The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is aware of the reports of fighting between Wagner Group forces and the Russian Armed Forces in southwest Russia.  The security situation in Russia continues to be unpredictable.  We will continue to monitor the situation, but U.S. citizens should be aware that the Embassy has limited ability to assess security …

Event:  February 24th will mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.  During the week of February 20, leading up to the anniversary on February 24th, rallies and other events are planned throughout Moscow and may occur across Russia.  We advise all U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings.  The rights of peaceful assembly …

  Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s …

Worldwide Cautions provide U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, and criminal activity that occur abroad, as well as specific recommendations on how to prepare for possible contingencies, receive information on breaking security events and ensure that travelers can be contacted in an emergency. This version replaces the Worldwide Caution dated January …

Last Update: Reissued with updates to wrongful detention information. Click Here for Important Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia . Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the arbitrary enforcement …

Location: Countrywide Event:  As of June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded.  Starting at 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer require air travelers to show a …

Locations:  Russia Borders Event: U.S. citizens entering Russia have reported that Russian immigration authorities have conducted searches of their electronic devices – including mobile phones – upon arrival. U.S. citizens are reminded there is no reasonable expectation of privacy when using electronics in Russia. The Russian System for Operational-Investigative Activities (SORM) legally permits authorities to …

Location:  Throughout Russia Do you know when your passport expires?  Russian immigration law is very strict and requires U.S. citizens living and traveling in Russia to maintain a valid U.S. passport.  As a reminder, Russian visas in an expired or canceled passport are not valid.  Due to Russian government-imposed staffing restrictions, the U.S. Embassy’s ability …

(May 6, 2022) Location: Russia, countrywide Event: Annual Victory Day celebrations, including the main parade in Red Square, will take place in Moscow through May 9.  Local authorities will restrict movement in event areas to facilitate rehearsals for the event.  In the past, there have been heightened police presence surrounding these events.  Given the ongoing tensions, …

Posted April 29, 2022 at 5:03 PM Location:  U.S. Embassy in Moscow Event:  The U.S. Embassy in Moscow will be closed on Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3in observance of the local Russian Labor Day holiday. Actions to Take: Be aware of your surroundings. Always carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Russian …

Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia – FAA Downgrades Russia’s Safety Rating (April 25, 2022) 4/25/2022 at 9:09 PM Location: Russia Event:  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded the air safety rating for Russia, restricting any expansion of service or partnerships as a result of Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport not complying with …

Event: U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia and those in Russia should depart immediately.  The Department of State Travel Advisory for Russia is Level 4: Do Not Travel. The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, due to Russian government limitations on travel, the number of U.S. staff, …

Event:  U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia and those residing or travelling in Russia should depart Russia immediately while limited commercial travel options are still available.  The Department of State provides information on commercial travel on the  Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia  page on travel.state.gov. This page is updated daily by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The Travel Options …

Location: Russia Event:  Dual U.S.-Russian citizens should be aware of a Russian presidential decree ordering the conscription into the army of 134,500 males between the ages of 18 and 27.  Conscription in Russia occurs semi-annually, and conscripts typically serve one year.  The first conscription of 2022 will take place from April 1 to July 15. …

Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is currently not processing immigrant or nonimmigrant visas due to Russian government restrictions on Embassy operations.  Russian citizens may schedule an appointment for nonimmigrant visa interviews at any other U.S. embassy or consulate around the world.  Please note that this suspension means that U.S. Embassy Moscow also cannot …

Travel Advisory: U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (March 29, 2022) Russia – Level 4:  Do not Travel                                            T U H K O Click Here for Important Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia (Updated Daily). Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. …

U.S. Embassy Moscow recently launched a channel on Telegram as an alternate platform to provide security information and advice to U.S. citizens in Russia and share other important information.  Access the Embassy’s Telegram channel here: https://t.me/USEmbRussia The U.S. Embassy also shares alerts and messages at a bulletin board located at Garden Ring / Novinsky Boulevard in front …

