The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Russia at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Do not travel to the north Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus, due to civil unrest and terrorism, and Crimea due to foreign occupation and abuses by occupying authorities.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Consulate in Yekaterinburg does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Please review OSAC’s Russia-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is minimal risk from crime in Yekaterinburg. With an estimated population of 1.5 million people, the city experiences moderate levels of crime compared to other major Russian metropolitan areas. The police are able to deter many serious crimes, but petty crimes still occur with some frequency and remain a common problem. Pickpockets are active, although to a lesser degree than in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Pickpocketing occurs mainly on public transportation, at shopping areas, and at tourist sites. Thieves commonly target wallets, cell phones, cameras, and high-value items. Keep wallets in an inner front pocket, carry a purse securely under the arm with compartments zipped/closed, wear the shoulder strap of cameras/bags across the chest, walk away from the curb, and carry purses/bags out of reach from passing cars. The most vulnerable areas for crime include underground entrances to and within the subway system, overnight trains, train stations, airports, open markets, and crowded tourist events.

Make copies of your passport photo page and visa, as well as credit card numbers (to include telephone contact information). These copies should be stored in the hotel or residence in the event that the original items are lost or stolen.

As a rule, lesser-developed areas in major cities have higher crime rates. Additionally, more crimes of opportunity occur during early-morning hours. Individuals who frequent bars, nightclubs, and similar establishments are more likely to be involved in physical altercations after midnight. Foreigners who consume alcohol to excess are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in/around nightclubs/bars or on their way home. Some travelers report having been drugged at bars, while others have taken strangers back to their lodgings, where they were drugged, robbed, and/or assaulted. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Corruption continues to be an issue not limited solely to the law-enforcement sector. The solicitation and payment of bribes occurs with some frequency; locals widely accept this as a common practice. Police do not normally target U.S. citizens or other foreigners.

Organized-crime groups and related violence have not targeted Americans or other foreigners. However, they could fall victim of mistaken identity or by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Reports of financial-transaction fraud and identity theft are rare and not directly attributable to particular banking institutions. Instances of U.S. citizens as victims of identity theft have occurred. The Regional Security Officer encourages the use of ATMs inside banks, when possible. Preference should be given to illuminated areas where attaching skimming devices is more difficult. Anyone who falling victim should report incidents to the credit card company or issuing bank immediately. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.

Cybersecurity Issues

The cybercrime threat is acute and ever-present. The risk of computer infection, compromise, and theft via malware, spam e-mail, sophisticated spear phishing, and social-engineering attacks is significant.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road surfaces in need of repair are a constant concern. Asphalt quality varies, and roads outside of the city may be in worse condition. Due to poor road conditions, travel times can be 2-3 times those in the United States, particularly to more remote locations. Motorcyclists should be extremely careful of road hazards. Defensive driving, increased following distances, and remaining alert to changing conditions will greatly reduce the likelihood of motor-vehicle accidents.

Impatient drivers may use paths reserved for trolleys or streetcars with an expectation to merge back into traffic. Though driving along sidewalks is not common, drivers will often park on areas of the sidewalk that may restrict pedestrian movement. Exercise great care near traffic while walking, and especially when crossing streets.

Vehicles should be serviced and in optimum condition before you travel. Although all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles are not absolutely necessary, they have great advantages during the winter. The law requires studded tires during the winter months. It is wise to carry an extra fan belt, fuses, and other spare parts. Some vehicles operate with right-side drive, even though traffic flows on the right side; this can limit visibility on two-lane roads.

When self-driving, adhere to all local driving regulations. These are strictly enforced, and violators are subject to severe legal penalties and to extortion/bribes by corrupt traffic police. Photo enforcement of traffic laws is common. Exercise increased caution when driving at night and in poorly illuminated areas outside of larger cities.

Russia has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to alcohol and driving. The maximum punishment is a two-year suspension of a driver’s license. Police may also detain an intoxicated driver until deemed sober.

Russian law requires that vehicles involved in an accident not be moved (even to the side of the road) until police arrive. If a driver moves his vehicle at all, authorities may find them at fault, regardless of contributing factors. In the event of an accident, and to avoid potential liability, do not move vehicles until traffic police have assessed the scene. For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

To mitigate highway crime, avoid driving at night or alone. Do not sleep in your vehicle on the side of the road. Do not pick up hitchhikers, as they may pose a threat to your physical safety and put you in danger of arrest for unwittingly transporting narcotics.

