Published: May 8, 2026
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Moscow
Bolshoy Deviatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, Moscow 121099
Regular business hours: 0830 – 1630, Monday – Friday, excluding Russian and U.S. Holidays
Switchboard: +7-495-728-5000 or +7-495-728-5577
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +7-495-728-5000
Consular services for U.S. citizens in Russia are extremely limited. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for all requests for consular services.
OSAC Country Chapter
There is not an active country chapter in Russia.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Russia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should not travel to Russia (Level 4) due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, wrongful detention, and armed conflict.
U.S. Government employees are prohibited from traveling to the North Caucuses Region, including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol Krai, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, Kabardino-Balkariya. U.S. government employees are also prohibited from traveling to Crimea, occupied Ukraine, and the Russian border regions with UkraineReview OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Moscow as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia.
The crime emergency line in Russia is 102 from a landline or 020 or 112 from a mobile phone. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Be aware of your surroundings, and exercise caution in the vicinity of large crowds. Do not leave bags unattended. U.S. nationals have been victims of serious crimes when visiting Russia. Russian authorities are not always willing to investigate crimes impartially and thoroughly.
While Russian Interior Ministry reports indicate a continued downward trend in all types of crime across Russia since 2020, non-government reporting suggests that violent crime has increased significantly since 2025. Reporting suggests that this increase in violent crimes, recorded as “serious” and “especially serious” crimes, may be due to the return of Russian soldiers from Ukraine; many of these soldiers were conscripted from prisons, suggesting a high recidivism trend.
Organized crime has significantly risen since the war in Ukraine began. Trafficking, money laundering, and the smuggling and sale of drugs remain significant revenue streams for these organizations. Russia is both a transit and destination country for narcotics trafficking. The government has an active illicit crop eradication program. Traffickers use Russia as a transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, Western and Central Europe to a lesser extent, and occasionally to the U.S. Russia is a major source of heroin precursor chemicals, and a major consumer of opiates. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Russia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. It should be noted that crimes in Russia rarely target foreign travelers.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Crimes against tourists, often petty theft, do occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a kidnapping “K” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Moscow as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a terrorism “T” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Moscow and St. Petersburg have been the targets of terrorist attacks, and bomb threats against public venues are common. Visitors should continue to exercise caution, as no area is immune from the threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups, transnational and local terrorist organizations, and lone actors inspired by extremist ideology and messaging continue plotting possible attacks throughout Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting 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.
Low-level militant terrorist activity remains a problem in Russia’s North Caucasus region despite increased counterterrorism activities and political consolidation efforts.
Terrorists have carried out attacks in Russia, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Russia’s Dagestan region. For example:
· On June 23, 2024, gunmen opened fire at multiple places of worship and a police traffic stop in coordinated shootings in Dagestan, killing at least 19 people and injuring 25.
· On March 22, 2024, ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack on the Crocus City Hall concert complex, killing 143 people. Russian authorities also charged three other men with assisting the attackers by providing transportation.
· On March 7, 2024, Russian authorities said that they thwarted a planned terrorist attack on a Moscow synagogue by an ISIS cell based in Kaluga, a city approximately 200km (124 miles) southwest from the Moscow city center.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Moscow as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a civil unrest “U” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstrations, as even those planned to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Do not travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, Kabardino-Balkariya, and Mount Elbrus due to risk of civil unrest. Also, do not travel to Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory and abuses by its occupying authorities.
Elections/Political Stability
The Russian Federation holds regular elections on federal, regional, and local levels. Russia’s non-parliamentary opposition and independent monitoring groups have called the elections neither free nor fair.
Opposition groups have initiated several unauthorized protest rallies against unfair or fraudulent elections. Many of the 2020 and 2021 protests resulted in large-scale detentions followed by criminal investigations against the protesters. In March 2024, Russia held its presidential election. It occurred in an environment of intense political repression that has largely marginalized independent voices. Russia’s internal repression has only intensified since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in part to minimize criticism of the war.
High-profile elections might lead to further protests and other security concerns, specifically after the elections occur. Attending these political rallies as a foreigner can result in arrest or deportation.
Protests & Demonstrations
There is the potential for civil unrest in Moscow in the form of unsanctioned demonstrations. Russian law provides for freedom of assembly, but the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech are not always protected. The law requires that organizers of public meetings, demonstrations, or marches with more than one participant has to formally notify the government of their intent to assemble in order to receive permission. Failure to obtain official approval to hold a protest frequently results in the unsanctioned protest’s dispersal. While numerous public demonstrations do take place, local officials selectively deny permission to assemble or offer alternate venues that are inconveniently or remotely located.
Visitors should avoid public demonstrations. Authorities have arrested U.S. nationals who have participated in or been in the vicinity of demonstrations.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Travelers should be aware of the possibility of anti-U.S. sentiment or harassment. 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 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.
