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: moscowacs@state.gov

Consulates

U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok
32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya
Vladivostok 690001
Russian Federation

Consular services at U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok are suspended indefinitely. Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services.

U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15a,
4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151
Russian Federation

Consular services at U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg are suspended indefinitely. Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services.

U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg

Consular services at U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg are suspended indefinitely. Contact Embassy Moscow for all consular services.

DESTINATION DESCRIPTION

Review the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Russia for information on U.S.-Russia relations.  

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Before traveling to Russia, consider the current Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to Russia due to:

• Danger associated with the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine.
• The risk of harassment or wrongful detention by Russian security officials.
• The arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• The possibility of terrorism.

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 and the Russian government has 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 detained U.S. citizens will be afforded consular access or released before their entire prison sentence is served. The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals remains high. Even if the detention is determined to be wrongful, there is no guarantee of release.

Russian officials have questioned and threatened 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 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.

Dual Nationals: Russia will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship.

• Russia has blocked U.S. consular officers from visiting detained dual U.S.-Russian citizens.
• The Russian government has forced people with dual citizenship to join the military and has stopped them from leaving the country.
• In 2022, Russia started drafting citizens for the war in Ukraine. The military draft is ongoing.
• U.S.-Russian dual nationals and Russian citizens who are Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States must register their dual nationality/foreign residency with Russian authorities.  Dual U.S.-Russian citizens who have not registered have been arrested.
• U.S.-Russian dual nationals must both enter and exit Russia on a Russian passport.  You will not be permitted to depart on an expired Russian passport.  Applying for a new Russian 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.

Visit the Embassy of Russia website for the most current visa information.

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, preventing of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack U.S. citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets.

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Terrorists continue to plan and carry out attacks in Russia. In 2024, ISIS- Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow that killed over 130 people, as well as attacks in Dagestan targeting places of worship.

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.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

North Caucasus Region: A risk of civil and political unrest continues throughout the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol Krai, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. U.S. government employees working in Russia are prohibited from personal travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus. Work-related travel is permissible only if it is mission essential. 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.
• Do not attempt to climb Mt. Elbrus, as individuals must pass close to volatile and insecure areas of the North Caucasus region.
• If you reside in these areas, depart immediately.
• The U.S. government has no ability to assist U.S. citizens in the North Caucasus Region.

Occupied Ukraine and Russian Border Regions with Ukraine:

• The international community does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory. Do not travel to the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya.
• The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, offers consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya regions. However, the ongoing war limits the Embassy's ability to help U.S. citizens in these areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Crimea. See the Department’s Travel Advisory for Ukraine and do not travel to the Crimean Peninsula.
• U.S. government employees working in Russia are prohibited from personal travel to Russian regions that border Ukraine: Bryansk Oblast, Kursk Oblast, Belgorod Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Rostov Oblast, and Krasnodar Krai. Work-related travel is permissible only if it is mission essential.
• There have been drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.

Harassment: Russian officials have questioned and threatened U.S. citizens without reason. 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 so-called "anti-Russian" groups. They have punished people for criticizing the government or military. 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.

• Russian 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.

Crime: Crimes against tourists do occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation. Russian authorities are not always willing to investigate crimes.

• 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 is a significant factor in most criminal activity reported by foreign visitors.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash. 

Demonstrations: Avoid public demonstrations. In Russia, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected by the authorities. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and avoid taking photos of security staff at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have joined protests. Russian and U.S. citizens have been detained for posts on social media.

Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Russia. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Hackers and organized crime groups often work together.

Electronic devices: Travelers should carefully consider whether they need personal electronics while in or transiting though Russia and, if so, what information is stored on those devices. The Russian security services, under the auspices of the System for Operative-Investigative Measures (in Russian, SORM), have the legal authority to monitor, intercept, and store telephone, cellular, and internet traffic passing through or within Russia. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals based on information found on electronic devices. This includes information that was created, transmitted, or stored while in another country.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime 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 or moscowacs@state.gov.

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. U.S. law enforcement agencies 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.

We can:

• 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 a victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victims compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical 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 in Moscow for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry in Russia is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. 

Use of Credit/Debit Cards & Access to Foreign Currency: International sanctions have been imposed on Russian banks due to the Russia-Ukraine war. As a result, U.S. and other Western credit and debit cards do not work in Russia. Travelers may consider using local credit cards, cash, or other forms of payment. U.S. citizens should take this into account when making plans.

Be aware that the exclusion of Russia from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Telecommunications (SWIFT) system has made money transfers to and from the United States impossible. In addition, non-residents may have difficulty withdrawing foreign currency, including U.S. dollars, from accounts held in Russian banks.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to all Russian laws while in Russia. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable as crimes in the United States, regardless of local Russian law. For 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.
• You can be arrested for attempting to leave the country with antiques, even if they were legally purchased from licensed vendors. All items with potential cultural value and antiques must have certificates. The certificates show that the items 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 advanced approval to bring in satellite telephones.
• 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.

Arrest Notification: Russia routinely fails 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 in Moscow immediately. Russia will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship. Your U.S. passport does not protect you from arrest or prosecution. Review our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws.  Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States.  Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and 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 restricts missionary work. Faith-based travelers need authorization from a recognized religious group. Proselytizing outside of a registered place of worship is illegal.

Review the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Gay and Lesbian Travelers: Russian law bans distributing "LGB propaganda,” and the Russian Supreme Court has declared the so-called “international LGB movement” an extremist organization. It is considered a crime to support the human rights of gay and lesbian people in Russia.

Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia. Acts of violence and harassment targeting gay and lesbian individuals occur. Government officials have made derogatory comments about gay and lesbian persons and violence against them continues.

There have been credible reports of arrest, torture, and extrajudicial killing of gay and lesbian persons in Chechnya conducted by Chechen regional authorities.

Review our Gay and Lesbian Traveler Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Russia prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, but the law is not enforced. 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.

Review our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Russia, dial 112.

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. Payment is expected at the time of service.

Ambulance services are widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

Review our Health Abroad page for more information. The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

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 or CBD prescriptions. If you bring medical marijuana or CBD products, with or without THC, 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. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Review our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel 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 Travel Advice page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health page

Air Quality:
Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Water Quality & Food Safety: In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. You should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

U.S. citizens should leave Russia immediately via commercial options still available. The situation on Russian borders is always changing.

Departing Russia by Air: If you want to leave Russia by air, be prepared to comply with your destination's entry requirements. Direct flights are now operating from Moscow and other major Russian cities to Turkey, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Thailand, India, and other international destinations.

Departing Russia by Land: If you want to leave Russia by land, be prepared to comply with your destination’s entry requirements, which may differ from the entry requirements for travelers arriving by plane. Travelers should also be aware that not all border crossings may be open. Travelers should check the website of the U.S. Embassy in the country you wish to visit for more information.

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 to cross 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 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 traffic 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 in unmarked taxis have been 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 found that Russia's Civil Aviation Authority does not meet international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.  

U.S. government personnel outside of Russia generally are not allowed to fly on Russian airlines due to safety concerns.

Additionally, the FAA issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that banned U.S. flights in certain areas of Russian airspace due to civil aviation safety risks. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Maritime Travel: Mariners and passengers planning travel to Russia should check for U.S. Maritime Advisories and Alerts. The NGA Navigational Warnings website may also provide relevant information.

The U.S. Coast Guard is unable to determine if effective anti-terrorism measures are in place in Russian ports as required by 46 U.S. Code § 70108. Mariners and passengers traveling through Russian ports should exercise caution and implement enhanced security measures.