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RUSSIA
Background Note:Russia
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OFFICIAL NAME:
Russia |
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Russia is
a vast and diverse nation that continues to evolve politically,
economically, and socially. Travel and living conditions
in Russia contrast sharply with those in the United States.
Major urban centers show tremendous differences in economic development
compared to rural areas. While good tourist facilities exist
in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and some other large cities, they are
not developed in most of Russia, and some of the goods and services
taken for granted in other countries are not yet available.
Travel to the Caucasus region of Russia is dangerous. The
Department of State recommends Americans not travel to Chechnya
and adjoining areas, and recommends that Americans who are in
these regions depart immediately.
ENTRY/EXIT
REQUIREMENTS: The Russian government maintains a restrictive
and complicated visa regime for foreign travelers who visit, transit,
or reside in the Russian Federation. The Russian system
includes requirements of sponsorship, visas for entry and exit,
migration cards, and registration. American citizens who
also carry Russian passports face additional complicated regulations.
Dual citizen minors who travel on their Russian passports also
face special problems.
Russian immigration
and visa laws change regularly. The implementation of immigration
laws has not always been transparent or predictable. In
addition, Russian immigration officials at times implement laws
and regulations governing entry and exit inconsistently, especially
in remote areas.
The Russian
government does not recognize the standing of U.S. consular officers
to intervene in visa cases. The U.S. diplomatic mission
in Russia is not able to act as sponsor, submit visa applications,
register private travelers, or request that visas or migration
cards be corrected, replaced, or extended (Please see the paragraphs
below regarding Sponsorship).
Entry Visas:
Before traveling to Russia, U.S. citizens should verify the latest
requirements with the nearest Russian Embassy or Consulate (for
contact information for the Russian Embassy and Consulates in
the United States, please refer to the last paragraph of this
section).
U.S. citizens
must always possess a valid U.S. passport and appropriate visas
for travel to or transit through Russia, whether by train, car,
ship, or airplane. It is impossible to obtain a Russian
entry visa upon arrival. Travelers must obtain visas well
in advance of travel from a Russian Embassy or Consulate in the
United States or in a third country. Travelers who arrive
without an entry visa are not permitted to enter Russia and face
immediate expulsion by route of entry, at the travelers expense.
Foreigners must apply for Russian visas in their country of citizenship,
unless they have permission to stay for more than 90 days in the
country where they are making the visa application.
U.S. citizens
transiting Russia en route to any other country are strongly advised
to have transit visas. It is theoretically possible to transit
Russia without a visa but in several instances, travelers experienced
delays and hardships because they did not have a transit visa.
Similarly, Russia-bound U.S. citizens attempting to transit Belarus
or the Central Asian republics without visas have encountered
difficulties. U.S. citizens are strongly advised to check
the visa requirements for all countries on their itinerary.
A Russia entry/exit
visa has two dates written in the European style (day. month,
year) as opposed to the American style (month/day/year).
The first date indicates the earliest day a traveler may enter
Russia; the second date indicates the date by which a traveler
must leave Russia. A Russian visa is only valid for those
exact dates.
Russian tourist
visas are often granted only for the specific dates mentioned
in the invitation letter provided by the sponsor. U.S. citizens
often receive visas valid for periods as short as four days.
Even if the visa is misdated through error of a Russian Embassy
or Consulate, the traveler will still not be allowed into Russia
before the visa start date or be allowed to leave after the visa
expiration date. Any mistakes in visa dates must be corrected
before the traveler enters Russia. It is helpful to have
someone who reads Russian check the visa before departing the
United States.
Visas are
valid for specific purposes and dates. Travelers should
ensure that they apply for and receive the correct visa that reflects
their intended action in Russia (i.e., student visa, religious
worker visa, commercial visa). Foreigners can be expelled
for engaging in activities inconsistent with their visas.