Staged vehicle accidents present a problem in Russia. Perpetrators usually attempt to extort money through intimidation. There have been cases in which accomplices have arrived at the scene posing as officials. A true State Inspection for Traffic Safety (GIBDD) inspector wears a black uniform (never camouflage) and a silver-red badge. Traffic police assigned to foot duty, carry a black and white baton. Legitimate police should always provide their name and rank. A real traffic inspector will never show up alone or without a police car.

Public Transportation Conditions

Yekaterinburg’s public transportation system consists of subway (Metro), bus, trolley, tram, and streetcar lines. Travelers commonly use taxis, although best practice is to arrange services in advance by calling a dispatch service or using a smart phone application (e.g. Uber, Gett, Yandex). For more information on ride sharing, review OSAC’s Annual Briefing Report Safety and Security in the Share Economy. Taxi services from reputable hotels have also proven safe and reliable. The Consulate discourages the use of unmarked taxis (sometimes referred to as “gypsy cabs”), as passengers can become victims of robbery, kidnapping, extortion, or theft. The criminals using these taxis to rob passengers often wait outside bars or restaurants to find passengers who have been drinking and are therefore more susceptible to robbery or fare dispute scams. Robberies may also occur in taxis shared with strangers.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Russia’s Civil Aviation Authority as in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Russia’s air carrier operations. Several Russian carriers have participated in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program, an industry-sponsored safety audit program.

Airport security procedures in Yekaterinburg involve pre-inspection/screening of passengers and luggage near the main entrance and a secondary detailed inspection after passport control. In recent times, authorities evacuated Yekaterinburg’s Koltsovo International Airport (SVX) with restricted access for up to two hours due to telephonic bomb threats, which were subsequently determined to have been a hoax.

Other Travel Conditions

Rapid weather changes and associated road hazards are quite common in the Ural region. From October through April, rapid accumulations of snow/ice may develop before road cleaning begins. As a result, visibility diminishes, and roads become narrower due to snow removal challenges.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is moderate risk from terrorism in Yekaterinburg. Within the last decade, Russia has experienced numerous terrorist attacks. Bombings and acts of violence have occurred at government buildings, airports, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools, residential complexes, and on public transportation (including subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights). Extremist groups occasionally threaten to set off bombs in market areas operated largely by migrant workers in major cities. Some recent examples include:

• In December 2018, a section of a nine-story apartment block collapsed in Magnitogorsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast. The accident claimed the lives of 39 people, including two children. The Russian Investigative Committee views a household gas explosion as the main cause of the accident. There have been unconfirmed suggestions in the press and some local media outlets that the household gas explosion was a terrorist attack.

• In September 2017, Yekaterinburg experienced a series of bomb threats throughout the city. On one occasion, more than 150 buildings evacuated in a single day due to telephonic bomb threats. Complete police sweeps discounted each threat as a hoax. The threats were not directed toward or isolated to U.S. or foreign establishments.
• In September 2017, a truck with gas cylinders and a barrel with gasoline rammed the front entrance of Yekaterinburg’s “Kosmos” movie and concert hall, which had been hosting the Ural film festival. According to local media, 52 firefighters were engaged in putting out the fire; no casualties were reported other than burns sustained by the driver. The perpetrator, a Russian citizen, confessed that his aim was to “take revenge on the Russian film industry” for its announced release of the Russian film “Matilda.” According to open-media sources, the perpetrator is mentally ill and is a religious zealot.

As ISIS and other prominent terrorist organizations continue to expand their global footprint, concerns will increase.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea and sanctions have exacerbated tensions between the Russian Federation and the United States. The annexation, actions in eastern Ukraine, human-rights abuses, and poor performance in fighting trafficking in persons led to economic sanctions by the U.S. and other countries against Russia. The Russian press has covered U.S. government accusations of Russian-led hacking during the 2016 U.S. presidential election widely. These events and pervasive anti-U.S. propaganda on Russian state media have led to a growth in anti-U.S. and anti-Western sentiment throughout Russia.

Small anti-U.S. demonstrations in front of U.S. Consulate Yekaterinburg occurred periodically throughout 2017. All protests were non-violent, monitored by police, and concluded peacefully. Extreme nationalist and anti-Western groups also periodically demonstrate in Yekaterinburg’s city center. The most common venue for such gatherings is the corner of Lenina Street and Pushkina Street. Some of these demonstrations caused temporary street closures.