Location: Russia Subject:  Travel to the United States on Expired U.S. Passports U.S. citizens should depart Russia immediately via commercial options still available. If you are in Russia and your U.S. passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until June …

Location: Throughout Russia Event: According to media sources, mass anti-war demonstrations will continue particularly on weekends in several cities throughout Russia, specifically at central squares in Moscow and St. Petersburg.  Thousands of people have been detained in previous anti-war protests across Russia in recent weeks.  Russian authorities prohibit such demonstrations; there are reports of widespread …

U.S. citizens interested in receiving important updates from the Embassy about travel out of Russia, Embassy services, and safety information should enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollees receive direct messages such as those published on the Embassy’s Alerts and Messages page. While the STEP system is directly intended for U.S. citizens abroad, friends and family of …

Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Russia, Moscow (March 10, 2022) Location: Russia Event: On March 9, the Central Bank of Russia announced that owners of foreign currency accounts, including those in U.S. dollars, will be allowed to withdraw no more than a cumulative $10,000 in the foreign currency during a six-month period from March 9 …

Demonstration Alert:  U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (March 7, 2022)  Location: Russia Event:  According to media sources, thousands of people have been detained at anti-war protests across Russia in recent days.  Russian authorities prohibit such demonstrations; there are reports of widespread arrests of demonstrators.  U.S. citizens are reminded even non-participating bystanders can draw scrutiny from security …

Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Russia, Moscow (March 6, 2022) Location: Russia Event:  On March 4, Russian President Putin signed into law a bill criminalizing the spread of information Russia authorities deem as “false information” that contradicts the Russian narrative of its military actions in Ukraine.  Persons found guilty of violating the law face up to …

Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law.  U.S. citizens should depart …

(March 5, 2022) Event:  U.S. Citizen Virtual Town Hall on March 9, 2022 Ambassador John J. Sullivan is pleased to invite interested U.S. citizens to a virtual Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 9 at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time.  During the Town Hall, the Ambassador will address questions from U.S. citizens in Russia, in light of the …

We are providing the information below to assist U.S. Citizens planning to depart Russia given the uncertainty surrounding circumstances there following recent Russian military actions in Ukraine.  This information will be updated daily by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at  travel.state.gov . U.S. citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available. U.S. Citizens …

March 2, 2022 at 3:15 AM Location: Russia Subject:  Travel to the United States on Expired U.S. Passports U.S. citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available. If you are in Russia and your U.S. passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return …

Message for U.S. Citizens: Departure Options from Russia (February 28, 2022) Location: Russia Russia remains at Level Four – Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, …

February 26, 2022 There are multiple reports of non-Russian credit and debit cards being declined in Russia.  The problem appears to be related to recent sanctions, imposed on Russian banks following the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine.  U.S. citizens in Russia should be prepared with alternate means of payment should …

Location: Russia Event:  According to social media sources, there have been calls for demonstrations throughout Russia, including in major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, in opposition to the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces against Ukraine.  Russian authorities prohibit such demonstrations, and there have been widespread arrests of demonstrators.  Even non-participating …

Location: Multiple Russian airports.   Event: There are reports of Russian attacks on targets in several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. As part of its military invasion of Ukraine, the government of Russia imposed airspace restrictions and closed a number of Russian commercial airports until at least March 2. Additional airport closures and restrictions to Russian airspace …

Event:  According to social media, there are plans for a demonstration in Pushkin Square, Moscow at 19:00 in support of Ukraine.  There is heightened police presence in the area.  U.S. citizens should avoid this demonstration and any other demonstrations or demonstration-related activities in Moscow.  Given the possibility of crowds, you should be aware of  guidance  from the Centers for …

Location: Russia Event:  According to media sources, there have been threats of attacks against shopping centers, railway and metro stations, and other public gathering places in major urban areas, including Moscow and St. Petersburg as well as in areas of heightened tension along the Russian border with Ukraine. Actions to Take: Monitor local and international …

Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (February 09, 2022) Location: Throughout Russia The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Department of State’s Travel Advisory level for Russia is at “Level 4: Do Not Travel” for reasons including harassment against U.S. citizens, harassment by Russian government security officials, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law, as well as …

On January 23, the Department of State issued an update to the Level 4 Travel Advisory – Do Not Travel – for Russia due to ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine.  For the full text of the updated Travel Advisory, please visit the Department’s   country information page for Russia . Do not travel to Russia due to ongoing tension …

Health Alert – U. S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (16 December 2021)  Location: Countrywide       Event:  Health Exams Requirements for Foreigners:  Effective December 29, all foreigners working in Russia for a period over 90 days will be required to undergo quarterly comprehensive health examinations, including tests for sexually transmitted diseases, under a new law designed to improve health safety in the country.  For more …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia – 06-December 2021 Location: Russia, countrywide Event:  On December 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement a one-day COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers over age two coming to the United States. Regardless of vaccination status or nationality, any individual coming to the United States must …

Location: Russia Event: Limited Ability to Provide Consular Services – The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow due to Russian government limitations on U.S. staffing and the suspension of consular services from U.S. consulates. Citizenship Services: We …

Health Alert – U.S. Mission Russia (November 03, 2021) Location: Worldwide Event: On October 25, President Biden announced the United States will adopt a global air travel policy.  This policy prioritizes public health, protecting U.S. citizens and residents as well as those who come to visit us.  Effective November 8 all non-citizen, nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. …

Location: Russia Event: Status Update on Consular Report of Birth Abroad Services Due to the Russian government’s forced reduction of our consular workforce and the resulting staffing shortage, American Citizen Services are available only on an emergency basis in Moscow. We encourage U.S. citizens seeking citizenship services to schedule appointments with neighboring U.S. embassies and …

February 2, 2021 Location: Moscow, Russia Event:  Media sources indicate that demonstrators may gather at Bogorodsky val street, 8 in support of a Russian opposition activist.  The location of the demonstration may move, and streets may be closed in the surrounding area.  Recent, unauthorized demonstrations have seen a heavy police presence and a large number …

Location:  Russia Event:  As COVID-19 case numbers continue to rapidly increase in Moscow and Russia, this alert recommends that U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents traveling to or residing in Russia continue to exercise caution to limit exposure to COVID-19. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg continue to operate with …

Location: Russia, countrywide Event: The Government of Russia is currently holding a series of regional and local elections. Twenty-eight regions and numerous municipalities will open polls today through Sunday. There will likely be lines outside polling stations or crowds in other public areas. There is also the potential for authorized and/or unauthorized demonstrations preceding and …

Location: Russia, countrywide Event:   Coronavirus restrictions have been lifted in many parts of the country, increasing the possibility of encountering public gatherings.  There is also the potential for authorized and/or unauthorized demonstrations in the days preceding and subsequent to the conclusion of nationwide voting on July 1.  Should there be any demonstrations, a heavy police …

Location: Moscow, Russia Event: The Embassy is aware of reports of protests taking place in central Moscow, including Lubyanka Square and Prospekt Academician Sakharov.  U.S. citizens should avoid these demonstrations and any other demonstration-related activities.  Actions to Take: Monitor local media for updates. Avoid the areas. Avoid crowds. Avoid demonstrations. Notify friends and family of …

Location:  Russia, country-wide Event:  Routine Aeroflot Flights to New York (JFK) Aeroflot continues to operate weekly flights to the United States.  Most of these flights route from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) directly to New York (JFK).  Due to the consistency of these flights and the availability of tickets for purchase on Aeroflot’s website , the Embassy …

Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Mission Russia (May 18, 2020) Location:  Russia, country-wide Event:   Upcoming Aeroflot flight to New York Tickets are now on sale on Aeroflot’s website for a flight from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) to New York, JFK on Saturday, May 23, departing at 14:15. Please note that the Embassy is not creating lists of …

