Travel & safety — Russia

Russia is a vast and diverse nation that continues to evolve politically, economically, and socially.

Most U.S. citizens find their stay in Russia both exciting and rewarding, but travel and living conditions in Russia contrast sharply with those in the United States.

Major urban centers show tremendous differences in economic development compared to rural areas.

While good tourist facilities exist in Moscow, St.

Petersburg, and some other large cities, they are not developed in most of Russia, and some of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available.

Russian visa requirements are complex, and U.S. citizens must take care they do not unintentionally violate entry and exit regulations.

Travel to the North Caucasus region of Russia is dangerous; the Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens do not travel to Chechnya and the rest of the North Caucasus region, including Mt.

Elbrus.

When traveling in Russia, U.S. citizens are subject to Russian law, and may not enjoy the same legal protections they have in the United States.

Due to continued civil and political unrest throughout much of the North Caucasus region of Russia, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Chechnya and all other areas of the North Caucasus, including North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya.

The U.S.

Government's ability to assist U.S. citizens who travel to the North Caucasus region is extremely limited.

Due to ongoing security concerns, U.S.

Government travel to the region is also very limited.

Throughout the region, local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom.

There have also been several kidnappings of foreigners and Russian citizens working for media and non-governmental organizations in the region.

U.S. citizens have disappeared in Chechnya and remain missing.

Close contacts within the local population does not guarantee safety.

U.S. citizens residing in these areas should depart immediately.

Terrorism: Acts of terrorism, including bombings and hostage takings, continue to occur in Russia, particularly in the North Caucasus region.

However, in the past several years, Moscow and St.

Petersburg have also been the targets of terrorist attacks.

Additionally, between October 15 – December 30, 2013 there were three suicide bombings targeting public transportation in the city of Volgograd, two of which occurred during the same 24-hour period.

Other bombings have occurred at Russian government buildings, airports, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools, and residential complexes, and on public transportation including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights.

Extremist groups occasionally threaten to set off bombs in market areas of major cities that are operated largely by migrant workers.

Large-scale public events also present an attractive target for terrorists.

There is no indication that U.S. institutions or citizens have been targets, but there is a general risk of U.S. citizens becoming victims of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.

U.S. citizens in Russia should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices.

U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation.

When traveling, U.S. citizens may wish to provide a friend, family member, or coworker a copy of their itinerary.

In the event the U.S.

Government receives information of any specific and credible threat, the Department of State will immediately provide information to the public.

Demonstrations: U.S. citizens should avoid public demonstrations, whether properly authorized or not, and avoid any large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures.

Occasional peaceful demonstrations taking place near the U.S.

Embassy do not generally interfere with public services, but U.S. citizens should avoid them when possible.

Travelers should also exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert when patronizing restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, bars, theaters, etc., especially during peak hours of business.

Mt.

Elbrus: Mt.

Elbrus has become an increasingly popular destination for adventure travelers wishing to climb the highest mountain in Europe.

However, the security situation in the regions surrounding the mountain remains highly unstable.

The U.S.

Embassy recommends against attempting to climb Mt.

Elbrus, as it can only be done by passing close to volatile and insecure areas of the North Caucasus region.

Stay informed about the security of the area by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information, as well as the Worldwide Caution.

If you do not have Internet access, call us for updates --1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or from elsewhere on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

You can also call the U.S.

Embassy i

Incidents of unprovoked, violent harassment against racial and ethnic minorities regularly occur throughout the Russian Federation.

The U.S.

Embassy Moscow and Consulates General continue to receive reports of U.S. citizens victimized in violent attacks by "skinheads" or other extremists.

Travelers are urged to exercise caution in areas frequented by such individuals and wherever large crowds have gathered.

U.S. citizens most at risk are those of African, South Asian, or East Asian descent, or those who, because of their complexion, are perceived to be from the Caucasus region or the Middle East.

These U.S. citizens are also at risk for harassment by police authorities.

