The U.S. Department of State currently advises against all travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. U.S. citizens in Russia face a heightened risk of harassment or detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, limited flight options, and the potential for terrorist attacks. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide assistance to U.S. citizens within Russia is severely limited. The Department has determined there is a continued risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should leave immediately.
The U.S. government’s capacity to assist U.S. citizens in Russia is significantly constrained, particularly outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy operates with a reduced staff, and the Russian government has placed restrictions on the travel of embassy personnel. Furthermore, all U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including the provision of consular services.
Reports have surfaced of drone attacks and explosions in areas near the Ukrainian border, as well as in major Russian cities such as Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg. In the event of an emergency, it is crucial to follow the instructions of local authorities and seek appropriate shelter.
Russia may refuse to acknowledge your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or are deemed to have a claim to Russian citizenship. Instances have been reported where Russia has denied consular access to detained dual U.S.-Russian citizens. The Russian government has also been known to compel citizens with dual nationality to serve in the Russian military and prevent them from leaving the country. In 2022, the Russian government initiated a mobilization of citizens in connection with its invasion of Ukraine, and military conscription remains ongoing.
Restrictions on Freedoms and Financial Limitations
In Russia, the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not consistently protected. U.S. citizens are strongly advised to avoid participation in protests and refrain from taking photographs of security personnel at such events. There have been cases of Russian authorities arresting U.S. citizens for joining protests, and numerous reports of Russians being detained for their social media activity.
Demonstrators protesting against the war in Ukraine in Moscow. Travelers to Russia should be aware of restrictions on public gatherings and freedom of speech.
U.S. citizens should be aware that U.S. credit and debit cards are no longer functional in Russia. Due to economic sanctions, sending electronic money transfers from the U.S. to Russia is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible.
Limited Travel Options and Safety Concerns
Commercial flight options into and out of Russia are severely limited and often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to leave Russia, you should make your own arrangements. The U.S. Embassy has limited capacity to assist U.S. citizens in departing the country, and transportation options may become even more restricted without warning.
U.S. Embassy staff are generally prohibited from flying on Russian airlines due to safety concerns. The FAA has downgraded Russia’s air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2. Additionally, the FAA has banned U.S. flights in certain Russian areas, including the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW), and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160NM of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Regions.
Potential for Harassment and Wrongful Detention
Russian officials have been known to interrogate and threaten U.S. citizens without justification, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel, as well as private U.S. citizens engaged in business activities. U.S. citizens may be subjected to harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.
Russian authorities may fail to notify the U.S. Embassy about the detention of a U.S. citizen and may delay the provision of U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services also target foreign and international organizations that they deem “undesirable.”
The risk of detention and limited consular access are significant concerns for U.S. citizens traveling to Russia.
U.S. citizens have been arrested on false charges, denied fair treatment, and convicted without credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities have initiated questionable investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activities.
Regional Instability and Security Risks
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has destabilized security in southwestern Russia. In October 2022, the Russian government declared martial law in several border regions with Ukraine, including Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Under martial law, authorities have the power to impose curfews, seize property, and restrict movement. The Russian government may detain foreigners, forcibly relocate residents, and limit public gatherings. Travel to these areas is strongly discouraged.
Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested individuals for “acting against Russia’s interests.” Local authorities have targeted people for their social media posts or for supporting “anti-Russian” groups, and have punished individuals for criticizing the government or military. The Russian government’s “LGB propaganda” law prohibits discussion of LGB-related topics. The Supreme Court labeled the “international LGB movement” as extremist, effectively criminalizing support for the human rights of LGB individuals in Russia.
Terrorists continue to plan attacks within Russia. The March 2024 Crocus City Hall incident demonstrated the potential for sudden and devastating attacks. Potential targets include tourist areas, transportation hubs, markets, government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and places of worship. Parks, events, schools, and airports are also vulnerable. U.S. government employees under Embassy security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus, and U.S. citizens should avoid travel to those areas.
Annexed Territories
The international community does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea or its purported annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. Russia staged its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea, and there is a significant Russian military presence in these areas. Intense fighting continues throughout these regions, and Russian authorities have been reported to abuse both foreigners and locals, specifically targeting individuals seen as challenging Russia’s authority.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv provides consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. However, the ongoing conflict severely limits the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in these areas.
Making an Informed Decision
Given the current circumstances, the U.S. Department of State strongly advises against all travel to Russia. If, despite these warnings, you choose to travel to Russia, you should carefully consider the risks involved and take appropriate precautions:
- Consider the risks involved in having dual U.S.- Russian nationality.
- Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government help.
- Follow news for any important events and update your plans based on the new information.
- Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Your safety and security are paramount. Make an informed decision based on the most up-to-date information and be prepared for potential risks.
