Russia

Most visitors to Russia do not experience safety problems. However, petty crime does occur in Russia, particularly in cities. With respect to your personal safety, be cautious and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Be alert to the possibility of mugging, pickpocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. Avoid showing signs of wealth and keep valuables out of sight to avoid being targeted for theft. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not carry large sums of cash.

Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight. Spiking of drinks with drugs is not uncommon is bars and nightclubs.

Tourists have been targeted by scams. If you suspect that someone who is not an official officer has stopped you, ask to see his or her identification. Be aware of scams, such as someone dropping a wad of cash and another person picking it up and giving you half. The person who dropped the cash or a “police officer” demands the full amount. Tourists have been forced to go to ATMs and come up with the other half of the money. If you see anything suspicious, do not help or accept anything and walk away quickly.

Many taxis are not licensed. Get your hotel to call a taxi. Agree on a fare before getting into the taxi.

Road conditions and road safety are often poor outside the major cities.

When travelling by train, do not leave your belongings in the sleeping compartment. Theft occurs on trains and the compartment locks are not secure. Never agree to look after the luggage or belongings of others or store their belongings in your compartment.

Reports indicate that in St Petersburg, well-organised gangs have targeted tourists in street crime incidents. There have been reports of bogus police officers that harass and/or rob tourists. If you are stopped, always insist on seeing identification.

Taking pictures of any military establishment or site of strategic importance (including airports) is illegal.

The Russian president has signed a law that calls for the arrest of anyone who is openly gay or supportive of gay rights. People, including tourists, can be heavily fined for “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.“ This law permits the government to arrest and detain gay or pro-gay foreigners for up to 14 days before expelling them from the country. For example, illegal “pro-gay” displays could range from hand-holding or gay-affirmative speech to even displaying a rainbow flag on a backpack. In January 2019, reports indicated that several people were killed and many detained in a move allegedly by the Chechen government against LGBT people.

Racially motivated attacks have occurred in Russia, particularly toward those of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent. Attacks tend to increase around 20 April, the anniversary of Adolf Hitler’s birthday.

Terrorist incidents have occurred in Russia. Violent incidents in major cities are usually linked to criminal/business activities and are not usually directed against foreign visitors. However, remain cautious, particularly in public places, and monitor the local news reports.

Avoid the regions of the Rostov Oblast that border Ukraine.

Avoid travel to the North Caucasus, particularly the regions of Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, the southeast part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus area), and Karachay-Cherkessia due to the high risk of terrorist activity and unstable security situation.

Avoid travel to Crimea.

Political rallies can occur in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other places across Russia. Check media for the latest information, be vigilant, and avoid any demonstrations or public gatherings, since these situations can escalate and turn violent quickly and unexpectedly.