All travelers
must list on the visa application all areas to be visited and
subsequently register with authorities upon arrival at each destination
(see details below). This is normally done through the travelers
hotel or local sponsor. There are several closed cities
throughout Russia. Travelers who attempt to enter these
cities without prior authorization are subject to fines, court
hearings and/or deportation. Travelers should check with
their sponsor, hotel, or the nearest Russian visa and passport
office before traveling to unfamiliar cities and towns.
Limitations
on Length of Stay: In October 2007, the Russian government
made significant changes to its rules regarding the length of
stay permitted to most foreign visitors. For any visa issued
on or after October 18, 2007, unless that visa specifically authorizes
employment or study, a foreigner may stay in Russia only 90 days
in any 180-day period. This applies to business, tourist,
humanitarian and cultural visas, among other categories.
Failure to comply with this rule could result in arrest, deportation,
and a five-year ban from entering Russia.
Sponsorship:
Under Russian law, every foreign traveler must have a Russian-based
sponsor (a hotel, tour company, relative, employer, etc).
The official sponsor is listed on the visa. Generally speaking,
visas sponsored by Russian individuals are guest visas, and visas
sponsored by tour agencies or hotels are “tourist” visas.
Note that travelers who enter Russia on A tourist visas, but who
then reside with Russian individuals, may have difficulty registering
their visas and migration cards and may be required by Russian
authorities to depart Russia sooner than they had planned.
Even if a
visa was obtained through a travel agency in the United States,
there is always a Russian legal entity whose name is indicated
on the visa and who is considered to be the legal sponsor. It
is important for travelers to know who their legal sponsor is
and how to contact that sponsor. Russian law requires that
the sponsor must apply on the travelers behalf for replacement,
extension, or changes to a Russian visa. U.S. citizens are
strongly advised to obtain the contact information of the visa
sponsor from their tour company or hotel, in advance. To
resolve any visa difficulties (lost visa, expired visa), the travelers
sponsor must contact the nearest Russian visa and passport office
(OVIR/UVIR) for assistance. Resolving the visa problem usually
requires the payment of a fee and a wait of up to twenty calendar
days.
Exit Visa:
A valid visa is necessary to depart Russia. Generally, the
visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate is valid for entry
and exit. It is helpful to make a photocopy of your visa
in the event of loss, but note that a copy of your visa will not
be sufficient for leaving the country, as Russian immigration
officials always ask for the original.
Visitors who
lose or have their U.S. passport and Russian visa stolen must
replace their passport at the U.S. Embassy or one of the Consulates
General, and then obtain a new visa to depart with the assistance
of their sponsor (see above). Without a valid visa in their
new U.S. passports, U.S. citizens cannot leave Russia. As
noted above, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General are not able
to intercede in cases in which visas must be replaced, corrected,
or extended.
Travelers
who overstay their visas validity, even for one day, will be prevented
from leaving until their sponsor intervenes and requests a visa
extension on their behalf (see above). United States citizens
without valid visas face significant delays - up to 20 days -
in leaving Russia, and may have trouble finding adequate accommodation.
A foreigner in Russia without a valid visa may also be subject
to arrest and detention. Travelers with an expired visa
may have difficulty checking into a hotel, guesthouse, hostel,
or other lodging establishment in Russia. There are no adequate
public shelters or safe havens in Russia and neither the U.S.
Embassy nor the Consulates General have means to accommodate such
stranded travelers.
Visas for
students and English teachers sometimes allow only one entry.
In these cases, the sponsoring school is responsible for registering
the visa and migration card and obtaining an exit visa.
Obtaining an exit visa can take up to twenty days so students
and teachers need to plan accordingly.
Migration
Card: All foreigners entering Russia must fill out a migration
card, depositing one part with immigration authorities at the
port of entry and holding on to the other part for the duration
of their stay. Upon exit, the migration card, which serves
as a record of entry, exit, and registration, must be submitted
to immigration authorities. The card is also necessary to
register at hotels.