While visiting Russia, be alert to your surroundings.

In large cities, take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large U.S. city: keep wallets in inner front pockets, carry purses tucked securely under arms, wear the shoulder strap of cameras or bags across the chest, walk away from the curb, and carry purses and other bags away from the street.

The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways, the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, and restaurants.

Foreigner travelers who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home.

Some travelers have been drugged at bars, while others have taken strangers back to their lodgings, where they were drugged, robbed and/or assaulted.

Internet Dating Schemes: Reports of fraud committed against U.S. citizens by internet correspondents professing love and romantic interest are common.

Typically, the correspondent asks the U.S. citizen to send money or credit card information for living expenses, travel expenses, or "visa costs." The nature of the internet means that you cannot be sure of the real name, age, marital status, nationality, or even gender of the correspondent.

We have received many reports of citizens losing thousands of dollars through such scams.

Never send money to anyone you have not met in person.

Please review our information on Internet Dating Schemes.

Turkey Drop Scam: A common street scam in Russia is the "turkey drop" in which an individual "accidentally" drops money on the ground in front of an intended victim, while an accomplice either waits for the money to be picked up, or picks up the money him/herself and offers to split it with the pedestrian.

The individual who dropped the currency then returns, aggressively accusing both of stealing the money.

This confrontation generally results in the theft of the pedestrian's money.

Avoidance is the best defense.

Do not get trapped into picking up the money, and walk quickly away from the scene.

Drug Crimes: The Russian media report that the drug GHB is reportedly gaining popularity in local nightclubs, under the names butyrate or oxybutyrate.

This drug can also cause amnesia, loss of consciousness, and/or extreme intoxication when mixed with alcohol, and death.

The drug, typically in the form of a capful of liquid mixed with a beverage, gained notoriety in the United States after incidents of date-rape and death.

In many cases, stolen credit cards are used immediately.

Victims of credit card or ATM card theft should report the theft to the credit card company or issuing bank immediately.

Back to Top Crimes Involving Public Transportation/Highway Crime: Travelers should be vigilant in bus and train stations and when taking other public transportation.

Bogus trolley inspectors, whose aim is to extort a bribe from individuals while checking for trolley tickets, are also a threat.

Travelers have generally found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies.

We discourage the use of unmarked taxis, as passengers have been victims of robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and theft.

Criminals use these unmarked taxis to rob passengers, and often wait outside bars or rest

While traveling in Russia, you are subject to its laws.

This is true even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from those in the United States and criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but are still considered illegal in the United States.

For example, U.S. citizens can be prosecuted under U.S. law if they buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or the use and/or dissemination of child pornography in a foreign country is also a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Russia, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

Therefore, it is very important to know what is legal and what is not legal in the country you are visiting.

Languages Russian (official) 85.7%, Tatar 3.2%, Chechen 1%, other 10.1%; note - data represent native language spoken

Medical care in most localities is below Western standards due to shortages of medical supplies, differing practice standards and the lack of comprehensive primary care.

Those facilities in Moscow and St.

Petersburg with higher standards do not necessarily accept all cases.

Access to these facilities usually requires cash or credit card payment at Western rates at the time of service.

The U.S.

Social Security Medicare Program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs in Russia.

Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk.

We do not recommend elective surgeries requiring blood transfusions and/or non-essential blood transfusions due to uncertainties surrounding the local blood supply.

Most hospitals and clinics in major urban areas have adopted the use of disposable IV supplies, syringes, and needles as standard practice.

However, travelers to remote areas might consider bringing a supply of sterile, disposable syringes and corresponding IV supplies.

We recommend travelers do not visit tattoo parlors or piercing services due to the risk of infection.

Outbreaks of diphtheria and hepatitis A have been reported throughout the country, even in large cities such as Moscow and St.

Petersburg.

The U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend up-to-date tetanus and diphtheria immunizations before traveling to Russia and neighboring countries.

