Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (December 18, 2025)
Event: U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to Russia – more information on the State Department’s Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) can be found on travel.state.gov .
We recommend that U.S. citizens who choose to travel to or remain in Russia despite the current Level 4 Advisory prepare contingency plans for emergency situations. During times of increased drone activity in Russia, major flight disruptions can occur. In the event of local drone activity, airports, including those in the Moscow region, frequently temporarily suspend operations, and flights may be diverted to other Russian cities. Passengers should prepare for unexpected disruptions by regularly checking the status of their flights. They also should carry additional cash in the event they arrive in a different city than planned, since credit and debit cards issued by U.S. financial institutions do not work in Russia.
If you travel to Russia with a foreign SIM card, you will not be able to access mobile internet and text messages, and in limited cases make voice calls, for 24 hours after your arrival. Users can attempt to lift the SIM card block by completing a CAPTCHA verification sent via SMS, though the system does not work with all operators and devices and may be difficult to complete in transit. Buying a Russian SIM card can be difficult for visitors and installation could take several days. Local authorities maintain control over telecommunications networks and may restrict or suspend access to mobile and internet services.
Actions to Take:
- Do not travel to Russia
- Contact your airline for updates on flight disruptions – please note passengers may experience long wait times
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP ) to receive security updates.
Assistance:
