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Back to Russia in 2024
05.02.2024 14:19
Why not? Travel to Russia is safe, with normalcy in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, Perm, Ekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Vladivostok. The Trans-Siberian Railway is still connecting Moscow with Vladivostok and the Sea of Japan and all the interesting sights along the railway are open for visitors. Mount Elbrus is open for climbers and the salmons are jumping in the rivers on the Kola peninsula.
Despite challenges in recent years traveling to Russia remains feasible and optimistic. Russia's borders are open for tourism and both traditional and electronic visas are available.
While international sanctions pose some challenges, we here aim to provide updated (as per JAN24) information and practical recommendations for travelers ready for a Russian adventure in 2024.
Visa to Russia
Russian consulates are issuing visas for travel to Russia for tourism, visiting relatives etc., as usual. Since 15th of June 2013 it has also become possible to apply for an electronic visa to certains cities and since 1st of August 2023 it is possible to apply for visa to stays all over Russia.
Electronic visa (E-Visa) . A total of 55 nationalities can apply for an electronic visa to Russia, for stays of up to 16 days. The electronic visa is giving you the big advantage that it is not necessary to go to the consulate or to the Russian visa centers as long as you and your travel plans live up to the conditions you must fulfill: Regular or paper visa. You still have the option to apply for a paper or traditional visa allowing longer stays than the electronic visa, if your plans do not meet the conditions required for an electronic visa. Visa fee depending on the embassy/consulate/visa center of the country where you obtain the visa - normally issued within 10 working days (some countries have a faster option against an dditional fee). Invitations are still required for regular visas. Here we can help you, just like we used to before the world went off the rails.
Travel to Russia without a visa (Visa-Free). There are countries that do not require a visa to travel to Russia, such as Cuba, Colombia, Peru or Venezuela, among others, although under certain conditions. In this case you do not have to apply for a visa, but you must have travel insurance for any eventuality that may arise.
Insurance covering Russia
A travel insurance is not only a good idea, but it is a must to enter Russia regardless of you visa. If your insurance company cannot cover your travel to Russia some Russian insurance companies like GoingRus and Attollo Assistence provide the service having the option to pay with card from a country outside Russia. The medical insurance must be valid throughout the territory of the Russian Federation (corresponding with the information in the visa) and throughout the stay period. Here you find the requirements: • Buy the insurance in advance! It is not possible to buy it when arriving in Russia. • The insurance policy has to be in Russian or English (no other language). Be sure that you get the policy in PDF format to print it in advance and show it along with your visa. • In the policy must be stated: Policy number and date, period the insurance covers, full names of the insured (identic to visa and passport), list of medical coverage (min. 30.000 EUR or equal in other currency), the area covered by the insurance (World/Russian Federation/ Europe, Russia included) – the territory of Russia includes Europe and Asia, signature of the insurance company.
How to enter Russia
To enter the largest country in the world you can use air or land transport – and within Russia you have busses, railways and domestic flights at your disposal. For the present there are flight connections to Moscow through the airports in Istanbul (Turkey) with Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines and Belgrade (Serbia) with Air Serbia . Another option is flight from Yerevan by Flyone (Armenia). Compare prices here or here .
Besides the European connections there are flights from Abu Dhabi (UAE) with Etihad Airways, via Doha (Qatar) with Qatar Airways or via Cairo (Egypt) with EgyptAir. It is also possible to fly to Russia via Tashkent (Uzbekistan) with Uzbekistan Airways or via Casablanca (Morocco) with Royal Air Maroc. Depending on the program you have chosen for your Russian experience and the possibilities at the given time, we are happy to help with suggestions on how to fly to Russia.
As for the transport on land there are bus connections from the Baltic countries with main routes from Tallinn (Estonia). The routes to St. Petersburg are operated by at least 3 bus companies at the moment ( for Tallinn - another option for Tallinn and for Riga )
Money - rubles - payments
Forget all about your credit card (if issued outside Russia) for the time being and use this simple recommendation: Take cash with you and exchange to rubles in a bank in Russia. Bring EUR or USD (max. 10.000 EUR/USD without declaration). Remember to bring banknotes without any defects.
Find a bank offering a good rate of exchange ( see here ). The official rate of the bank you can find on many websites, check the location of the bank and the working hours. If you arrive outside the opening hours we recommend you to exchange only a minimum in the airport.
