In preparation for Victory Day celebrations over the extended holiday weekend, U.S. citizens should be alert to possible disorders. Police officers will likely be conducting regular identification checks, especially near tourist attractions and near rallies. You should 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.
May 6, 2016 – MOSCOW
Throughout Moscow, the police presence will be visible – up to 22,000 officials. The Russian authorities have issued permits for an opposition rally and a Motorcyclists Festival in Central Moscow on Saturday, May 6, 2017. Traffic delays should be expected due to numerous street closures for these events.
Event: Festival of Motorcyclists
Location/Route: Prospect Sakharova to the VDNKH Exhibition Complex, Moscow
Time: 09:00 -12:00
Event: Bolotnaya Rally
Location/Route: Across Sakharov Avenue from the Boulevard to the Garden Ring, Moscow
Time: 13:00-15:00
Numbers: A permit has been approved for up to 10,000 participants
Other Locations:
While Mission Russia does not have specific information about similar rallies in other cities, U.S. citizens should be aware of the possibility of other approved or unapproved gatherings unrelated to Victory Day events. In other cities and locations you should expect a heightened police presence.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General remind U.S. citizens to avoid public demonstrations and to remain aware of their surroundings and behavior 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. - U.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.
