Bridging Continents: Unveiling The Mystique Of Russia And Alaska’s Proximity!

Sep 20, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 1, 2025

Travel Blog

Did you know that the United States took Alaska away from Russia? Do you know how far is Russia from Alaska?

The two Diomedes Islands, belonging to the USA and Russia, have a mysterious relationship due to their standard time and geographical features. Read the article to uncover the truth behind the mysterious relationship!

The two largest countries worldwide, the United States and Russia are 21 hours apart. Alaska is situated nearest to Russia, being a state of the U.S. The Bering Strait is the geographic point between the borders of Russia and the United States! Want to learn more about this point? Keep reading.

Isn’t it weird that Little Diomede residents depended on helicopters for food? Marine beings play an important role; hence, I will highlight the significance of aquatic animals in the mystery.

Bridging Continents: Unveiling The Mystique Of Russia And Alaska’s Proximity!

Unveiling The Mystique Of Russia And Alaska's Proximity

How far is Alaska from Russia? You have to read the article to learn about how the two nations, the United States and Russia, are claiming their rights on the two Diomedes Islands. Guess the interesting aspects of the Island and why it is all mysterious.

The time and the geographical differences between the two points of the Islands make you question the International Date Line and the American-Russian maritime border. Being a day ahead by a day of the Big Diomedes as compared to Little Diomedes makes you question the time zone concerns!

It is quite curious to know how the islands have been named and their significance concerning the history of Alaska and Russia. There are Alaskan natives to be considered among all these political, geographical, and time zone aspects. Want to know the distance between Alaska and Russia?

Separated By Geography And United By Mystery!

Separated By Geography And United By Mystery

Want to know how far is Russia from Alaska? The closest geographical connection between Russia and Alaska is the Diomede Islands, which are 2.4 miles apart. Water is separating the two Islands, in another way, separating the two countries.

The two islands are the extremes of the two countries, thus claiming the big and the little Diomedes Islands as the symbolic sentinels. The two countries have a history of heroic explorers who have sledded, kayaked, and swum across the distance.

A 2.4-mile distance between the two Islands is connected with the water body, the Pacific Ocean. With a very rocky history, the Islands share an indigenous group of people; however, it needs to be considered more important by the nations.

The Bering Strait

The Bering Strait

The narrowest point between the Seward Peninsula (U.S.) and the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia) is 55 miles, separating Alaska from Russia. This waterway was discovered by a second European, a Danish explorer, Vitrus Bering, who inspired the Berling Strait.

The first explorer of this frigid waterway was the Russian explorer Semyon Dezhnev! Vitrus Bering named the place Greek Christian Saint Diomede because he discovered the Islands on 16 August 1728.

This day coincides with the feast day. Hence, the Island was named the Big Diomede Island and the Little Diomede Island. The Bering Strait is significant because it is the only marine gateway that allows mass migration of gray whales, bowhead, and beluga.

It is known as an important ecological zone for marine animals. Seals, walruses, fish, and other marine animals can access nutrient-rich Arctic Ocean environments through this zone.

The Big Diomede Island

The Big Diomede Island

The Ratmonov island is towards Russia and is also claimed as Russian Island, which is the nation’s easternmost point. It was in 1867 that the Alaskan Territory was sold on a $7 million sale.

During the Cold War and World War II, the Island was a perfect location for the outposts of the Soviet military. The rocky Island is flat and houses up to 11 species of birds with rough weather with clouds and storms.

The Little Diomede Island

The Little Diomede Island

Little Diomede Island is the smallest of the two Islands, with a population of 80 to 100 citizens! You can only access the Island by waterways or through one heliport in town. They receive their supplies from mainland Alaska as these are the only two ways!

During the harsh winters, the Island is covered with thick ice sheets, so the locals must carve the ice sheets to create landing zones. It is situated in the eastern area.

The Time Difference Between The Two Islands!

Time Difference Between The Two Islands

So, if you are wondering, how far away is Alaska from Russia? The International Date Line (IDL) separates the two Islands, Big Diomedes Island and Little Diomedes Island, which makes the time difference so apparent! The Big Diomedes Island is known as Tomorrow Isle as it is 21 hours ahead of time.

So, wanna know how far from Russia to Alaska? The Little Diomedes Island is known as the Yesterday Isle because it was further back then. Overall, the two islands are separated by 23 hours. The 9 hours have been adjusted concerning daylight saving time!

