Review the latest State Department Travel Advisory about Russia. Do not travel to Russia for any reason. U.S. citizens are at risk due to terrorism, unrest, wrongful detention, and other threats.
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to Russia for any reason due to terrorism, unrest, wrongful detention and other risks.
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. The Russian government has also 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 the Russian government will grant the U.S. Embassy consular access to detained U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens may serve their entire prison sentence without release. The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens remains high. Even if a case is determined wrongful, there is no guarantee of release.
Russian officials often question and threaten 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 have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens for their religious activities.
There have been drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine, and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities. In 2024, ISIS Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack at Crocus Music Hall in Moscow. This attack killed 130 people. They also targeted places of worship in Dagestan. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.
Dual citizenship
Russia will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship.
Demonstrations
In Russia, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected rights. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and taking photos of security staff at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have joined protests. Russians and U.S. citizens have been detained for posts on social media.
Electronic devices
Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Russia. U.S. citizens should assume all electronic communications and devices in Russia are monitored by Russian security services. 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.
Debit and credit cards
U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia. Due to sanctions, sending electronic money transfers from the United States to Russia is nearly impossible. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist with transferring money to circumvent sanctions.
Air travel
There are few commercial air travel options available. It may not be easy to book flights on short notice. If you wish to leave Russia, you should make your own travel plans. The U.S. Embassy can only offer limited help to U.S. citizens trying to leave. Transportation options could become even more limited at any time.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded Russia's air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2 due to safety concerns. U.S. government personnel are generally not allowed to fly on Russian airlines due to safety concerns.
Additionally, the FAA banned U.S. flights within certain areas of Russian airspace, by issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of these certain areas. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Laws and special circumstances
Russian officials have questioned, threatened, and detained U.S. citizens without reason. This includes both former and current U.S. government and military personnel, as well as private U.S. citizens. Russian authorities have a history of wrongfully detaining U.S. nationals and using them as bargaining chips.
Security
Drone attacks and explosions have taken place 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.
Russia's war in 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:
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. They have punished people for criticizing the government or military.
Gay and lesbian travelers
The Russian government's "propaganda" law bans discussion of gay and lesbian topics. The community has been labeled as “extremist,” and it is considered a crime to support the human rights of gay and lesbian people in Russia. Displaying certain symbols, including the rainbow flag, is a crime. Foreigners found guilty of violating this law may be arrested and detained for up to 15 days and then deported.
Terrorism
Terrorists continue to plan and carry out attacks in Russia. The March 2024 Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow proved terrorists can strike without warning.
U.S. government employees working in Russia are prohibited from traveling to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus.
Russian annexation of territories
The international community does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya.
Russia staged its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea. There is a heavy Russian military presence in these areas and intense fighting across these regions.
Russian authorities have abused foreigners and locals. In particular, they have targeted people who they see as opposing Russia’s authority.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine offers consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. However, the ongoing war limits the embassy's ability to help U.S. citizens in these areas.
Russia is located in both Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, spanning the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres. It shares land borders with 14 countries, including China, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. Russia has maritime borders with the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea.
Russia is the largest country in the world by land area. It covers a large and diverse landscape. It is composed of numerous geographic regions, including the Siberian Plain, the Ural Mountains, and the Russian Far East.
Russia spans 11 time zones, from Kaliningrad Time (UTC+2) in the west to Kamchatka Time (UTC+12) in the east. The country observes daylight saving time in some regions, depending on local policies. Russia is 8 hours ahead of Washington, D.C., during Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the west. In the east, it can be up to 17 hours ahead.
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
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Explore our travel guidance topics to prepare for your trip abroad.
Russian authorities strictly enforce all visa and immigration laws.
Russia will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship.
There are some HIV and AIDS entry restrictions for visitors and foreign residents of Russia. Russia criminalizes HIV transmission, exposure, and non-disclosure.
The following applicants must complete an HIV and AIDS test:
Avoid travel to Russia due to:
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.
Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. In its 2023 terrorism report, the U.S. government observed the Russian government’s continuing concern about violent extremist Islamic groups, including those with ideological ties to ISIS and al-Qa’ida.
Terrorists may target:
Terrorists continue to plan and carry out attacks in Russia.
Bomb threats against public venues are common. If you are at a location with a bomb threat, follow all instructions from the local police and security services.
The risk of civil and political unrest continues throughout the North Caucasus region. This includes:
U.S. government employees working in Russia are prohibited from personal travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus. Only necessary work-related travel is allowed. Local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom. In the Republic of Chechnya, local authorities could be hostile to U.S. travelers.
Russian officials have questioned and threatened U.S. citizens without reason.
Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.
Financial and internet romance scams are common in Russia. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.
Common scams include:
If using dating apps or websites in Russia:
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 02 or 102, or 112 if using a mobile phone.
Review our information for Victims of Crime.
The U.S. embassy or consulate can:
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:
Prior to using GPS abroad:
The tourism industry is not well regulated:
U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.
Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.
Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:
Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:
It is illegal to support the human rights of gay and lesbian people in Russia.
The law in Russia prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, but the law is not enforced.
There are credible reports of serious human rights abuses in Russia. These include summary executions, torture, and rape.
Ambulance services are widely available. However, training and availability of emergency responders are below U.S. standards.
Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.
Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more information:
If you are considering traveling to Russia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Russia. For additional information, visit the Government of Russia website.
Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.
Choose commercial options to leave Russia, if they are available. The situation on Russian borders is always changing.
Leaving by air
Leaving by land
Make sure you follow your destination’s entry requirements. These may be different from the entry requirements for travelers arriving by plane.
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.
Mariners planning travel to Russia should check the following:
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 in Russian ports should be careful and use stronger security measures.
There are multiple climate zones, from Arctic conditions in the north to temperate climates in the south. Russia’s large geography makes it susceptible to a variety of weather events and natural disasters.
Russia is known for its harsh winters from November to March. This is most common in Siberia and northern regions. Temperatures can drop below -50°F (-45°C). The peak intensity is from December to February. Snowstorms and blizzards are common, causing transportation disruptions, power outages, and dangerous conditions.
Flooding is a frequent issue in Russia in the spring and summer. Snowmelt causes rivers to overflow from April to June, and from July to August. Heavy rainfall during summer can also lead to flash floods in the south. This occurs near major rivers like the Volga, Amur, and Lena.
Wildfires are a growing concern in Russia in the summer months. This is most common in Siberia and other forested regions. Dry conditions, heatwaves, and human activity contribute to the spread of fires. They can damage ecosystems, impact air quality, and threaten nearby communities.
Russia has experienced frequent heatwaves in recent years in the south and central regions. They are most common in the summer. Long exposure to high temperatures can cause health risks, damage infrastructure, and increase the likelihood of wildfires.
Earthquakes are not as common but can occur in Russia. They can occur year-round, particularly in the Far East (Kamchatka Peninsula, Sakhalin Island) and the Caucasus regions.
Landslides may follow heavy rainfall or seismic activity in mountainous areas. These occur during the spring and summer months due to snowmelt and rain.
Stay informed about weather conditions through the Roshydromet’s website. It provides detailed forecasts and alerts.
If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation
Online Navigator: U.S. Citizens Services Assistance
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
Last Updated: December 29, 2025
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