Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. The U.S. Department of State strongly advises U.S. citizens against any travel to Russia at this time. The risks are significant and varied, ranging from potential harassment and wrongful detention by Russian security officials to the real threats of terrorism and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Flights into and out of Russia are limited, and the U.S. Embassy’s capacity to assist U.S. citizens within Russia is severely constrained. For these critical reasons, U.S. citizens currently residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately.
Significant Risks for Travelers in Russia
The U.S. government’s ability to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy operates with a reduced staff, and the Russian government has imposed restrictions on the travel of embassy personnel. Adding to the difficulty, all U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including all consular services. This means that in a crisis, getting help may be significantly challenging, if not impossible.
Reports of drone attacks and explosions near the Ukrainian border and within major Russian cities like Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg highlight the volatile security landscape. Should emergencies arise, it is crucial to follow the directions of local authorities and seek safe shelter immediately.
Dual Citizenship and Military Conscription Risks
A particularly concerning issue for dual U.S.-Russian citizens, or individuals with any claim to Russian citizenship, is Russia’s potential refusal to recognize U.S. citizenship. There are documented cases where Russia has denied U.S. consular access to detained dual nationals. Alarmingly, the Russian government has been known to conscript dual citizens into the Russian military and prevent them from leaving the country. The ongoing military conscription within Russia, initiated in 2022 for the invasion of Ukraine, remains a serious concern.
Restrictions on Freedoms and Potential for Detention
Basic rights such as peaceful assembly and free speech are not consistently protected in Russia. U.S. citizens should avoid any participation in protests and refrain from photographing security personnel at public events. Russian authorities have a history of arresting U.S. citizens involved in protests. Furthermore, there are increasing reports of Russians facing detention for their social media posts, indicating a restrictive environment for free expression.
Financial and Logistical Challenges
Travelers should be aware that U.S. 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 nearly impossible to conduct. These financial restrictions pose significant challenges for daily transactions and access to funds while in Russia.
Commercial flight options are scarce and often unavailable without significant advance notice. For those wishing to leave Russia, making independent departure arrangements is essential. The U.S. Embassy’s capacity to aid in departures is limited, and transportation options can become even more restricted with little warning.
Air Safety Concerns
Adding to the travel risks, 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 to Category 2 and has banned U.S. flights in several Russian airspace regions, including areas around Moscow. These air safety downgrades and restrictions further underscore the risks associated with travel within Russia.
Harassment, Mistreatment, and False Detentions
Reports indicate that Russian officials have interrogated and threatened U.S. citizens without justifiable cause, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel, as well as private citizens engaged in business. U.S. citizens are vulnerable to harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.
There is a disturbing pattern of Russian authorities failing to notify the U.S. Embassy about the detention of U.S. citizens and delaying or denying U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services are also known to target foreign and international organizations deemed “undesirable.”
U.S. citizens have been arrested on spurious charges, denied fair legal processes, and convicted without credible evidence in Russian courts. Questionable investigations against U.S. citizens involved in religious activities have also been reported.
Martial Law in Border Regions
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has destabilized security in southwestern Russia. Martial law has been declared in Russian regions bordering Ukraine, including Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Under martial law, authorities possess broad powers to impose curfews, seize property, restrict movement, detain foreigners, relocate residents, and limit public gatherings. All travel to these regions is strongly discouraged.
LGBTIQ+ Rights and Safety
The Russian government actively suppresses the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals. The “LGB propaganda” law prohibits any discussion of LGBTIQ+ topics, and the Supreme Court has labeled the “international LGB movement” as extremist. This effectively criminalizes any support for LGBTIQ+ human rights in Russia, creating a hostile and dangerous environment for LGBTIQ+ travelers and residents.
Crimea and Occupied Territories of Ukraine
The international community, including the United States, does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea or its claimed annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya regions of Ukraine. These areas have a heavy Russian military presence and have experienced intense fighting. Russian authorities in these occupied territories have been reported to abuse both foreigners and locals, particularly targeting those perceived as challenging Russian authority. While the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv provides consular services for U.S. citizens in these regions, the ongoing conflict severely limits their ability to offer assistance.
In conclusion, the U.S. Department of State strongly advises against travel to Russia due to the multitude of serious and unpredictable risks outlined above. For U.S. citizens currently in Russia, immediate departure is highly recommended.
For further information and resources, please refer to the official U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Russia and related information pages.
Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia
Country Information Page for Russia
FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices on Russia
Travel Health Information from CDC
What the U.S. Government Can and Cannot Do to Assist in an Emergency Overseas
Traveler’s Checklist
Travel to High-Risk Areas
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Department of State Travel on Facebook