If you insist to pay by card you have to get yourself a card valid in Russia like UnionPay bank card (Chinese) or to purchase a bank card in Russia.
Are you ready for a Russian adventure?
We are back in Russia for 2024 with our classical Trans-Siberian adventure, short-stays in St. Petersburg and Moscow, The Golden Ring and exiting stays along the railway from Moscow to Vladivostok in Perm, Ekaterinburg, Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. For climbers of Mt. Elbrus we have several departures in 2024. Fishing for salmons – contact us for exclusive tours to the Kola peninsula.
See our group tour 13th of August through The True Russia - Trans Siberian Journey
Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
Balkan Village Trek (8 days progressive ride in Teteven Balkan area)
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan
View all » what people say about us.
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Travel Advisory June 27, 2024
Russia - level 4: do not travel.
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Do not travel to Russia due to the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. U.S. citizens may face harassment or detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the possibility of terrorism. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia. The Department has determined that there is a continued risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities. U.S. citizens residing or traveling 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 is operating with reduced staffing, and the Russian government has restricted travel for embassy personnel. Furthermore, all U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.
There have been reports of drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine as well as in Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.
Russia may refuse to recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship. Russia has denied consular officers visits to detained dual U.S.-Russian citizens. The Russian government has forced citizens with dual nationality to join the Russian military and prevented them from leaving the country. In 2022, the Russian government mobilized citizens for its invasion of Ukraine. Military conscription continues.
In Russia, the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech are not always protected. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and taking photos of security staff at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who joined protests. Moreover, there are many reports of Russians being detained for social media posts.
U.S. citizens should know that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia. Due to sanctions, sending electronic money transfers from the U.S. to Russia is nearly impossible.
Commercial flight options are minimal and are often unavailable on short notice. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in leaving the country, and transportation options may suddenly become even more restricted.
Click here for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.
U.S. Embassy staff generally are not allowed to fly on Russian airlines due to safety concerns. Recently, the FAA downgraded Russia's air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2. Additionally, the FAA banned U.S. flights in some Russian areas, including the Moscow Flight Information Region (FIR), the Samara FIR (UWWW), and the Rostov-na-Donu (URRV) FIR within 160NM of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) Flight Information Regions. Check the FAA's Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices for more information.
Country Summary:
Russian officials have interrogated and threatened U.S. citizens without cause. This includes former and current U.S. government and military personnel and private U.S. citizens engaged in business. U.S. citizens may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.
Russian authorities may not notify the U.S. Embassy about the detention of a U.S. citizen and may delay U.S. consular assistance. Russian security services also target foreign and international organizations they consider “undesirable.”
Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges, denied them fair treatment, and convicted them without credible evidence. Furthermore, Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Russia.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has destabilized security in southwestern Russia. In October 2022, the Russian government declared martial law in the following border areas with Ukraine: Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Under martial law, authorities can set curfews, seize property, and restrict movement. The Russian government may detain foreigners, forcibly relocate residents, and limit public gatherings. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to these areas.
Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia's interests.” Local authorities have targeted people for posting on social media or supporting "anti-Russian" groups and punished individuals for criticizing the government or military. The Russian government's current "LGBT propaganda" law bans discussion of LGBTQI+ related topics. In November 2023, the Supreme Court labeled the so-called "international LGBT movement" as extremist. This decision effectively made it a crime to support the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in Russia.
Terrorists continue to plan attacks in Russia. The March 2024 Crocus City Hall incident proved they can strike suddenly. Terrorists may target tourist areas, transport hubs, and markets. They may also target government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and places of worship. Parks, events, schools, and airports are also potential targets. U.S. government employees under Embassy (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are not permitted to travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to those areas.
The international community does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and does not acknowledge Russia’s purported annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. Russia staged its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea and there is a heavy Russian military presence in these areas. There is intense fighting across these regions and Russian authorities there have abused both foreigners and locals. Authorities have specifically targeted individuals who are seen as challenging Russia’s authority.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv administers consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. However, the conflict limits the Embassy's ability to help U.S. citizens in these areas.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Russia.
If you decide to travel to Russia:
- Read the information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in an emergency overseas .
- Consider the risks involved in having dual U.S.- Russian nationality.
- Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government help. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
- Follow news for any important events and update your plans based on the new information.
- Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will allow you to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
- Review the Country Security Report for Russia.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Important Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia
Click Here for Important Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia
Embassy Messages
View Alerts and Messages Archive
Quick Facts
Required six months beyond intended stay
2 pages per stamp
$10,000 or more must be declared
You may export up to $3,000 (or equivalent) without declaring it
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy Moscow Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8 Moscow 121099 Russian Federation Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 or +(7) (495) 728-5577 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (495) 728-5000 Fax: +(7) (495) 728-5084 Email: [email protected]
U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok 32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya Vladivostok 690001 Russian Federation
Consular services at U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok remain suspended. Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services.
U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151 Russian Federation
Effective April 1, 2021, Consulate General Yekaterinburg suspended all consular services. Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services.
U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg
Due to the Russian government’s ordered closure of the U.S. Consulate General, as of March 31, 2018, U.S. citizen visitors and residents in St. Petersburg must contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for all consular services .
Destination Description
Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
Before traveling to Russia, consider the current Travel Advisory.
The Travel Advisory for Russia is Level 4, Do Not Travel. The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens do not travel to Russia due to the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. U.S. citizens may face harassment or detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the possibility of terrorism. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia. The Department has determined that there is a continued risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should leave immediately.
Russian authorities strictly enforce all visa and immigration laws. The Embassy of the Russian Federation website provides the most up to date information regarding visa regulations. In accordance with Russia’s Entry-Exit Law, Russian authorities may deny entry or reentry into Russia for five years or more and cancel the visas of foreigners who have committed two administrative violations within the past three years. Activities that are not specifically covered by the traveler’s visa may result in an administrative violation and deportation.
Under a bilateral agreement signed in 2012, qualified U.S. applicants for humanitarian, private, tourist, and business visas may request and receive multiple-entry visas with a validity of three years or a single entry, three-month validity visa. (Please note that other types of visas are not part of the agreement, and those visa holders should pay close attention to the terms of their visas.) You cannot enter Russia prior to the date on your visa, and you must exit Russia before your visa expires. The maximum period of stay is shown on the visa.
- You must have a current U.S. passport with the appropriate visa. Russian visas in an expired or canceled passport are not valid.
- You must obtain a valid visa for your specific purpose of travel before arriving in Russia. Do not attempt to enter Russia before the date shown on your visa. If you are staying in Russia for more than seven days, you must register your visa and migration card with the General Administration for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Students and English teachers should be certain that their activities are in strict keeping with their visa type. U.S. travelers in Russia on a student visa are prohibited by Russian law from teaching or coaching English for pay or as an unpaid volunteer.. It is a visa violation that may subject you to detention and deportation.
- Transit visas: We recommend that all passengers transiting through Russia obtain a Russian transit visa.
- With the exceptions noted below, travelers are not required to have a transit visa if they are transiting through an international airport in Russia, do not leave the Customs zone, and depart from the same airport within 24 hours.
- Travelers must have a Russian transit visa if they plan to transit through Russia by land in route to a third country or if they transfer to another airport.
- Travelers must possess a Russian transit visa in addition to a Belarusian visa if their travel route either to or from Belarus goes through Russia.
Dual Nationals: Anyone entering Russia who has claim to Russian citizenship, regardless of any other citizenship they hold, is subject to Russian law and accountable to Russian authorities for all obligations of a Russian citizen, including required military service. Russia may refuse to recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship. Russia has denied consular officers visits to detained dual U.S.-Russian citizens.
- U.S.-Russian dual nationals and Russian citizens who are Legal Permanent residents of the United States must register their dual nationality/foreign residency. Registration forms and further information (in Russian only) can be found on the website of the General Administration for Migration Issues of the Interior Ministry of Russia. Dual U.S.-Russian citizens who have not registered have been arrested.
- U.S.-Russian dual nationals must both enter and exit on a Russian passport. You 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. Parents can contact, a Russian embassy or consulate or a U.S. notary public to notarize a letter of consent. If you use a U.S. notary public, then the notarized document must be apostilled (authenticated), translated into Russian, and properly affixed. Russian authorities will prevent Russian citizen minors from entering or leaving Russia if they cannot present a properly notarized consent letter.
Crimea: Follow the guidance in the Department’s Travel Advisory for Ukraine and do not travel to the Crimean Peninsula.
Documentary Requirements for obtaining a Russian visa: Consult with the Embassy of the Russian Federation for detailed explanations of documentary requirements.