Location:  Russia, country-wide Event:  Departure of Aeroflot Flight SU102 to the United States on April 14, 2020 Yesterday, approximately twenty U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents departed Moscow for New York-JFK via an Aeroflot commercial flight.  These passengers were able to purchase tickets directly through Aeroflot at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. We have heard …

Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Mission Russia (April 10, 2020) Location:  Russia, country-wide Event:  Limited Commercial Flights We are following reports of limited commercial flights on Aeroflot to Europe and the United States.  These flights are planned to repatriate Russian citizens, but you may be able to buy tickets directly from Aeroflot.  Aeroflot flights are …

Location:  Russia, country-wide Event:  Update: Registering for Special Charter Flights to the United States U.S. Mission Russia continues to work on passenger lists for special chartered flights for U.S. citizens and, if space is available, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).  We anticipate that they will depart Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport on Thursday, April 9, 2020 beginning …

Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Mission Russia (April 5, 2020) Location:  Russia, country-wide Event:  Update on Possible Charter Flight The Department of State has arranged special chartered flights for U.S. citizens and, if space is available, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).  We anticipate that they will depart Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport on Thursday, April 9, 2020 …

Location:  Russia, country-wide  Event:  Daily COVID-19 Update for U.S. Citizens in the Russian Federation Effective March 30, the Government of the Russian Federation announced that it will close all land borders to passenger transport until further notice in order to combat the spread of coronavirus. We are aware that commercial flights out of Russia have …

Location:  Russia, country-wide  Event:  Daily COVID-19 Update for U.S. Citizens in the Russian Federation Effective March 30, the Government of the Russian Federation announced that it will close all land borders to passenger transport until further notice in order to combat the spread of coronavirus. We are aware that commercial flights out of Russia have been …

Location:  Russia, country-wide  Event:  International Flights Departing from the Russian Federation Effective March 27, the Government of the Russian Federation implemented a restriction on international flights departing the Russian Federation in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.  We are aware of media reports that limited commercial flights may continue to operate to the …

Location:  Russia, country-wide Event:  Nationwide-Holiday and Potential Cancellation of International Flights Departing from the Russian Federation Effective March 27, 2020 The Government of the Russian Federation has called for a nationwide, non-working paid holiday from March 28 to April 5, 2020 in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Russian officials have announced that …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia (March 7, 2020) Location: Moscow, Russia Event: The city government of Moscow has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the website of the …

Location: Russia Event: Heightened Middle East Tensions Heightened tension in the Middle East may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad. The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed. Actions to Take: Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in locations frequented …

Location: Moscow, Lubyanka Square Event:  According to media reports, there is an active shooter situation near the Federal Security Services (FSB) headquarters building in Lubyanka square.  Police actions related to this incident are ongoing.  U.S. citizens should avoid Lubyanka Square and the surrounding area.  Actions to Take: Monitor local media for updates. Avoid the area. …

Location:  Russia, countrywide Event:  According to local media reports, dozens of locations throughout Russia recently received telephonic bomb threats. The targeted facilities included court houses, shopping centers, and airports. In all instances, police sweeps of the area did not detect the presence of explosive devices and the calls were considered hoaxes. Local police authorities must …

Location:  Russia, countrywide Event:  During the holiday season, security measures in Russia may be heightened due to potential threats posed by European-based transnational terrorist organizations and individuals inspired by extremist ideology.  Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations such as Christmas holiday markets, shopping malls, airports, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, festivals and …

Location: Ulitsa Belinskogo 232 to Southern Park “Южный парк” (near the corner of Samotsvetnyy Bul’var and Ulitsa Akademika Shvartsa). Yekaterinburg, Russia. Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place on Saturday, October 26, 2019 beginning at 2 pm to 4 pm. Several political organizations intend to protest the political and economic policies of the Russian government.

