Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should not travel to Russia due to terrorism, harassment by Russian government security officials, the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law. Reconsider travel due to COVID-19 and related entry restrictions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Russia 154 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a Very Low state of peace.
Crime Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Moscow as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia.
The crime emergency line in Russia is 102 from a landline or 020 or 112 from a mobile phone. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and exercise caution in the vicinity of large crowds. Do not leave bags unattended. U.S. nationals have been victims of serious crimes when visiting Russia. Russian authorities are not always willing to investigate crimes impartially and thoroughly.
Per World Bank statistics, the reported murder rate in Russia has fallen steadily over the last two decades, from a height of more than 30:100,000 people to approximately 8:100,000 people. Per Russian government statistics, the rate is even lower, at under 5:100,000 people.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Crimes against tourists do occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.
Kidnapping Threat
Kidnappings occur infrequently and generally involve organized crime. Typically, motives range from ransom to political issues. There is no information to suggest kidnappers are specifically targeting U.S. nationals. As ISIS continues to expand its global presence, remain cognizant of the threats and vulnerabilities associated with kidnappings and abductions related to the group.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release. Do not travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to the potential for kidnapping. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Drug Crime
Russia is both a transit and destination country for narcotics trafficking. The government has an active illicit-crop eradication program. Traffickers use Russia as a transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, to a lesser extent Western and Central Europe, and occasionally to the U.S. Russia is a major source of heroin precursor chemicals, and a major consumer of opiates. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Russia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.
Terrorism Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Moscow as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Russia.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks Russia 39 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a Medium impact from terrorism.
Terrorism: General Threat
Moscow and St. Petersburg have been the targets of terrorist attacks, and bomb threats against public venues are common. Visitors should continue to exercise caution, as no area of the city is immune from the threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups, transnational and local terrorist organizations, and lone actors inspired by extremist ideology and messaging continue plotting possible attacks throughout Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Low-level militant terrorist activity remains a problem in Russia’s North Caucasus region despite increases in counterterrorism activities and political consolidation efforts.
Persons at a location that receives a bomb threat should follow all instructions from the local police and security services.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Moscow as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Do not travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to risk of civil unrest. Also, do not travel to Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory and abuses by its occupying authorities.
Elections/Political Stability
The Russian Federation holds regular elections on federal, regional, and local levels. The Russian non-parliamentary opposition has repeatedly called numerous elections neither free nor fair before, during, and after each event. In the past, non-parliamentary opposition groups have initiated several unauthorized protest rallies against the elections. With relatively high turnouts, many of the most recent 2020 and 2021 protests resulted in large-scale detentions followed by criminal investigations against the protesters. In September 2021, Russia will have a unified voting day with several elections on different levels, including national parliamentary elections for the State Duma (parliament). The high-profile election will likely attract large-scale protests and other security-concerning issues, specifically after the elections occur. Attending these political rallies as a foreigner can result in arrest or deportation.
Protest & Demonstration Activity
There is the potential for civil unrest in Moscow in the form of unsanctioned demonstrations. Russian law provides for freedom of assembly, but local authorities are placing increased restrictions on this right. The law requires that organizers of public meetings, demonstrations, or marches with more than one participant has to formally notify the government of their intent to assemble in order to receive permission. Failure to obtain official approval to hold a protest frequently results in the unsanctioned protest’s dispersal. While numerous public demonstrations do take place, local officials selectively deny permission to assemble or offer alternate venues that are inconveniently or remotely located. Visitors should avoid public demonstrations.
Authorities have arrested U.S. nationals who have participated in or been in the vicinity of demonstrations.
A risk of civil and political unrest also continues throughout the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya.
For more information, review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) is the agency primarily responsible for ensuring public order and conducting routine criminal investigations. The uniform worn by the police is dark blue, with the word Полиция (police) across the back and a police patch on the shoulder.
State Inspection for Traffic Security (GIBDD) is the MVD entity responsible for regulating traffic and investigating traffic accidents. Their uniforms are black with red trim.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) is Russia’s main domestic security agency. The FSB combines functions and powers, like those exercised by the U.S. FBI, CIA, and Department of Homeland Security.