Members of the ultra-nationalist groups “National Liberation Movement (NOD)” and “Patriots” periodically demonstrate outside of the Consulate. One or both groups were present during various Consulate receptions and celebrations from 2015-2018. At each event, the groups photographed and in some cases questioned guests and Consulate staff upon arrival/departure; the group then uploaded photos to one or more websites as part of a name-and-shame effort to highlight those individuals who interact with the Consulate. Given current bilateral relations and varying propaganda from various media, U.S. citizens should be mindful of nationalist extremists who may act on their own accord to inflict harm.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is moderate risk from civil unrest in Yekaterinburg. The Russian government sanctions and local law enforcement closely monitors almost all rallies. Nevertheless, avoid public demonstrations, authorized or not, and avoid any large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Religious and ethnic tensions exist, but there have been no recent reports of violence.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

The Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Station is located less than 60km east of Yekaterinburg, and the Mayak nuclear weapons production plant is located 150km southeast of Yekaterinburg. These local nuclear facilities pose unique and grave concerns. In 1957, a poorly maintained storage tank at Mayak’s Kyshtum site exploded, releasing nearly 100 tons of high-level radioactive waste that contaminated more than 750 square kilometers (290 square miles) of countryside. The subsequent radioactive cloud resulted in large-scale sickness and death from radiation poisoning, despite evacuation efforts. The Kyshtym disaster ranks third, behind Ukraine’s Chernobyl and Japan’s Fukushima, in severity of nuclear accidents. Today, Mayak is a reprocessing site for spent nuclear fuel.

In September 2018, Russia's meteorological service confirmed extremely high concentrations of the radioactive isotope Ruthenium-106 (Ru-106), in several parts of the country. Probes of radioactive aerosols from monitoring stations in Argayash and Novogorny contained radioisotope Ru-106. The highest concentration registered at a station in Argayash, a village in the Chelyabinsk region in the southern Urals, which had extremely high pollution of Ru-106, exceeding natural background pollution by 986 times. Moniotors detected the isotope in Tatarstan and in southern Russia, eventually reaching all European countries starting in Italy and toward the north within a few days. It did not point to any specific source of the pollution, but the Argayash station is about 30 kilometers from the Mayak nuclear facility. Ru-106 is a product of splitting atoms in a reactor, and has a use in certain medical treatments. It does not occur naturally. According to subject matter experts, exposure risk during that period was minimum taking into account the length of exposure and reported concentration levels. It is still unclear how soon the Russian government could or would notify the population in the event of a major nuclear catastrophe.

Economic Concerns

American businesses are susceptible to economic and industrial espionage. Information theft, especially from insufficiently protected computer networks, is common. Security managers should employ a wide array of techniques to counter corporate espionage, such as video monitoring devices, alarm systems, and network protection programs.

Certain activities considered normal business practices in the U.S. either violate Russian legal code or are considered suspect by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). There are particular risks involved in any commercial activity with the Russian military-industrial complex, including research institutes, design bureaus, production facilities, or other high-technology, government-related institutions. Any misunderstanding or dispute in such transactions can attract the involvement of the security services and lead to investigation or prosecution for espionage. Rules governing the treatment of information remain poorly defined.

Privacy Concerns

When traveling in Russia, maintain no expectation of privacy. Assume the government monitors all communications. Telephone and electronic communications are subject to surveillance, which can potentially compromise sensitive information. The Russian System for Operational-Investigative Activities (SORM) permits authorities to monitor and record all data lawfully that traverses Russia’s networks. A SORM Factsheet is available.

When patronizing local services for banking, security, and medical treatment, ensure that the providers are reputable organizations. Be cautious that the amount of information you make available to these institutions is appropriate. It is not uncommon for employees of some organizations to pass sensitive personal medical, financial, and banking information to criminal elements.

Personal Identity Concerns

Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia, as harassment, threats, and acts of violence have targeted LGBT individuals. There are no laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in Russia. Russian law restricts the distribution of materials promoting LGBT relationships to minors; the law is vague and applied liberally, including against foreigners.

Drug-related Crimes

Drug-related crimes are increasing. Russia is both a transit and consumer country for various drugs. The most popular drugs used are marijuana, heroin, and “spice” (a type of synthetic cannabis, also known as “bath salts”).

Kidnapping Threat

As ISIS continues to expand its global presence, remain cognizant of the threats and vulnerabilities associated with kidnappings and abductions. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Police Response

The quality of assistance from local law enforcement varies. The Consulate has received reports from U.S. citizens that some police officers were polite and professional, while others were unprofessional or unwilling to deal with incidents of crime. In some cases, local law- enforcement officers failed to take action even when they witnessed crimes in progress. Over the last several years, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) has enacted reforms to professionalize the law-enforcement service further. Abide by local laws and monitor the local news. Police do not need to show probable cause in order to stop, question, or detain individuals.

