The U.S. Department of State has issued a clear and strong warning: Do not travel to Russia. This is due to the ongoing and significant risks associated with the Russian Federation, particularly in light of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. For those considering travel to the Russian Federation, it is crucial to understand the multitude of dangers that U.S. citizens may encounter. These include potential harassment and arbitrary detention by Russian security officials, the unpredictable enforcement of local laws, severely limited flight options, an elevated risk of terrorism, and the U.S. Embassy’s extremely limited capacity to provide assistance. The situation is so precarious that the U.S. government has determined a continued and serious risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities. Therefore, if you are a U.S. citizen currently residing or planning to travel to the Russian Federation, the advice is unequivocal: leave immediately.
The ability of the U.S. government to aid its citizens within Russia is severely restricted, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy is operating with a significantly reduced staff, and the Russian government has imposed limitations on the travel of embassy personnel. Adding to the difficulty, all U.S. consulates within Russia have ceased operations, including all consular services. This means that in a crisis, the support typically available from U.S. diplomatic missions is drastically curtailed.
Adding to the instability, there have been increasing reports of drone attacks and explosions in regions bordering Ukraine and even within major Russian cities such as Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg. These incidents highlight a volatile security landscape. Should an emergency occur, it is imperative to follow the instructions of local authorities and seek shelter immediately.
A particularly concerning issue for dual U.S.-Russian citizens, or those with a claim to Russian citizenship, is Russia’s potential refusal to recognize U.S. citizenship. There have been instances where Russia has denied U.S. consular access to detained dual nationals. Furthermore, the Russian government has been known to compel citizens with dual nationality to serve in the Russian military and prevent them from leaving the country. The mobilization for the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the ongoing military conscription underscore this risk.
In Russia, fundamental rights such as peaceful assembly and free speech are not consistently protected. U.S. citizens should be extremely cautious and avoid any participation in protests or even photographing security personnel at such events. There are documented cases of Russian authorities arresting U.S. citizens for participating in protests. Moreover, the environment of restricted freedoms extends online, with numerous reports of Russians being detained for their social media posts.
Practical matters for travelers are also significantly impacted. U.S. credit and debit cards no longer function in Russia due to sanctions. Similarly, transferring funds electronically from the U.S. to Russia is almost impossible due to these financial restrictions. Travelers must rely on alternative, and potentially less secure, financial arrangements.
Commercial flight options to and from Russia are now very limited and often unavailable at short notice. For those wishing to depart the Russian Federation, making independent arrangements is essential. The U.S. Embassy’s capacity to assist in departure is limited, and transportation options can become even more restricted without warning.
Click here for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.
Air safety is another serious consideration. 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 and banned U.S. flights in several Russian airspace regions, including areas around Moscow, Samara, and Rostov-na-Donu. For detailed information, refer to the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.
Country Summary: Key Dangers for U.S. Citizens
Reports indicate that Russian officials have subjected U.S. citizens to interrogation and threats without any legitimate cause. This has affected a wide range of individuals, including former and current U.S. government and military personnel, as well as U.S. citizens engaged in private business. The risk of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion is a tangible threat for U.S. citizens in Russia.
There is a disturbing pattern of Russian authorities failing to notify the U.S. Embassy about the detention of U.S. citizens and deliberately delaying U.S. consular assistance. Furthermore, Russian security services are actively targeting foreign and international organizations they deem “undesirable,” creating a climate of suspicion and risk for those associated with such groups.
Perhaps most alarmingly, Russian security services have been implicated in arresting U.S. citizens on fabricated charges, denying them due process and fair treatment, and convicting them in the absence of credible evidence. There are also reports of questionable investigations initiated by Russian authorities against U.S. citizens involved in religious activities. These actions underscore the very serious risks associated with travel to the Russian Federation.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has profoundly destabilized security, particularly in southwestern Russia. In October 2022, the Russian government imposed martial law in regions bordering Ukraine, including Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Under martial law, authorities possess expanded powers, including imposing curfews, seizing property, and restricting movement. This increases the risk of arbitrary detention of foreigners, forced relocation of residents, and limitations on public gatherings. All travel to these areas is strongly discouraged for U.S. citizens.
Authorities in Russia have been known to question, detain, and arrest individuals for broadly defined actions “against Russia’s interests.” This can include targeting individuals for social media activity or for supporting groups deemed “anti-Russian.” Criticism of the government or military can lead to punishment. The Russian government’s “LGB propaganda” law, and the Supreme Court’s decision to label the “international LGB movement” as extremist, effectively criminalize support for the human rights of LGB persons in Russia. This creates a dangerous environment for any expression of support for LGB rights.
The threat of terrorism in Russia remains a persistent concern. The Crocus City Hall attack in March 2024 tragically demonstrated the capacity of terrorists to strike suddenly and with devastating effect. 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 Embassy security restrictions 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.
It is also important to remember that the international community does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea, nor its claimed annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. These regions have a heavy Russian military presence and have experienced intense fighting. Russian authorities in these areas have been reported to abuse both foreigners and locals, particularly those perceived as challenging Russian authority.
While the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is formally responsible for consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya, the ongoing conflict severely limits the Embassy’s ability to provide assistance in these regions.
For more comprehensive information, please refer to the country information page for additional details on travel to Russia.
If, despite these overwhelming warnings, you decide to travel to Russia, you must:
- Understand the limitations of U.S. government assistance in emergencies overseas. Review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in an emergency overseas.
- Carefully consider the significant 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 about current events and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.
- Ensure your travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
- Review resources for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
- Review the Country Security Report for Russia.
- Consult the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
In conclusion, the risks associated with travel to the Russian Federation are currently exceptionally high. The U.S. government strongly advises against any travel to Russia for U.S. citizens at this time. Your safety and security cannot be guaranteed.