Migration
cards, in theory, are available at all ports of entry from Russian
immigration officials (Border Guards). The cards are generally
distributed to passengers on incoming flights and left in literature
racks at arrival points. Officials at borders and airports
usually do not point out these cards to travelers; it is up to
the individual travelers to find them and fill them out.
From time to time, various ports of entry even the major international
airport in Moscow run out of these cards. There is no mechanism
to obtain such cards once a traveler has entered into Russia.
The Russian government has not indicated what a traveler should
do in such a case.
Replacing
a lost or stolen migration card is extremely difficult.
While authorities will not prevent foreigners from leaving the
country if they cannot present their migration cards, travelers
could experience problems when trying to reenter Russia at a future
date.
Although Russia
and Belarus use the same migration card, travelers should be aware
that each country maintains its own visa regime. U.S. citizens
wishing to travel to both nations must apply for two separate
visas, and obtain a new migration card upon entering each country.
Transit Through
Russia: Travelers transiting through Russia en route to
a third country should be aware that a Russian transit visa is
normally required. Even travelers who are simply changing
planes in Moscow or another international airport in Russia for
an onward destination will be asked to present a transit visa
issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. Russian authorities
may refuse to allow a U.S.citizen who does not have a transit
visa to continue with his or her travel, obliging the person to
immediately return to the point of embarkation.
Visa Registration:
Travelers who spend more than three days in the country must register
their visa and migration card through their sponsor. However,
travelers spending less than three days are advised to register
their visas as well, since they may encounter problems finding
lodging without proper registration. Travelers staying in
a hotel must register their visa and migration card with their
hotel within one day. The Embassy is aware of incidents
in which U.S. citizens have been arrested and detained for not
having properly registered visas.
Police have
the authority to stop people and request their documents at any
time without cause. Due to the possibility of random document
checks by police, U.S. citizens should carry their original passports,
registered migration cards, and visas with them at all times.
Failure to provide proper documentation can result in detention
and/or heavy fines. It is not necessary for travelers to
have either entry or itinerary points in the Russian Federation
printed on their visas.
Special Entry/Exit
Requirements for International Cruise Ship Passengers: International
cruise ship passengers are permitted to visit Russian ports without
a visa for a period of up to 72 hours. Passengers who wish
to go ashore during port calls may do so without a visa only if
they are part of an organized tour, operated by a licensed Russian
tour company approved by the Russian Immigration Service.
According to Russian legislation, cruise passengers on organized
tours must remain with their tour group and/or a representative
of their tour company at all times while ashore. Tour operators
affiliated with cruise companies as well as a variety of local
tour operators in Russia are licensed to provide tour services
to cruise passengers. Note: These special entry/exit requirements
do not apply to river boat cruise passengers and travelers coming
to Russia on package tours. These travelers will need to apply
for visas prior to entry, and should follow the general guidelines
provided for entry/exit requirements.
American Citizens
Also Holding Russian Passports: The U.S. government recognizes
that dual nationality
exists, but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because
of the problems it may cause. It expects American citizens
to travel on U.S. passports. However, possessing and traveling
on a Russian passport outside of the United States does not negate
a travelers American citizenship. American citizens who
choose to enter Russia on a Russian passport do face several possible
difficulties.
U.S. citizens
who have at one time held Russian citizenship are often required
to renounce Russian citizenship before applying for a Russian
visa in their U.S. passport. Unless a Russian citizen has
formally renounced his or her Russian citizenship through a Russian
Embassy or Consulate, he or she always risks being considered
a Russian citizen and not allowed to depart on any travel document
except a Russian passport. This can also interfere with
access to U.S. consular services in case of an emergency.
This risk is greatly diminished if the traveler enters Russia
on a U.S. passport and Russian visa.
Dual nationals
should also be aware that Russian authorities will not permit
departure from Russia using a U.S. passport if that person's Russian
passport has expired. The traveler will be required to obtain
a new Russian passport a process that can take several months.
Russian external passports extended by Russian Consulates or Embassies
overseas are not considered valid for departure from Russia no
matter how long the extension. Bearers of such passports
will have to apply for a new passport inside the country.