Rigorous searches of baggage and strict enforcement of customs regulations against the exportation of items of “cultural value” can occur. Authorities have arrested U.S. visitors for attempting to leave with antique items they believed were legally purchased from licensed vendors. Any article that could appear old or as having cultural value, including artwork, icons, samovars, rugs, military medals, and antiques, must have a Ministry of Culture certificate indicating that it has no historical or cultural value. Authorities may not grant certificates for certain articles, due either to their cultural value or age, regardless of provenance. Obtain and show receipts for all high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

There have been public campaigns initiated to punish endemic bribery and corruption among the police services. However, random document checks and other official actions still provide opportunity for “on-the-spot” payment of fines. It is not uncommon for foreigners to become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials. If stopped, politely obtain the officer’s name, badge number, patrol car number, and note where the stop happened, as this information assists local officials in identifying the perpetrators. Authorities are concerned about these incidents, and cooperate in investigating such cases. The Consulate recommends against the payment of bribes in any circumstance. If you find yourself in a situation where authorities are soliciting a bribe, immediately inform the police that you wish to contact your Consulate. Report all incidents of police detention or harassment to the U.S. Consulate’s American Citizen Services office at +7 (343) 379-3001 Monday-Friday during normal working hours (0830-1730), or after-hours/weekends at +7 (917) 569-3549.

Crime-Victim Assistance

U.S. citizens should report all crimes immediately to the police and to the American Citizen Services section of the Consulate. Although the emergency call system (especially outside of large cities) may not have English-language capabilities, the unified emergency-call system is expanding the use of the European standard and will have greater foreign-language capacity. Call police and medical services directly:

Police (Emergency): 112 (112 from cell phone)

Police (Non-Emergency): 02 Varies by location (002 for traffic police)

Fire: 01 (101 from cell phone)

Ambulance: 03 (103 from cell phone)

For local first responders, please refer to the Consulate’s Emergency Assistance page.

Police/Security Agencies

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) is the central law-enforcement body. State Inspection for Traffic Security (GIBDD) is the MVD entity responsible for the regulation of traffic and investigating traffic accidents.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) is the main domestic security agency. The FSB combines functions and powers similar to those exercised by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, CIA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Medical Emergencies

The emergency number for an ambulance (Skoraya Pomosh) is 03 from a landline or 103 from a cell phone. Medical care in most Yekaterinburg facilities often involves shortages of medical supplies, differing practice standards, and the lack of comprehensive primary care. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk. Those traveling to more remote areas might consider bringing more extensive medical supplies as necessary, to include a supply of sterile, disposable syringes, and corresponding IV supplies.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, please refer to the Consulate’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

International SOS Russian 24/7 Hotline: +7 (495) 937 5760 (Moscow)

Insurance Guidance

Most facilities require cash or credit card payment at the time of service. Purchase medical evacuation (medevac) insurance prior to traveling to Russia.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

While the growth in HIV infections is not new to the region, the mode of transmission is changing from drug-use-associated needle sharing to heterosexual intercourse. As a result, incidence of HIV infection among women of childbearing age is on the rise, as is mother-to-child transmission. Changes in the types of drugs used, from heroin to synthetic cannabinoids and cathinone, exacerbate the problem, as drug rehabilitation efforts in the region are limited to detoxification alone, while the authorities wage an all-out war on drugs, drug traffickers, and users. As of 2016, Russia’s Sverdlovsk Oblast reportedly had the highest rate of HIV infections in Russia; more than 85,000 registered individuals in Sverdlovsk Oblast were HIV-positive. Some experts believe the actual number is more than 200,000.

Measles outbreaks occur from time to time. Though preventative vaccinations exist, some citizens refuse them. Consult with your healthcare provider before travel to ensure all immunizations are current.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Russia.

OSAC Country Council Information

The OSAC Country Council in Yekaterinburg began operations in 2018 and continues to develop. Please contact OSAC’s Europe team or Regional Security Officer Anthony Groh (GrohAJ@state.gov) if you are interested in private-sector engagement in Yekaterinburg or have questions about OSAC’s Country Council programs.

U.S. Consulate Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

Ulitsa Gogolya 15A, Yekaterinburg 620151

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 0830-1730, except on U.S. and Russian holidays.

Consulate Contact Numbers

Tel: +7 (343) 379-3001 (after-hours: +7 (917) 569-3549)

Website: https://ru.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/yekaterinburg/

Nearby Posts

Embassy Moscow: https://ru.usembassy.gov/

Consulate Vladivostok: https://ru.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/vladivostok/

Consulate Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling to Russia should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices. The data is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in Embassies, Consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

Additional Resources

Russia Country Information Sheet