The U.S. Department of State has issued a clear and strong Russia Travel Advisory: Do Not Travel to Russia. This advisory is in place due to the unpredictable consequences of the Russian government’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. U.S. citizens in Russia face significant risks, including harassment and wrongful detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, severely limited flight options, and the persistent threat of terrorism. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has drastically reduced capacity to assist U.S. citizens within Russia, making independent travel exceptionally dangerous. For these critical reasons, any U.S. citizens currently residing or traveling in Russia are strongly urged to leave immediately.
Severe Risks and Dangers for Travelers in Russia
The U.S. government’s ability to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely constrained, particularly outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy operates with a skeleton staff, and the Russian government has imposed strict travel limitations on embassy personnel. Critically, all U.S. consulates throughout Russia have ceased operations, meaning essential consular services are unavailable.
Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine and Border Region Instability
The ongoing war initiated by Russia in Ukraine has profoundly destabilized security, especially in southwestern Russia. Reports of drone attacks and explosions are increasingly frequent, extending beyond the immediate Ukrainian border to major Russian cities including Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg. In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens must rely on instructions from local Russian authorities and seek shelter as advised. However, the overall security situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable.
Risk of Wrongful Detention by Russian Authorities
There is a significant and ongoing risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities. Russian officials have a documented history of interrogating, harassing, and threatening U.S. citizens without legitimate cause. This alarming trend affects a wide range of individuals, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel, as well as private U.S. citizens engaged in business or perceived to be of interest. U.S. citizens may become targets of harassment, mistreatment, and even extortion.
Furthermore, Russian authorities may fail to notify the U.S. Embassy upon the detention of a U.S. citizen and may actively delay or obstruct U.S. consular access. Russian security services are also known to target foreign and international organizations deemed “undesirable,” further increasing the risk to U.S. citizens in Russia. There are documented cases of Russian security services arresting U.S. citizens on fabricated charges, denying them fair legal processes, and convicting them based on flimsy or nonexistent evidence. Questionable investigations against U.S. citizens involved in religious activities are also a disturbing concern.
Dual Citizenship and Military Conscription Risks
U.S. citizens who also hold Russian citizenship, or who Russia may consider to hold Russian citizenship, face additional and unique dangers. Russia may refuse to acknowledge U.S. citizenship for dual nationals and has denied U.S. consular officers access to detained dual U.S.-Russian citizens. The Russian government has demonstrated a willingness to forcibly conscript dual nationals into the Russian military and prevent them from leaving the country, particularly following the mobilization for the invasion of Ukraine which remains ongoing.
Restrictions on Peaceful Assembly and Free Speech
In Russia, fundamental rights such as peaceful assembly and free speech are not consistently protected. U.S. citizens should be acutely aware that participating in protests or even photographing security personnel at public events carries considerable risk of detention by Russian authorities. Numerous instances of Russian authorities arresting U.S. citizens for participating in protests have been reported. Moreover, a pervasive surveillance environment exists, with numerous reports of Russians facing detention for social media posts or perceived dissent.
Financial and Logistical Challenges
U.S. citizens in Russia face significant financial and logistical hurdles. U.S. credit and debit cards are no longer functional within Russia due to sanctions. Similarly, sending electronic money transfers from the U.S. to Russia is virtually impossible. Commercial flight options are severely limited, often unavailable on short notice, and subject to abrupt cancellation. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Russia must make independent arrangements under highly constrained circumstances, as the U.S. Embassy’s capacity to assist in departure is extremely limited.
Persistent Terrorism Threat
Terrorist groups continue to actively plan attacks within Russia. The March 2024 Crocus City Hall attack tragically demonstrated the capability of terrorists to strike suddenly and with devastating effect. Potential targets include tourist areas, transportation hubs, markets, government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and places of worship. Parks, public events, schools, and airports are also considered potential targets. U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the North Caucasus region, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus, and U.S. citizens are strongly advised to avoid travel to these areas as well due to the elevated terrorism risk.
Non-Recognition of Annexed Ukrainian Territories
The international community, including the United States, unequivocally condemns and does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya regions of Ukraine. Russia utilized occupied Crimea as a staging ground for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and a substantial Russian military presence remains in these regions. Active and intense fighting persists throughout these areas, and Russian authorities in these occupied territories have been reported to abuse both foreigners and local populations, specifically targeting individuals perceived as challenging Russia’s authority. While the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is formally responsible for providing consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea and the other occupied regions, the ongoing conflict severely restricts the Embassy’s ability to deliver assistance.
Areas Within Russia to Avoid
Due to heightened risks, U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to the following areas within Russia:
- Border areas with Ukraine under martial law: Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Martial law grants Russian authorities expanded powers including curfews, property seizure, movement restrictions, detention of foreigners, forced relocation of residents, and limitations on public gatherings.
- North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus: Due to terrorism risks.
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya: Due to ongoing conflict and Russian occupation.
If You Decide to Travel to Russia Despite This Advisory
Despite the U.S. Department of State’s strong Russia travel advisory, if you make the decision to travel to Russia, be aware of the extreme limitations on U.S. government assistance and take the following steps:
- Understand U.S. Government Limitations: Thoroughly review information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in an emergency overseas.
- Assess Dual Nationality Risks: Carefully consider the significant risks associated with dual U.S.-Russian nationality.
- Develop a Contingency Plan: Create a comprehensive contingency plan for emergencies that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Stay Informed: Continuously monitor news and information regarding events in Russia and update your travel plans accordingly.
- Ensure Document Validity: Verify that your travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
- Review High-Risk Travel Information: Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in an emergency.
- Follow Social Media Updates: Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates.
- Review Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report for Russia for detailed security information.
- Check Health Information: Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information relevant to your travel.
In conclusion, the U.S. Department of State strongly advises against all travel to Russia at this time. The risks are significant, multifaceted, and unpredictable. U.S. citizens in Russia should depart immediately. For those who choose to disregard this Russia travel advisory, extreme caution, meticulous planning, and constant vigilance are essential for personal safety and security.