HIV/AIDS Entry Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to, and foreign residents of, Russia. Applicants for longer-term tourist and work visas or residence permits are required to undergo an HIV/AIDS test.
Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Safety and Security
Terrorism: Terrorist groups, transnational and local terrorist organizations, and lone actors inspired by extremist ideology and messaging continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They may target 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.
Terrorists have carried out attacks in Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, and bomb threats against public venues are common. If you are at a location that receives a bomb threat, follow all instructions from the local police and security services.
North Caucasus Region: A risk of civil and political unrest continues throughout the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. Local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom. In the Republic of Chechnya, local authorities may harbor particular hostility towards U.S. travelers.
- Do not travel to Chechnya or any other areas in the North Caucasus region.
- If you reside in these areas, depart immediately.
- U.S. government employees under Embassy (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the region, due to ongoing security concerns.
- The U.S. government has no ability to assist U.S. citizens in the North Caucasus Region.
Mt. Elbrus:
Do not attempt to climb Mt. Elbrus , as individuals must pass close to volatile and insecure areas of the North Caucasus region.
- Do not travel to this Russian occupied territory of Ukraine.
- The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Crimea. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv for questions regarding consular services.
- U.S. government employees under Embassy (Chief of Mission) security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to Crimea. See the Department’s Travel Advisory for Ukraine .
Harassment: Harassment of U.S.-based religious and student groups can take place in Russia, and you should be aware of the possibility of anti-U.S. sentiment or harassment. U.S. citizens, including current and former U.S. government and military personnel, may be subject to additional scrutiny by Russian security services. Remain alert, avoid any protests or demonstrations, and use discretion when commenting publicly on political developments. You can find safety and security Alerts on the Embassy’s website .
- Police do not need to show probable cause in order to stop, question, or detain individuals. Please comply with the requests of local law enforcement officials.
- Report harassment or crimes to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
Demonstrations:
- Avoid public demonstrations. U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations have been arrested by the Russian authorities.
Crime: Crimes against tourists do occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation. U.S. citizens have been victims of serious crimes when visiting Russia. Russian authorities are not always willing to investigate crimes impartially and thoroughly.
- Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Exercise caution in the vicinity of large crowds.
- Do not leave bags unattended.
- Never leave your drink unattended in a bar or club. Alcohol was a significant factor in most criminal activity reported by foreign visitors.
- Report Credit card or ATM card theft to the credit card company or issuing bank immediately.
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Cybercrime: Cybercrime is a major issue in Russia. Hackers and organized crime groups collaborate, especially targeting the financial sector. They use malware, spam, spear phishing, and social engineering to infect, steal, or compromise personal information. Therefore, U.S. citizens and companies must be alert and use cyber security measures to lower their risks.
U.S. citizens have no reasonable expectation of privacy in Russia. Telephone and electronic communications are subject to surveillance at any time and without advisory, which may compromise sensitive information. The Russian System for Operational-Investigative Activities (SORM) legally permits authorities to monitor and record all data that traverses Russia’s networks.
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for additional information on scams.
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 02 or 102, or 112 if using a mobile phone, and the U.S. Embassy at +7 495 728-5000.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. U.S. law enforcement agencies generally do not have jurisdiction to investigate crimes against U.S. citizens that occur on Russian territory.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
- Help you find appropriate medical care
- Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
- Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
- Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
- Provide a list of local attorneys
- Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
- Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical needs
- Support in cases of destitution
- Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
- Replace a stolen or lost passport.
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated. Safety inspections of equipment and facilities are infrequent Hazardous areas may lack proper signage, and construction or maintenance staff are often uncertified. In case of injury, medical care is mainly available in major cities. First responders are usually unable to reach areas outside of major cities quickly. U.S. citizens are advised to get medical evacuation insurance .
Local Laws & Special Circumstances
Arrest Notification: Russia routinely fails to meet its obligation to inform the U.S. Embassy of arrests of U.S. citizens. If you are detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. If you are a U.S.-Russian dual citizen, the police or prison officials may refuse to contact the U.S. Embassy on your behalf. Your U.S. passport does not protect you from arrest or prosecution. See our for further information.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to all Russian laws while in Russia. If you violate these laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, fined, imprisoned, or expelled, and may be banned from re-entering Russia.
Some acts committed outside the United States are prosecutable as crimes in the United StatesFor examples, see crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
- You can be arrested, detained, fined, deported, and banned for five years or more if you are found to have violated Russian immigration law.
- Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Russia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
- You can be detained for not carrying your passport with you.
- You can be jailed immediately for driving under the influence of alcohol.
- It is illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars , except at authorized retail establishments.
- You can be arrested for attempting to leave the country with antiques , even if they were legally purchased from licensed vendors. Travelers seeking to leave Russia with items like artwork, icons, samovars, and rugs, military medal, or antiques must possess official Russian certificates showing that they lack historical or cultural value. You may obtain certificates from the Russian Ministry of Culture .
- Retain all receipts for high-value items, including caviar.
- You must have advance approval to bring satellite telephones to Russia.
- 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.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
Faith-Based Travelers: Russian authorities have arrested, fined, and even deported travelers for religious activities. The Russian government recognizes four religions: Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. There are strict regulations on religious missionary work of any kind. To engage in missionary work, travelers must obtain authorization from a recognized religious group. Proselytizing outside of a registered place of worship is illegal. U.S. citizens have been detained for religious activities not allowed on tourist or humanitarian visas. See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .
LGBTQI+ Travelers: Russian law bans distributing "LGBT propaganda,” and the Russian Supreme Court has declared the so-called “international LGBT movement” an extremist organization, effectively prohibiting all expression related to LGBTQI+ issues.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia. Acts of violence and harassment targeting LGBTQI+ individuals occur.
Government officials have made derogatory comments about LGBTQI+ persons and violence against the LGBTQI+ community continues.
There have been credible reports of arrest, torture, and extrajudicial killing of LGBTQI+ persons in Chechnya allegedly conducted by Chechen regional authorities.
See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Getting around in Russia is often difficult for persons with mobility issues. In general, public transportation is not accommodating to people with disabilities. The Moscow Metro, though extremely safe and efficient in other areas, is generally not accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Sidewalks are narrow and uneven.
- Mobility is usually easier in major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- Crossing streets in large cities can be difficult, since it usually requires the use of a pedestrian underpass. These underpasses include stairs, steep ramps, and no elevators.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .
Private medical care in major metropolitan cities and tourism centers in Russia is often equal to Western standards. However, medical care is generally below Western standards in non-metropolitan areas.
- Private medical facilities require payment before providing services. They will not accept U.S. insurance as a guarantee of future payment unless it's for life-threatening care. Payment is expected at the time of service.
- The U.S. Department of State cannot pay the medical bills of private U.S. citizens.
- U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not provide coverage outside the United States without the purchase of supplemental coverage.
- Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage.
- Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems are particularly at risk.
Prescription Medication:
- 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.
- Russia does not recognize medical marijuana prescriptions. Possession of marijuana in Russia is illegal. If you bring medical marijuana into Russia, you are at risk of arrest.
- 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.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Travel and Transportation
Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions and driver safety customs differ significantly from those in the United States. In some more remote areas of Russia, roads are practically nonexistent or have poor or nonexistent shoulders.
Drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and this is generally observed. It is dangerous for pedestrians to cross a street where there is not a crosswalk present.
Do not drive outside the major cities at night.
Construction sites and road hazards are often unmarked.
Traffic Laws: Russian authorities to sometimes consider traffic or parking infractions as "administrative violations. " These can lead to deportation and denial of reentry to Russia.
- Drivers must carry third-party liability insurance under a policy valid in Russia.
- You may drive for 60 days using your U.S. driver’s license, with 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.
- Driving regulations are strictly enforced and violators are subject to severe legal penalties.
- Russia practices a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities can detain an intoxicated driver.
- If you are involved in an accident, do not move your vehicle from the accident site. You may be held liable if you move your car even if you are not at fault.
- Roadside police checkpoints are commonplace. Be prepared to stop and show identity documents and proof of registration and insurance.
Public Transportation:
Moscow and St. Petersburg have extensive, efficient public transit systems, as do many other urban areas in Russia.
In metropolitan areas, well-marked taxis are generally safe and reliable. Do not use unmarked taxis. Passengers have been the victims of robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and theft.
See our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the Government of Russia's Civil Aviation Authority is not in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Russia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Russia should check the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration site for U.S. maritime advisories and alert s. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website.
The Commandant of the Coast Guard is unable to determine if effective anti-terrorism measures are in place in Russia’s ports as required by 46 U.S. Code § 70108.
Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area.
For additional travel information
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- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
- See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Russia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
- Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
- See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Russia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.
Travel Advisory Levels
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