Police Response
The quality of assistance from local law enforcement varies. The U.S. Embassy has received reports from U.S. nationals that some police officers were polite and professional, while others were unprofessional or unwilling to deal with criminal incidents. In some cases, local law-enforcement officers failed to act even when they witnessed crimes in progress. The MVD has enacted reforms to professionalize the law-enforcement service.
Public campaigns have been initiated to punish endemic bribery and corruption among the police services. However, random document checks and other official actions still provide opportunity for “on-the-spot” payment of fines. Foreigners are commonly victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials. If stopped, politely obtain the officer’s name, badge number, patrol car number, and note where the stop happened, as this information assists local officials in identifying the perpetrators. Authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigations. The Embassy recommends against the payment of bribes in any circumstance. If you find yourself in a situation where an officer solicits a bribe, immediately inform the police that you wish to contact your Embassy.
Report all crimes immediately to the police and to the American Citizen Services section of the Embassy. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information
The emergency lines in Russia are 102 from a landline or 020 or 112 from a mobile phone. For local first responders, refer to the embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Road conditions and driver safety norms differ significantly from those in the United States, especially outside of major metropolitan areas. Winter weather, which tends to last for six months or longer every year, can change rapidly and cause dangerous driving conditions. Proper vehicle maintenance, winter tires, and defensive driving skills are essential. Keep vehicles serviced and in optimum condition before travel.
Authorities enforce local driving regulations strictly; violators are subject to severe legal penalties. Avoid excessive speed and, when possible, do not drive at night outside of major cities. Roadside checkpoints are commonplace.
Russia enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol; there are strict penalties for violations that exceed the allowable blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.03. Police conduct random traffic stops and can compel drivers to submit to a sobriety test. A driver’s refusal to submit to the test equates to an admission of having consumed alcohol. The maximum punishment for drinking and driving is a two-year suspension of a driver’s license. Authorities may detain an intoxicated driver until they are sober.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and generally observe this requirement. It is dangerous to cross where there is not a crosswalk present.
Russian law requires that vehicles involved in an accident not move until police arrive. Moving a vehicle will result in that driver assuming full responsibility for damages. The only exception is a situation in which vehicles block traffic; in this case, the parties involved must take photographs from different angles and move the vehicles to a nearby location that does not block traffic.
Staged vehicle accidents are a problem in Russia. Perpetrators usually attempt to extort money through intimidation. There have been cases in which accomplices have arrived at the scene posing as officials. A true State Inspection for Traffic Safety (GIBDD) inspector wears a black uniform (never camouflage) and a silver-red badge. Traffic police assigned to foot duty carry black and white batons. Legitimate police should always provide their name and rank. A real traffic inspector should never show up alone or without a police car.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
For more information, review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Moscow and St. Petersburg have extensive and efficient public transportation systems. There is the threat of petty theft on crowded Metro trains and in stations. Terrorist acts have also occurred in train stations and at airports.
Legitimate taxi companies generally provide reliable, safe, and economical services. Ride-sharing services like Uber, Yandex, and Gett are in wide use in Moscow, and are as safe as elsewhere in the world. When hailing a taxi curbside, be alert to the potential for substantial overcharging, particularly in areas tourists frequent.
Avoid using unregulated taxis; passengers have been victims of robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and theft. Robberies may also occur in taxis shared with strangers. Always use authorized services when taking transportation from the airport.
For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Aviation Concerns
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the Russian government’s Civil Aviation Authority complies with the International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of Russia’s air carrier operations. The main transit airports in Russia are in Moscow: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Domodedovo International Airport (DME), and Vnukovo International Airport (VKO).
Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns
Personal identity and human rights concerns are quite high. There have been crackdowns against people perceived to hold oppositionist views, including initiation of criminal cases for alleged wrongdoing and attacks by “pro-government” gangs. During the past year, the State Duma has produced and passed a myriad of bills to “legalize” crackdowns on non-parliamentary opposition activists and to toughen sentences allowed in existing legislation. The government issues labels such as “undesirable,” “extremist,” or “foreign agent” to organizations espousing independent views critical of Kremlin’s policies, restricting their activities, and increasing their public stigma. Authorities are prone to crackdown on organizations and individuals that may have links to these labeled organizations.