Apart from that, 12 hours have been established for managing the timezone of the Island along with the nations! So now you have got the answer to your question, how far is Russia from Alaska!

Alaska Was Taken Away From Russia!

It was in 1867 that Alaska was purchased from Russia by the United States, thus becoming a political separation. During this time, a new border was drawn across the two islands.

During the Cold War, the section of the Bering Strait was nicknamed the “Ice Curtain” between the two Islands. The islands are situated south of the Arctic Circle, about 52 miles apart.

Read More: Six Important Factors To Consider Before Planning Alaska Fishing Trip

The Politics Of Diomede Islands!

The Indigenous Inupiat people claim the two Diomedes Islands as theirs; however, both the nations, the USA and Russia, have disrespected these claims. The two countries have made national declarations regarding the Diomedes Islands as their extreme points.

The Bering Strait can become a bottleneck for ship traffic that will pollute the ecosystem. The narrow area acts as a pathway with a fragile ecosystem with oil spills and engine noise.

Finishing Off…

So, to answer, how far is Russia from Alaska? For the answer, read the article! When learning about the political history of Alaska related to Russia and the USA, there is the question: How far is Russia from Alaska? It was important to understand how close the countries are, and yet there is a time gap between them.

The interesting thing was naming the Islands and how it impacted people’s perceptions. Apart from the mystery, the concern is how nobody is giving importance to the indigenous people of Alaska! The governments of both Russia and the United States are not concerned about the people.

Comment to let us know your perspective on the time difference between the Big and Little Diomedes islands!

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Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.

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BY  Sibashree Jan 30, 2025

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BY  Sibashree Oct 22, 2025

Traveling long-term or moving abroad is an exciting adventure. But if your journey involves applying for visas, immigration permits, or residency, you’ll quickly discover that documentation is one of the biggest hurdles. Among the most common requirements are visa translation services and certified translations of official documents. Whether you are applying for a student visa, a work permit, or reuniting with family overseas, presenting correctly translated documents can make or break your application. Authorities want clear, accurate, and verifiable translations, and failure to meet those standards often leads to delays or even rejections. This guide explains everything you need to know about visa and immigration translations, including why certified translations are required, what documents usually need them, and how to avoid common pitfalls. 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Contact details of the translation provider for verification if needed. This certificate is essential because it gives immigration officers confidence that the document is trustworthy and complies with their standards. Common Documents That Require Certified Translations When applying for visas or residency, the following documents are often requested in translated form: Birth certificates Marriage or divorce certificates Death certificates (in cases of dependent claims) Passports and ID cards Academic transcripts and diplomas Criminal record checks Medical records or vaccination certificates Bank statements and tax returns Employment contracts or pay slips Before submitting your application, carefully check the requirements of the immigration authority you are applying to, as these can vary from country to country. 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Verify acceptance guaranteesEnsure the translation provider guarantees compliance with immigration authorities. This gives peace of mind if your documents are ever questioned. Innovation in Visa Translations The translation industry has modernized significantly. Companies like Certling use AI and machine vision to analyze documents, count words instantly, and provide transparent per-word pricing. This innovation eliminates overcharging based on per-page pricing models and saves applicants money. Other key advancements include: Selective translation tools: Applicants can exclude unnecessary sections of documents, such as logos or stamps, lowering costs. Secure file handling: Professional providers use encrypted systems and delete documents after delivery to protect your data. Instant online quotes: You can now upload documents and get pricing within seconds, reducing guesswork. FAQs on Visa & Certified Translations Do I always need certified translations for visa applications? 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The Role of Certified Translation Services in Your Journey Securing a visa or residency isn’t just about submitting the right forms. It’s about presenting complete, clear, and compliant documentation. Certified translation is a critical part of this process. Providers like Certling specialize in certified translations for immigration and visa applications. They offer word-based pricing, fast turnaround, and acceptance guarantees for major authorities across the U.S., U.K., Ireland, and Canada. While your focus may be on the exciting parts of long-term travel, taking care of certified translations early ensures your journey won’t be delayed by paperwork. Final Thoughts Navigating the visa application process can be overwhelming, especially when traveling long-term or moving abroad. Certified translations are not just a formality—they are a legal requirement that can significantly affect your success. 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