The U.S. Department of State strongly advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia due to the unpredictable security situation stemming from the Russian government’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The risks are significant and include potential harassment, arbitrary detention by Russian authorities, the enforcement of local laws in an unpredictable manner, limited flight options, and the persistent threat of terrorism. The U.S. Embassy’s capacity to assist U.S. citizens within Russia is severely limited. Furthermore, the U.S. government has determined a continued and elevated risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities. U.S. citizens currently residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately.
Assistance from the U.S. government for citizens in Russia is severely constrained, particularly outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy operates with a significantly reduced staff, and the Russian government imposes restrictions on the travel of embassy personnel. Adding to these limitations, all U.S. consulates within Russia have suspended their operations, including all consular services. This reduction in diplomatic presence directly impacts the ability of the U.S. to provide timely and effective assistance to its citizens in Russia.
Reports of drone attacks and explosions near the Ukrainian border, as well as within major Russian cities including Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg, highlight the volatile security landscape. In the event of an emergency, individuals should strictly adhere to the guidance of local authorities and seek secure shelter immediately. These incidents underscore the unpredictable nature of the conflict’s spillover effects within Russia itself.
Russia may refuse to acknowledge U.S. citizenship for dual U.S.-Russian nationals or those with claims to Russian nationality. There are documented instances where Russia has denied U.S. consular access to detained dual nationals. Moreover, the Russian government has been known to compel dual citizens to serve in the Russian military and prevent them from leaving the country. The 2022 mobilization for the invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conscription efforts further exemplify these risks for dual citizens.
The rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not consistently protected in Russia. U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution and avoid participation in any protests or demonstrations. Taking photographs of security personnel at public events should also be avoided. Russian authorities have previously arrested U.S. citizens for participating in protests. Furthermore, numerous reports detail the detention of Russian citizens for expressing their views on social media, highlighting a climate of restricted expression.
It is crucial for U.S. citizens to be aware that U.S.-issued credit and debit cards are no longer functional in Russia. Due to international sanctions, electronic money transfers from the U.S. to Russia are also virtually impossible. These financial restrictions pose significant challenges for daily living and emergency situations.
Commercial flight options to and from Russia are severely limited and often unavailable on short notice. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Russia should make independent travel arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy’s capacity to assist with departure arrangements is extremely limited, and transportation options may become even more restricted with little warning.
For U.S. citizens seeking to depart Russia, further information is available here.
Safety concerns have led the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to downgrade Russia’s air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2. Additionally, the FAA has prohibited U.S. flights in certain Russian airspace regions, including the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW), and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160 nautical miles of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Region boundaries. For detailed information, consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.
Country Security Summary:
Russian authorities have a documented history of interrogating and threatening U.S. citizens without justification. This includes individuals with past or present affiliations with the U.S. government and military, as well as private citizens engaged in business activities. U.S. citizens are vulnerable to harassment, mistreatment, and extortion attempts.
There is a risk that Russian authorities may not inform the U.S. Embassy about the detention of a U.S. citizen, and consular assistance may be delayed or denied. Russian security services are also known to target foreign and international organizations deemed “undesirable,” creating a climate of suspicion and surveillance.
U.S. citizens have been arrested by Russian security services on spurious charges, denied due process, and convicted without credible evidence. Furthermore, questionable investigations have been initiated against U.S. citizens involved in religious activities. The U.S. government reiterates its strong advice: U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to Russia.
Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has caused significant security instability in southwestern Russia. In October 2022, martial law was declared by the Russian government in regions bordering Ukraine, including Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Under martial law, authorities possess expanded powers to impose curfews, seize property, and restrict freedom of movement. Foreign nationals may be detained, residents forcibly relocated, and public gatherings limited. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas under martial law.
Russian authorities have demonstrated a pattern of questioning, detaining, and arresting individuals for broadly defined “actions against Russia’s interests.” People have been targeted for social media posts and perceived support of “anti-Russian” groups. Criticism of the government or military can lead to punishment. The Russian government’s “LGB propaganda” law and the Supreme Court’s 2023 designation of the “international LGB movement” as extremist have effectively criminalized support for LGBTQ+ human rights in Russia.
Terrorist groups continue to plan potential attacks within Russia. The March 2024 Crocus City Hall attack demonstrated the capacity for sudden and large-scale terrorist acts. Potential targets include tourist areas, transportation hubs, markets, government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, events, schools, and airports. U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the North Caucasus region, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus. U.S. citizens should also avoid travel to these areas.
The international community does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea, nor its claimed annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya regions of Ukraine. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched, in part, from occupied Crimea, resulting in a heavy Russian military presence throughout these territories. Active and intense fighting persists across these regions, and Russian authorities in these areas have been reported to abuse both foreign nationals and local populations, specifically targeting those perceived to challenge Russian authority.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv provides consular services for U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. However, the ongoing conflict significantly restricts the Embassy’s ability to deliver assistance to U.S. citizens within these areas.
For further comprehensive information on travel to Russia, please refer to the country information page.
If you decide to travel to the Russian Federation despite this strong advisory:
- Understand the limitations of U.S. government assistance in emergencies overseas, as detailed here.
- Carefully consider the heightened risks associated with dual U.S.-Russian nationality.
- Develop a robust contingency plan that does not rely on U.S. government intervention. Consult the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Stay informed of current events and adjust your plans accordingly.
- Ensure your travel documents are valid and easily accessible at all times.
- Review guidance for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in case of emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on social media: Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Russia for detailed security information.
- Consult the CDC for the latest Travel Health Information relevant to your trip.
