U.S. Mission Russia
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Current Political Climate Calls for Vigilance and Situational Awareness
April 7, 2017
U.S. Embassy Moscow reminds all U.S. citizens that the current political climate in Russia requires them to exercise the highest levels of vigilance and situational awareness. Given recent events, the possibility for large-scale demonstrations, personal harassment, and increased anti-U.S. sentiment is elevated. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Proactive practices that enhance personal safety are essential:
- Maintain high levels of situational awareness at all times.
- Keep a low profile as much as possible, and be vigilant when walking in public or utilizing public transportation.
- Carry proper identification at all times – a U.S. passport with a current Russian visa must be carried in public and produced if requested by Russian police.
- Carry a means of communication at all times. Cellular phones should be programmed with emergency contacts.
Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Country-Specific Information Sheet for the Russian Federation.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, located at 21 Novinsky Blvd. in Moscow, at +7 (495) 728-5577, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays or by e-mail at moscowwarden@state.gov or visit the Embassy website at http://moscow.usembassy.gov/service.html. The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +7 (495) 728 5000 after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends and holidays.
- U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg:
The U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg is located at 15 Furshtatskaya Street, Tel: +7 (812) 331-2600. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS Unit by e-mail at StPetersburgACS@state.gov, or by fax at +7 (812) 331-2646. For after-hours emergencies, call +7 (812) 331-2600 and listen to the recorded message for the Duty Officer’s cell phone number. - U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok:
The U.S. Consulate General is located at 32 Pushkinskaya Street, Vladivostok, Russia 690001, Tel.: +7 (423) 230-0070, fax: +7 (423) 230-0091, Emergency telephone: +7 (914) 791-0067 (24 hours) E-mail: vladcons@state.gov - U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg:
The U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg is located at 15 Gogolya Street, Tel: +7 (343) 793-001. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS Unit by e-mail at ConsulYekat@state.gov or by fax at +7 (343) 379-4515. For after-hours emergencies, you may call the Duty Officer at +7 (917) 569-3549. - To reach the Department of State’s Citizens Emergency Center, call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free if within the United States or Canada. Call 1-202-501-4444 from all other countries.
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