Russia Travel Risk

Do not travel to Russia for any reason due to terrorism, unrest, wrongful detention and other risks.

U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately

The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has reduced its staff. The Russian government has also restricted travel for embassy personnel. All U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.

Do not travel to Russia for any reason

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has limited ability to assist in the case of a detention of a U.S. citizen. There is no guarantee that the Russian government will grant the U.S. Embassy consular access to detained U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens may serve their entire prison sentence without release. The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens remains high. Even if a case is determined wrongful, there is no guarantee of release.

Russian officials often question and threaten U.S. citizens without reason. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges. They have denied them fair treatment and convicted them without credible evidence. Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens for their religious activities.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including:

• security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity
• lack of flights to return to the UK
• limited ability for the UK government to provide support

There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia. See ‘Risk of arrest and detention’ on ‘Safety and security’.

Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDO’s ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited.

There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities. See ‘Safety and security’.

Ongoing drone attacks and associated Russian air-defence activity may increase risks to civilian aviation and can lead to short-notice restrictions on airspace use and airport operations. See ‘Safety and security’

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Russia

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Russia.

Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

• large gatherings, such as concerts
• popular tourist sites
• seasonal, festive, or religious activities in public places
• areas that are not controlled by security, such as open-air events and markets
• transportation networks

Terrorist attacks have taken place in Moscow and St Petersburg and other Russian cities in recent years, resulting in large numbers of casualties. Russia’s aviation has also been targeted.

Examples of recent attacks include:

• in March 2024, 145 people were killed in an attack at the Crocus City Concert Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow

Additional counter-terrorism procedures and restrictions may still be in place across the country. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Terrorism in the North Caucasus

Terrorists are active in the North Caucasus. They have carried out a number of attacks mainly in Russia’s Dagestan region.

Security services carry out regular counter-terrorism operations in the North Caucasus and across Russia. These can happen at short notice and may lead to travel restrictions.

Examples of recent attacks include:

• in June 2024 at least 20 people were killed after armed men attacked synagogues, churches and police in Dagestan

Transport risks

Road travel

If you’re planning to drive in Russia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Russia guide.

You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

There are currently fuel shortages throughout Russia. In some places quotas may be imposed, including at short notice. If you intend to drive long distances, you should check fuel availability before travelling.

If you have a residence permit or acquire Russian citizenship, you must get a Russian driving licence within one year. See Living in Russia.

Road safety in Russia is poor and road conditions are unpredictable. Take care when driving, take account of weather conditions and consider avoiding driving at night. Do not drive alone at night or sleep in your vehicle on the side of the road. Do not pick up hitchhikers.

Traffic police often stop drivers for spot checks.

Bringing vehicles into Russia

If you plan to drive into Russia, you must declare your vehicle to the customs authority on entry. You can bring a vehicle into Russia without paying import taxes for up to one year.

Green cards are no longer accepted as proof of car or road insurance. Check insurance requirements before entering.

For questions about bringing a vehicle into Russia, contact the Russian Embassy in the UK.

Rail travel

Railway stations have airport-style security. Many railway services require passengers to show their passports on boarding.

If you are travelling by overnight train, store valuables in the container under the bed or seat. Do not look after luggage for other travellers or let them store it in your compartment.

Do not leave your sleeping compartment empty, as some compartments only have a simple lock on the sliding door. On some trains, there may be an extra security device attached to the fitted handle or lock. There may also be a steel switch at head-height on the door panel which, when pulled down, prevents the closed door from being opened.

Air travel

Air space will close during drone attacks. This has led to frequent and unpredictable delays, diversions and cancellations to flights in and out of Russian airports.

There are restrictions on domestic flights to a number of airports in southern Russia, with disruption to internal flights to and from Moscow and other cities. Check the latest information with your airline or travel provider. Each airline regularly conducts their own safety and security risk assessments if they are flying over or near conflict regions. See Air travel: safety and security

Air safety

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Russia that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Airline and railway sanctions

The UK government has sanctioned:

• Aeroflot
• Rossiya Airlines
• Ural Airlines
• Russian Railways

British nationals can buy flight tickets if the journey is starting in, or within, Russia without breaching UK sanctions. See more information from the Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (PDF).

UK government staff do not travel on banned airlines. If staff need to travel internally, they may use airlines which also fly internationally to countries where international safety standards are maintained or on western manufactured aircraft.

Travellers with limited mobility

Wheelchair access can be limited in some public areas. Facilities for people with limited mobility vary. They can be poor or non-existent in some areas.

See more advice on disability and travelling abroad.

Risk level

RUSSIA - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Russia due to the impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine and the risk of terrorism.

The armed conflict in Ukraine has led to armed incursions and shelling in areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border. Drone strikes, explosions, and fires have occurred further into Russia’s interior. The impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine could also include:

• partial military mobilization
• restrictions on financial transactions
• limited flight options

If you are in Russia, you should consider leaving the country by commercial means. If you remain in Russia, maintain a low profile.. Canadians holding Russian citizenship may be subject to call-up for mandatory military service.

If you decide to remain despite this advisory, be aware that:

• you may have to stay in Russia longer than expected
• you will not be able to access your funds in Canadian or most international financial institutions
• you should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country

Additionally, while you remain in Russia, you should:

• refrain from discussing political developments in public or online
• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• make sure you have an adequate supply of cash, essential items and medications
• avoid any area where there are military installations or activity
• monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
• register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Russia to do so

If you plan to leave Russia:

• communicate your travel plans to family and friends
• make sure your travel documents and those of your family are up-to-date
• review your plans and possible exit options on a regular basis
• confirm the status, hours, and accessibility of land and sea border crossings before you travel to the border

Armed conflict with Ukraine

There is frequent military activity within Russia’s borders. This includes:

• armed incursions
• shelling
• drone strikes
• explosions
• fires, arsons, and other acts of sabotage

Attacks are most common in areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border, notably in Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod oblasts, and in the Black Sea region including Rostov Oblast and Krasnodar Krai. Similar attacks and incidents have also occurred at key infrastructure sites and military installations further into Russia's interior and in cities, including in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

These attacks can lead to sudden and prolonged airspace closures. Military interceptions can also cause collateral damage.

If you are in an area affected by drone or missile strikes:

• identify the location of the closest bomb shelter, if available
• if there are no bomb shelters nearby, shelter in a hardened structure away from windows when air raid warning sirens are active
• follow the advice of local authorities, including air-raid sirens and evacuation orders

俄罗斯现有橙色（高风险）地区3个，黄色（中风险）地区5个，其他地区均为蓝色（低风险）。

具体如下：

一、橙色地区：布良斯克州、库尔斯克州、别尔哥罗德州。外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往俄罗斯上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

二、黄色地区：达吉斯坦共和国、印古什共和国、卡巴尔达-巴尔卡尔共和国、卡拉恰伊-切尔克斯共和国、北奥塞梯-阿兰共和国。外交部提醒在俄罗斯上述地区中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

三、蓝色地区：其他地区。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。