Typhoid can be a concern for those who plan to travel extensively in the region.

Cases of cholera have rarely been reported throughout the area.

Travelers can reduce the risk of exposure to infectious and noxious agents by drinking bottled water and using bottled water for food or drink preparation.

Tap water is generally unsafe to drink outside of Moscow.

Tuberculosis is also an increasingly serious health concern in Russia.

For further information about tuberculosis, please consult the CDC's information on Tuberculosis.

HIV infection rates have risen markedly in recent years.

While most prevalent among intravenous drug users, prostitutes and their clients, the HIV/AIDS rate in the general population is increasing.

Reported cases of syphilis are much higher than in the United States, and some sources suggest that gonorrhea and chlamydia are also more prevalent in Russia than in Western Europe or the United States.

Travelers may obtain information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, from the CDC hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website.

For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Alternative Medical Treatments: Foreigners occasionally travel to Russia to receive medical treatment that is more expensive or prohibited in the United States, including stem-cell therapy and surrogate birthing.

These treatments may involve considerable risks.

Standards of infection control in both surgical and postoperative care may be inadequate.

Patients undergoing treatment often develop secondary infections that cannot be handled by the facilities offering the procedures, and must be admitted to local hospitals of uncertain quality.

In these cases, the patient is responsible for all additional costs, including repatriation back to the United States.

You may encounter road conditions and driver safety norms that differ significantly from those in the United States.

As a pedestrian, exercise great care near traffic, as vehicles frequently fail to yield to pedestrians.

In some areas of Russia, roads are practically nonexistent.

When driving, adhere to all local driving regulations, as they are strictly enforced and violators are subject to severe legal penalties.

Russia practices a zero-tolerance policy with regard to alcohol consumption prior to driving.

The maximum punishment is a two-year suspension of a driver's license.

Authorities may detain an intoxicated driver until they determine that he or she is sober.

Avoid excessive speed and, if possible, do not drive at night, particularly outside of major cities.

In rural areas, it is not uncommon to find livestock crossing roadways at any given time.

Construction sites or stranded vehicles are often unmarked by flares or other warning signals.

Sometimes cars have only one working headlight and many cars lack taillights.

Bicycles seldom have lights or reflectors.

Due to these road conditions, be prepared for sudden stops at any time.

Learn about your route from an auto club, guidebook, or government tourist office.

Some routes have heavy truck and bus traffic, while others have poor or nonexistent shoulders; many are one-way or do not permit left turns.

In addition, some of the newer roads have very few restaurants, motels, gas stations, or auto repair shops along their routes.

For your safety, have your vehicle serviced and in optimum condition before you travel.

It is also wise to bring an extra fan belt, fuses, and other spare parts.

In the Russian Far East most vehicles are right-side drive, affording the drivers limited visibility on two-lane roads.

If you are involved in an automobile accident while in Russia, leave your car in the location where the accident occurred and wait for local officials to arrive.

Do not move your car from the location where the accident occurred or you may be held liable even if you are not at fault.

Drivers may have to wait several hours for local police to arrive at the scene.

Temporary visitors to Russia may drive for up to 60 days with a valid U.S. driver's license and a notarized Russian translation.

Tourists may also use International Driving Permits issued by the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance to drive in Russia.

Russian law requires foreigners on business or employment visas or with permanent residence status to have a Russian driver's license.

In order to obtain this license one has to take the appropriate exams in Russian.

Travelers may not use a U.S. driver's license in place of a Russian license.

Travelers without a valid license are often subject to prolonged stops by police.

Drivers must carry third-party liability insurance under a policy valid in Russia.

U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid in Russia, nor are most collision and comprehensive coverage policies issued by U.S. companies.

A good rule of thumb is to buy coverage equivalent to that which you carry in the United States.

Roadside checkpoints are commonplace and are ostensibly in place to detect narcotics, alien smuggling, and firearms violations.

However, traffic police sometimes use these checkpoints to extract cash "fines."