Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Mission Russia

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 United States.  We are monitoring the situation and have requested clarification from the Russian government.  We encourage U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States to work directly with airlines to purchase tickets.  We will send updates to all U.S. citizens enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) as information becomes available.

Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of private charter flights should commercial flights be suspended.  Further information about these flights, should they become necessary, will be disseminated through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  Please encourage your friends and family members abroad to register.

If you are unable to arrange a commercial flight home to the U.S. from the Russian Federation and wish to register your interest in a possible charter flight in the future, please follow the steps below.  Please keep in mind that charter flights are generally more expensive than commercial options, and each traveler is responsible for the cost of their ticket.

1) Ensure you are enrolled in STEP and that your information is accurate and up to date; AND

2) Send an email to MoscowCharter@state.gov with the following information for each member of your party:

Full name:
Passport number:
Passport expiration date:
Russian visa expiration date:
Citizenship (only for Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S.):
Date of birth:
Gender:
Email address:
Phone number:
Current location in Russia:
Destination:
Earliest time you can arrive in Moscow:
Current medical issues or conditions:

Please also provide information for anyone traveling with you.

As a reminder, 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.  Please read the Health and Travel Alert to U.S. citizens.  Russian officials have announced that grocery stores, pharmacies, and government offices will remain open during this period, but all other enterprises would close.  U.S. citizens should be aware that public and private institutions throughout the Russian Federation may be closed or may restrict access in accordance with this decree.  This may limit access to goods and services within the country.  As the Russian Government implements enhanced measures to reduce spread of COVID-19, travelers should be prepared for additional, more stringent travel restrictions to go into effect with little or no advance notice.   The U.S. Mission to Russia continues to monitor the situation and will provide information as it becomes available through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and U.S. Consulates General in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok are suspending routine citizenship services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg will only process emergency passports for immediate return to the United States.  Please visit our website in Moscow or Yekaterinburg for information on requesting an appointment for an emergency passport.

Unfortunately, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and notarial services are suspended.  These measures are being taken based on the Department of State’s “Do Not Travel” Global Health Advisory and the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation to practice “social distancing.”  We will resume CRBA and notarial services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time.  We apologize for the hardship and inconvenience that this may cause, but we ask for your understanding and cooperation in helping to protect the health of our U.S. citizen and global community.

U.S. citizens who need urgent assistance, or who have been ordered into quarantine, should write to MoscowACS@state.gov or call +7(495) 728-5000.

Additional Actions to Take:

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