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 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 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.
Law Enforcement
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) is the agency primarily responsible for ensuring public order and conducting routine criminal investigations. The uniform worn by the public order police is dark blue with red trim, with the word Полиция (police) across the back and a police patch on the shoulder. The State Automobile Inspectorate (GAI) is the MVD entity responsible for regulating traffic and investigating traffic accidents. Their everyday uniforms are dark blue with gray trim; inclement weather outer garments incorporate high-visibility or reflective elements.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) is Russia’s main domestic security agency. Plainclothes and uniformed officers exercise wide-ranging jurisdiction in the areas of counterintelligence, internal and border security, counterterrorism, surveillance, and economic crimes.
Though not technically law enforcement personnel, Rosgvardia (literally the Russian National Guard, though not in the U.S. sense) officers are present on the streets and patrol the center of Moscow, The agency’s primary role is riot control, the protection of key facilities, and special operations. Rosgvardia personnel wear gray-blue camouflage uniforms with Rosgvardia markings.
Police Response
The quality of assistance from local law enforcement varies. 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.
Public campaigns have been 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. Foreigners, particularly from Central Asia, are commonly victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law enforcement officers and other officials. If harassed by Russian law enforcement officers, note the officer’s name (if given), badge number, patrol car number, and where the incident happened, as this information assists local officials in identifying the perpetrators. Authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigations. The U.S. Embassy recommends against the payment of bribes in any circumstance. If you find yourself in a situation where an officer solicits a bribe, immediately inform the police that you wish to contact your embassy.
Armed Conflict
On February 24, 2022, the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, resulting in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other atrocities committed by members of Russia’s forces. International organizations and nongovernmental organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, issued periodic reports documenting abuses committed by Russia’s forces during the war; however, Russia’s forces and their proxies throughout the war methodically obstructed, harassed, and intimidated international monitors denying them sufficient access.
There have been reports of drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine as well as in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other large cities. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.
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.
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. Travelers should avoid all travel to these regions: Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Road conditions and driver safety norms differ significantly from those in the United States, especially outside of major metropolitan areas. In some more remote areas of Russia, roads are practically nonexistent or have poor or nonexistent shoulders. Winter weather, which tends to last for six months or longer, can change rapidly and cause dangerous driving conditions. Proper vehicle maintenance, winter tires, and defensive driving skills are essential. Ensure vehicles are serviced and in optimum condition before travel.
Authorities enforce local driving regulations strictly; violators may be subject to severe legal penalties. Avoid excessive speed and, when possible, do not drive at night outside of major cities. Construction sites and road hazards are often unmarked.
Russia enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol; there are strict penalties for violations that exceed the allowable blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.03. Police conduct random traffic stops and can compel drivers to submit to a sobriety test. A driver’s refusal to submit to the test equates to an admission of having consumed alcohol. The maximum punishment for drinking and driving is a two-year suspension of a driver’s license. Authorities may detain an intoxicated driver until they are sober.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and generally observe this requirement. It is dangerous to cross where there is not a crosswalk present.
Russian law requires that vehicles involved in an accident not move until police arrive. Moving a vehicle will result in that driver assuming full responsibility for damages. The only exception is a situation in which vehicles block traffic; in this case, the parties involved must take photographs from different angles and move the vehicles to a nearby location that does not block traffic.
Staged vehicle accidents are 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 Automobile Inspectorate officer wears a dark blue uniform (never camouflage) and a silver badge with red accents. A real traffic inspector should never show up alone or without a police car. Legitimate police should always provide their name and rank.
Traffic police also carry black and white-striped batons that they use to direct drivers. If a traffic police officer motions toward a vehicle with his baton, the driver should pull over immediately.
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.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Moscow, St. Petersburg, and many other urban centers in Russia have extensive and efficient public transportation systems. Though public transportation generally is safe, there is the threat of petty theft on crowded busses, trains, subway cars, and in stations. Terrorist attacks also have occurred in train stations and at airports.
Taxi companies such as Yandex and Wheely are in wide use in major metropolitan areas and provide reliable, safe, and economical services. They can be ordered using cell phone apps. When hailing a taxi curbside, be alert to the potential for substantial overcharging, particularly in areas tourists frequent. If offered bottled water in taxis, do not drink it, as there have been reports of water being drugged.
Avoid using unregulated taxis. Passengers have been victims of robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and theft. Robberies may also occur in taxis shared with strangers. Always use authorized services when taking transportation from the airport.
Aviation Concerns
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.
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 160 nautical miles of the boundaries of the Dnipro (UKDV) FIR.
The main transit airports in Russia are in Moscow: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Domodedovo International Airport (DME), and Vnukovo International Airport (VKO).
