The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising Nationals against all non-essential international travel at this time.

Existing advice for Russia remains in place:

The FCO advise against all travel to:

  • within 10km of the border with the Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk Oblasts
  • Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan and the districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kursky in Stavropol Krai

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:

  • within 10km of the border with the Ukrainian Kharkiv Oblast
  • North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area)

Cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Russia, and the Russian authorities have introduced a number of precautionary measures in response. On 18 March the Russian government introduced restrictions on entry into the whole country for almost all foreign citizens. The duration of these restrictions is unspecified.

There has been media reports of radiation spikes linked to a disused metals factory on Kashirskoye Shosse, near to Kolomenskoe Park, Moscow. Whilst it is understood that radiation levels drop off significantly within a short distance of the site, you’re advised to avoid the site and, as a precaution, the immediate surrounding area.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Russia.

Political rallies and demonstrations can occur in Moscow, St Petersburg and other places across Russia. Check the local media for the latest information, be vigilant, and avoid any demonstrations.

You should be aware of the risk of street crime.

Small earth tremors are recorded throughout the year without consequences.

Consular support is severely limited in parts of Russia due to the security situation. The North Caucasus remains an unstable and potentially dangerous region. The Russian authorities take a particularly strict attitude towards security, as well as compliance with visa and registration rules.

Short-term travel restrictions are sometimes applied in relation to ongoing security operations. These are publicised at very short notice, if at all.

Cross-border traffic with Georgia and Azerbaijan is also subject to restrictions.