Safety Concerns for Women Travelers
It is relatively safe for women travelers to travel within Russia. There have been incidents of sexual assaults in Russia. Women travelers should exercise caution when walking at night or in crowded places. Concerns for gender-based violence and domestic violence are high. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of domestic violence incidence increased significantly, as pandemic-related stay-at-home orders and general restrictions on movement trapped many victims of domestic violence in the same space as the perpetrators.
Consider composite scores given to Russia by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Russia, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.
Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.
Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers
Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia; acts of violence and harassment targeting the LGBTI+ community occur regularly. Russian law bans providing “the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” to minors. The law is vague as to what Russia considers propaganda, but foreign nationals can face fines, up to 15 days in jail, and deportation, if authorities deem that their actions violate the law. Violence against the LGBTI+ community has increased sharply since the passage of the law banning propaganda, including entrapment and torture of young gay men by neo-Nazi gangs. In Chechnya, law enforcement officials have also been involved in persecution of the LGBTI+ community, and there have been multiple murders stemming from the individual’s sexual orientation.
High levels of employment discrimination against LGBTI+ persons persist. Activists assert that most LGBTI+ persons hide their sexual orientation or gender identity due to fear of losing their jobs or homes, as well as the risk of violence. LGBTI+ students report discrimination at schools and universities.
Medical practitioners reportedly continue to limit or deny LGBTI+ persons health services due to intolerance and prejudice. A Russian LGBT Network report indicated that, upon disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity, LGBTI+ individuals often encounter strong negative reactions and the presumption they are mentally ill.
Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.
Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities
Getting around in Russia is often difficult for persons with mobility issues. In general, public transportation is not accommodating to people with disabilities. Mobility is usually easier in major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Moscow Metro, though extremely safe and efficient in other areas, is generally not accessible to persons with disabilities. Crossing streets in large cities can be difficult for travelers with disabilities, since doing so usually requires the use of a pedestrian underpass, which includes stairs, steep ramps, and no elevators.
Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity
The Secretary of State has recognized Russia as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a designation indicating a nation engages in severe violations of religious freedom under International Religious Freedoms Act. Harassment of U.S.-based religious and student groups can take place in Russia. Russian authorities arbitrarily enforce the law against U.S. religious workers, opening questionable criminal investigations against those engaged in religious activity.
Russian authorities have detained, fined, and/or deported travelers for engaging in religious activities. Russian officials have stated that Russia recognizes four “traditional” religions: Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. The Russian government places restrictions on so-called “missionary activity” and defines it broadly. Travelers engaging in certain types of religious work may risk harassment, detention, fines, or deportation for administrative violations if they do not have proper authorization from a registered religious group. The Russian government has detained U.S. nationals for religious activities that they contend are not permitted under a tourist visa. Even speaking at a religious service (traditional or non-traditional) has resulted in immigration violations.
Since the 2017 Supreme Court ruling that Jehovah’s Witness beliefs are “extremist,” adherents have reported beatings and arson attacks on their homes. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, adherents have increasingly faced harassment at their workplaces and, in some cases, dismissal or forced resignation when their coworkers became aware of their religious beliefs. In recent years, Russian and foreign citizens alike have received lengthy prison sentences simply for membership in the church, and individuals have been tortured while in police custody.
Media, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and religious groups have reported several attacks on individuals based on their religious identity. There were physical assaults on Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, and others based on their ethnicity and religion. In separate instances, arsonists attacked the home and place of worship of a Jehovah’s Witness. Acts of vandalism motivated by religious hatred continue, including against Jewish, Orthodox, Protestant, Pentecostal, and Buddhist religious sites.
Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.
Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
During the recent years, high-level government officials have expressed numerous anti-U.S./anti-Western sentiments. Even though the Embassy is not aware of direct attacks against Westerners, this possibility remains high as Russian media increasingly blame the West for societal ills. In May, the Russian government included the United States in its list of “unfriendly states,” with the threat to add other Western countries, providing additional incentives for further anti-U.S./anti-Western sentiments.
In the Republic of Chechnya, local authorities may harbor particular hostility towards U.S. travelers.
Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency
Concerns involving the Rule of Law in Russia are high. In just one example, the Russian Constitution explicitly allows single pickets; however, there have been hundreds of incidents of detention, arrest, and court decisions against protesters for holding a single picket. This is of special concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, as authorities use health regulations to justify detentions. Activists with opposition views have continuously experienced official harassments, searches, and detentions. Activists often report that police interrupt meetings and conferences to detain participants and organizers. The level of transparency is low, particularly in the justice system. Acquittal in courts is highly unlikely, especially in political cases. There have been reports of detention and arrests for internet posts or re-postings of articles, images, and video footages of oppositional contents. Authorities are seeking to introduce increasingly stringent punishments to encourage self-censorship.
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Russia 129 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.
The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, but the government acknowledges difficulty in enforcing the law effectively, and officials often engage in corrupt practices with impunity. There were numerous reports of government corruption during the year.
Communication Issues
While the constitution provides for freedom of expression, including for the press, the government increasingly restricts this right. Regional and local authorities use procedural violations and restrictive or vague legislation to detain, harass, or prosecute persons who criticize the government or institutions it favors. The government exercises editorial control over media, creating a media landscape in which most citizens are exposed to predominantly government-approved narratives. Significant government pressure on independent media constrains coverage of numerous topics.
The government uses direct ownership or ownership by large private companies with government links to control or influence major national media and regional media outlets, especially television. Censorship and self-censorship in television as well as in print media and on the internet is widespread, particularly regarding views that are critical of the government or its policies.
The government monitors all internet communications. The government continues to employ its longstanding use of the System for Operative Investigative Activities, which requires internet service providers (ISPs) to install, at their own expense, a device that routes all customer traffic to an FSB terminal. The system enables police to track private email communications, identify internet users, and monitor their internet activity. The law also envisions the creation of an independent domain name system (DNS) for the country, separate from the global DNS. Furthermore, the law requires domestic and foreign businesses to store personal data on servers located in the country. Companies that ignore this requirement risk being fined, blocked, or both; companies refusing to localize Russian user data may be subject to penalties ranging from 5,000 rubles ($66) to six million rubles ($78,700), with fines of up to 18 million rubles ($236,000) for repeat offenses.
Authorities continue to misuse the country’s expansive definition of extremism, under which citizens may be punished for certain types of peaceful protests, affiliation with certain religious denominations, and even certain social media posts, as a tool to stifle dissent. In March 2020, the State Duma passed legislation criminalizing the dissemination of false “socially significant information” online, in mass media, or during protests or public events. Authorities use the law to target human rights defenders and civil society activists in criminal investigations. The government restricts freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, including academic freedom and cultural events.
The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Russia 150 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates the country’s internet freedom as Not Free; its Freedom in the World report rates the country’s freedom of speech as Not Free.
Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.
Health Concerns
Emergency Health Services
The emergency number for an ambulance (“Skoraya Pomosh”) is 03 from a landline or 103 from a cell phone. Medical care can be expensive and may not be comprehensive. Some private facilities offer high-quality services, but many restrict services to normal business hours. The Russian national medical system provides emergency care that ranges in quality from poor to mediocre by Western standards. Pharmacies are widespread and frequently offer 24-hour service, although the English-language ability of staff may be limited.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
The CDC recommends all travelers have current routine vaccinations as well as hepatitis A; some travelers should receive inoculations against hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and/or rabies. Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all eligible travelers.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Carry a copy of valid U.S. prescriptions, including a notarized translation into Russian of each prescription, when entering Russia with prescription medications. Prescription medication should be in its original packaging. Certain classes of over-the-counter cold medicines, such as those containing pseudoephedrine, are illegal in Russia. Do not bring cold medication with you to Russia.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
The control of the drinking water quality in Moscow is continuously monitored at water treatment plants and the pumping stations. A water quality database is available for review by contacting Moscow Public Unitary Enterprise (MOSVODOKANAL) at 8-499-763-34-34. A MOSVODOKANAL review of the quality parameters exceeds all requirements by Russian standards.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Environmental Hazards
Russia suffers from extensive land and groundwater pollution due to the lax environmental protections during the Soviet era. Russia experiences issues with air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial, municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; nuclear waste disposal; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management; and abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides
A recent study indicated that Moscow’s air quality is comparable to other large, industrial cities. There have been episodes of spikes in foul-smelling emissions (particularly hydrogen sulfide) likely due to refurbishing work at Moscow-area refineries. There have been no reports of long-term illnesses from these releases.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Cybercrime is a significant problem across Russia. Russian hackers and traditional organized crime structures continue to work together, raising threats to the financial sector. The risk of infection, compromise, and theft via malware, spam e-mail, sophisticated spear phishing, and social engineering attacks is significant. Remain vigilant against cyber threats, and actively use cyber security measures to mitigate risks
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
When traveling in Russia, maintain no expectation of privacy. Assume the Russian government monitors all communications. Telephone and electronic communications are subject to surveillance, which can potentially compromise sensitive information. The Russian System for Operational-Investigative Activities (SORM) permits authorities to monitor and record all data lawfully that traverses Russia’s networks.