The presence of drones in areas that impact airport operations has caused periodic, temporary closures of all three main airports in the Moscow area. These closures last anywhere from three to 24 hours.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, commercial flight options have been reduced and may be unavailable on short notice. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in leaving the country. In an emergency, transportation options may suddenly become even more restricted, so travelers should monitor the news and make independent arrangements well in advance.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
The ongoing Russian war in Ukraine presents a serious and immediate threat to the safety and security of crews and vessels operating in the region. In the Black Sea and in the Azov Sea, port infrastructure and ships have been hit by projectiles causing extensive damage. This has provided enormous obstacles for shipping since the start of the war.
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.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Russia, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has included a risk of wrongful detention “D” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia, indicating that there is a continued risk of the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by Russian authorities.
Concerns involving the rule of law in Russia are high. For example, the Russian Constitution explicitly allows single-person pickets; however, there have been hundreds of cases of detention, arrest, and court decisions against protesters for staging single-person protests. Opposition activists, particularly those expressing anti-war sentiments, routinely experience official harassment, searches, and detentions. Activists often report that police interrupt meetings and conferences to detain participants and organizers.
The level of transparency is low, particularly in the justice system. Acquittal in courts is highly unlikely, especially in political cases. There have been reports of detention and arrests for internet posts or re-postings of articles, images, and video footages of opposition content. Authorities seek to introduce increasingly stringent punishments to encourage self-censorship.
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has not included a health “H” indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
The emergency number for an ambulance (“Skoraya Pomosh”) is 103 from a landline or 112 from a cell phone. Medical care can be expensive and may not be comprehensive. Medical facilities require payment in cash before providing services. Travelers should ensure that their insurance plans provide overseas coverage. Occasionally, private facilities offer high-quality services and English language translators, but many restrict services to normal business hours. The Russian national medical system provides emergency care that ranges in quality from poor to mediocre by Western standards and public medical facilities will not have English language translators.
Pharmacies are widespread and frequently offer 24-hour service, although the English language ability of staff should not be expected. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance and medical evacuation insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
The CDC recommends all travelers have current routine vaccinations as well as hepatitis A and measles; some travelers should receive inoculations against hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, and/or rabies. Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all eligible travelers.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
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.
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.
Prescription medication for ADHD, specifically stimulant medications, are also illegal in Russia. Do not bring stimulant medication into Russia. If you are unsure if your ADHD medication is a stimulant medication, ask your prescriber.
All forms of marijuana – as THC or CBD – are illegal in Russia. Accordingly, Russia does not recognize medical marijuana prescriptions. If you bring medical marijuana into Russia, you are at risk of arrest.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
The control of the drinking water quality in Moscow is continuously monitored at water treatment plants and the pumping stations. A water quality database is available for review by contacting Moscow Public Unitary Enterprise (MOSVODOKANAL) at 8-499-763-34-34. A MOSVODOKANAL review of the quality parameters exceeds all requirements by Russian standards. Outside Moscow, bottled water is recommended.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Russia.
Russia suffers from extensive land and groundwater pollution due to the lax environmental protections during the Soviet era. Russia experiences issues with air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial, municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; nuclear waste disposal; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management; and abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides
Moscow’s air quality is comparable to other large, industrial cities. There have been episodes of spikes in foul-smelling emissions (particularly hydrogen sulfide) likely due to refurbishing work at Moscow-area refineries. There have been no reports of long-term illnesses from these releases.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime is a significant problem across Russia. Russian hackers and traditional organized crime structures continue to work together, raising threats to the financial sector. The risk of infection, compromise, and theft via malware, spam e-mail, sophisticated spear phishing, and social engineering attacks is significant. Remain vigilant against cyber threats and actively use cyber security measures to mitigate risks.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Travelers 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 government continues to employ its longstanding use of the System for Operative-Investigative Measures (SORM), which requires internet service providers (ISPs) to install, at their own expense, a device that routes all customer traffic to an FSB terminal. The system enables police to track private email communications, identify internet users, and monitor their internet activity. The law also envisions the creation of an independent domain name system (DNS) for the country, separate from the global DNS.
Furthermore, the law requires domestic and foreign businesses to store personal data on servers located in the country. Companies that ignore this requirement risk being fined, blocked, or both; companies refusing to localize Russian user data may be subject to penalties ranging from 5,000 rubles ($66) to six million rubles ($78,700), with fines of up to 18 million rubles ($236,000) for repeat offenses.
Import/Export Restrictions
You must have advance approval to import 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.
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 they had purchased legally 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 certificate indicating that it has no historical or cultural value. Authorities may not grant certificates for certain articles, either due to their cultural value or antiquity. Obtain and retain receipts for all high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia. Obtain export certificates from the Culture Ministry.
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.
Russia does not recognize medical marijuana prescriptions. Possession of marijuana in any form in Russia is illegal. If you bring medical marijuana into Russia, you are at risk of arrest. Also, do not bring stimulant medication, e.g., for ADHD, into Russia.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
