Reaching the Kuril Islands is half the adventure. The chain lies off the eastern coast of Sakhalin, and every route requires time, paperwork and weather tolerance. Here is the current picture for 2026.
Before you set off: the border permit
The Kurils sit in a border zone. Any foreign traveller needs a permit from the FSB border service — apply via AMIST or through the regional office in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Processing takes 30 days; Russian citizens file a simpler declaration 3-5 days ahead.
Option 1 — Flight from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Aurora Airlines operates scheduled turboprop flights to Iturup (Kurilsk airport, opened 2014) and Kunashir (Mendeleevo airport). Flight time — 90 minutes. Return fare — from ₽19 000 (≈ $210) to Iturup, from ₽22 000 (≈ $245) to Kunashir. Weather cancellations are common; build one or two reserve days into any itinerary.
Option 2 — Passenger ship from Korsakov
The Igor Farkhutdinov (and in season the Pavel Leonov) sails from Korsakov port to Kurilsk, Yuzhno-Kurilsk and Malokurilsk (Shikotan). Sailing time — 16-24 hours depending on destination and weather. Return fare — from ₽8 000 (≈ $90) for a seat, ₽13 000 (≈ $145) for a cabin. Season: May to October.
Option 3 — Combined flight + ship
The practical choice for AMIST clients: fly one way, return by ship. You see both coasts, save time on the inbound leg and still experience the crossing. We book the connection and handle cancellations if weather intervenes.
What to pack
- Layered clothing: Kuril summers are cool and wet — fleece, waterproof shell, hiking boots.
- Camera: 70-200 mm zoom for volcanoes and wildlife.
- Cash: card terminals are unreliable on the smaller islands.
- Patience: weather rules every schedule.
AMIST logistics support
We have operated Kuril programmes since 2005. Our office handles border-permit applications, weather-contingent rebooking, airport-to-lodge transfers on each island and liaison with local operators on Iturup, Kunashir and Shikotan. The Kurils reward the prepared — the first step is the paperwork.