

The customs official will take one part of this card at the passport control, and another part should be kept till the moment of departure and should be handed over to immigration officials on the border when leaving the country. It’s important to have the immigration card for visa registration! Don’t leave the airport unless you have the immigration card in your hands!

The student should bring the part of immigration card to the Institute (in case he/she got invitation letter from the Institute) to register the visa.