Location: Moscow, Russia – Sakharov Square, starting at 3:00 p.m. Event: On Sunday, September 29, protesters plan to gather for an authorized protest at Sakharov Square. The protest is scheduled to take place from 3 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the number of expected participants numbering up to 20,000. A large police and media presence …

Location: Yekaterinburg, Russia – The park near the intersection of 8 March and Bolshakova Streets. Event: On Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 2 pm to 9 pm, a rally will be held by the Team Navalny (команда Навального) in support of independent candidates and the release of participants detained during last week’s rallies in Moscow.  The organizers …

Location: Moscow, Russia – Moscow Mayor’s Office, Tverskaya 13 Event:  Protestors plan to gather outside the Moscow Mayor’s office on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 14:00 for an unauthorized demonstration.  Heavy police presence is expected. Given the possible size of the protest and likely sizeable police presence, U.S. citizens should avoid the protest site. Actions to Take: …

Location: Moscow, Russia ‑ Downtown Moscow near Chistye Prudy Metro Station Event:  Supporters of a jailed Russian journalist have scheduled a protest for June 12, 2019 at 12:00 noon.  A procession from Chistye Prudy Metro to major streets south and west of the initial marshaling area (Myasnitskaya – Lubyanka – Kuznetskiy Most – Stoleshnikov – Bolshaya Dmitrovka …

Location: Yekaterinburg, Russia ‑ Labor Square by the National Liberation Movement (Национально-освободительное движение) (NOD) Event: A rally will be held on Sunday, June 9 to mark the 76th anniversary of the liberation of Donbass from German forces during World War II.  The NOD is an anti-American organization.  Police presence is expected.  U.S. government personnel are advised …

Location: Yekaterinburg, Russia ‑ in front of U.S. Consulate, Yekaterinburg, Gogolya 15A Event: Over the past week, several individuals have been demonstrating against the U.S. Consulate General  on the public sidewalk in front of the Consulate’s entrance.  The Russian police remain committed to controlling the situation and continually monitor each demonstration. U.S. Government personnel are advised …

Location: Yekaterinburg, Russia ‑ Park next to the Drama Theater, near Yeltsin Center Event: Due to the recent protests against the construction of the St. Yekaterina Cathedral in Yekaterinburg in the park next to the Drama Theater, U.S. citizens should be aware of the potential for ongoing protests over the weekend and in the next …

Location:  Russia, countrywide Event:  During the holiday season security measures in Russia remain heightened due to ongoing threats posed by transnational terrorist organizations and individuals inspired by extremist ideology throughout Europe.  Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations such as Christmas holiday markets, shopping malls, airports, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, and other …

Event:  U.S. Citizens who entered the Russian Federation on a FAN ID must depart on or before midnight on July 25, 2018.  The U.S. Embassy and consulates will not be able to intervene in visa matters, including situations in which a U.S. citizen is stranded because of they have overstayed a visa or FAN ID.  …

Location:  Moscow and other cities throughout Russia Event:  The Russian Federation will be hosting the 2018 FIFA world Cup starting today June 14 through July 15th in 11 cities throughout Russia. U.S. citizens should be prepared for: Robust police presence in and around sporting venues, Fan Zones, transportations networks, hotels, vehicle checkpoints, and major tourist sites. Large crowds …

Location:  Moscow and Yekaterinburg, and other cities throughout Russia Event:  Various organizations are planning to hold unauthorized protests, throughout Russia on May 5 and May 6, 2018.  According to media reports, the following events are planned: Saturday, May 5th Moscow — An unapproved opposition march is scheduled to take place along Tverskaya Street (from Belorusskaya …

Location:  Throughout Russia Event:  Various organizations are planning to hold rallies, marches, protests, and parades throughout Russia starting on May 1st through May 9th.  According to media reports, the following events are planned: Tuesday, May 1st (May Day) Moscow – Organized trade unions have five approved rallies scheduled to take place in Moscow from 1100 …

Location: Rallies are planned in up to 90 cities throughout Russia.  The large rallies are expected at the following locations: Moscow – A Moscow rally is planned to begin at 2:00 PM on Tverskaya Street.  This rally has not been approved by the Moscow City Administration. Saint Petersburg – A Saint Petersburg rally is planned …