Review OSAC’s Russian SORM Factsheet.
Other Security Concerns
Landmines
This country has no known issues with landmines.
Import/Export Restrictions
You must have advance approval to import satellite telephones. Global Positioning System (GPS) and other radio electronic devices, and their use, are subject to special rules and regulations in Russia. Contact the Russian Customs Service for required permissions.
Rigorous searches of baggage and strict enforcement of customs regulations against the exportation of items of “cultural value” can occur. Authorities have arrested U.S. visitors for attempting to leave with antique items they believed they had purchased legally from licensed vendors. Any article that could appear old or as having cultural value, including artwork, icons, samovars, rugs, military medals, and antiques, must have a certificate indicating that it has no historical or cultural value. Authorities may not grant certificates for certain articles, either due to their cultural value or antiquity. Obtain and retain receipts for all high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia. Obtain export certificates from the Culture Ministry.
A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Photography
Exercise caution photographing government facilities. Avoid photographing military facilities, personnel, or activities.
Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
ID Requirements
Travelers cannot enter Russia prior to the date on their visa and must exit Russia before their visa expires.
Anyone entering Russia who has a claim to Russian citizenship, regardless of any other citizenship, is fully accountable to the Russian authorities for all obligations of a Russian citizen, including required military service. U.S.-Russian dual nationals and Russian citizens who are Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) of the United States must register their dual nationality/foreign residency; find registration forms and further information (in Russian only) on the website of the General Administration for Migration Issues of the Russian Interior Ministry.
U.S.-Russian dual nationals must both enter and exit on a Russian passport; travelers will not be permitted to depart on an expired passport. Applying for a passport can take several months. U.S.-Russian dual nationals who return to Russia on a “Repatriation Certificate” are only permitted to enter Russia and will not be permitted to depart Russia until they obtain a valid Russian passport. Minors who also have Russian citizenship and are traveling alone or in the company of adults who are not their parents must carry a Russian passport as well as their parents’ notarized consent for the trip, which they can obtain at a Russian embassy or consulate, or a U.S. notary public. A consent obtained in the United States from a U.S. notary public must be apostilled, translated into Russian, and properly affixed. Authorities will prevent such minors from entering or leaving Russia if they cannot present this consent.
Critical Infrastructure Concerns
Russia continues to experience industrial accidents directly associated with inadequate enforcement of safety and health standards in the workplace. Aging infrastructure and rampant corruption in regulatory bodies have contributed to several well-publicized disasters. Authorities normally enforce fines and facility closures only after an accident has occurred.
OSAC Country Chapters
The Country Council in Moscow is active, meeting several times a year.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy: Bolshoy Deviatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, Moscow 121099
Regular business hours: 0830 – 1630, Monday – Friday, excluding Russian and U.S. Holidays
Switchboard: +7-495-728-5000
Consular services at U.S. Consulates General in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok are suspended. Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services. Due to hostile actions by the Russian Government, the Embassy is closed for all consular services except emergency services.
Trustworthy News Sources
- Interfax – independent wire service
- TASS – official state wire service
- RIA Novosti – state-run news agency
- NewsRU.com – popular online news aggregator
- Yandex.ru – popular online news aggregator
Other Helpful Info
