U.S. Mission Russia
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Upcoming Demonstrations
April 26, 2017
Organizations across Russia are planning to hold numerous rallies and protests in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Pskov, Yekaterinburg, and several other cities in the Russian Federation starting Saturday, April 29 through Monday, May 1. Protests and demonstrations may occur without permission, which could lead the authorities to disperse them by force. The government has not given permission for anticipated activities on Saturday, April 29, but has issued permits for rallies taking place Sunday, April 30, and Monday, May 1, during the May Day holiday. U.S. citizens can expect:
- Abrupt disruptions to public transportation services;
- Traffic delays due to numerous street closures;
- A sizable overt police presence around rallies
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General remind U.S. citizens to avoid public demonstrations and to remain aware of their surroundings and patterns on public transportation services that might indicate that protests are gathering.
U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
For further information:
- 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 https://ru.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +7 (495) 728 5000 after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends and holidays.
- 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, or visit the Consulate website. For after-hours emergencies, call +7 (812) 331-2600 and listen to the recorded message for the Duty Officer’s cell phone number.
- S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg: The U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg is located at 15 Gogolya Street, Tel: +7 (343) 379-3001. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS Unit by e-mail at ConsulYekat@state.gov or by fax at +7 (343) 379-4515, or visit the Consulate’s website at https://ru.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/yekaterinburg.
For after-hours emergencies, you may call the Duty Officer at +7 (917) 569-3549. - S. Consulate General Vladivostok: The U.S. Consulate General is located at 32 Pushkinskaya Street, Vladivostok, Russia 690001, Tel.: +7 (423) 230-0070. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS unit by email at vladcons@state.gov, or by fax at: +7 (423) 230-0091, or by visiting our website, https://ru.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/vladivostok. The after-hours Emergency telephone number for U.S. Citizens is: +7 (914) 791-0067.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