Males of conscript
age (18 - 27 years old) who are deemed to be Russian citizens
may experience problems if they have not satisfied their military
service requirement.
In an effort
to prevent international child abduction, many governments have
initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include
requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission
for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if
not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if
not legally required, may facilitate entry/departure.
American citizen
minors, who also have Russian citizenship, and who are traveling
on their Russian passports, must have a power-of-attorney, written
in Russian, allowing them to travel if they are traveling alone
or in the company of adults who are not their parents. Such
minors will be prevented from leaving Russia if they cannot present
such a power-of-attorney.
For additional
information concerning entry and exit requirements, travelers
may contact the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Consular Section,
2641 Tunlaw Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20007, tel. 202-939-8907.
In addition, there are Russian Consulates in:
Houston :
1333 West Loop South, Ste.1300, Houston, TX 77027
, tel. 713-337-3300
New York : 9 East 91 St., New York, NY 10128 , tel.
212-348-0926
San Francisco : 2790 Green St., San Francisco, CA
94123 , tel. 415-928-6878 or 415-202-9800
Seattle : 2323 Westin Building , 2001 6th Ave., Seattle, WA
98121 , tel. 206-728-1910.
Visit the
Embassy of the Russian Federation web site at http://www.russianembassy.org/ for the
most current visa information.
Information
about dual nationality
or the prevention of international
child abduction can be found on our web site. For further
information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information
sheet.
SAFETY
AND SECURITY: Due to continued civil and political
unrest throughout much of the Caucasus region, the Department
of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Chechnya
and all areas that border it: North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan,
Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya.
The U.S. Government’s ability to assist Americans who travel
to the northern Caucasus is extremely limited. Throughout
the region, local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including
Americans, for ransom. U.S. citizens have disappeared in
Chechnya and remain missing. Close contacts with the local
population do not guarantee safety. There have been several
kidnappings of foreigners and Russians working for media and non-governmental
organizations in the region. Due to the ongoing security
concerns, U.S. Government travel to the area is very limited.
American citizens residing in these areas should depart immediately
as the safety of Americans and other foreigners cannot be effectively
guaranteed.
Acts of terrorism,
including bombings and hostage taking, have occurred in Russia
over the last several years. Bombings have occurred at Russian
government buildings, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment
venues, schools, residential complexes, and on public transportation
including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights.
Hostage-taking incidents have included a raid on a school that
resulted in horrific losses of life of children, teachers, and
parents.
There is no
current indication that American institutions or citizens are
targets, but there is a general risk of American citizens being
victims of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. American citizens
in Russia should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow
good security practices. Americans are urged to remain vigilant
and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form
of public transportation. When traveling, Americans may
wish to provide a friend, family member, or coworker a copy of
their itinerary. Americans should avoid large crowds and
public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures.
Travelers should also exercise a high degree of caution and remain
alert when patronizing restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, bars,
theaters, etc., especially during peak hours of business.
American citizens
living in Russia or traveling there for even a few days are strongly
urged to register with the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate General.
Registration will allow the embassy to provide direct information
on the security situation as necessary. Registration can
be done on-line and can be done in advance of travel.
For the latest
security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly
monitor the Department’s web site, where the current Worldwide Caution,
Travel Warnings and other Travel Alerts can be found.
Up-to-date
information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers
outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department
of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their
own personal security while traveling overseas. For general
information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect
themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of States
pamphlet A Safe Trip
Abroad.
CRIME:
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General continue to receive reports
of unprovoked, violent harassment against racial and ethnic minorities,
including well-publicized cases in which members of minorities
have been beaten and in several instances, murdered. Travelers
are urged to exercise caution in areas frequented by skinhead
groups and wherever large crowds have gathered. Americans
most at risk are those of African, South Asian, or East Asian
descent, or those who, because of their complexion, are perceived
to be from the Caucasus region or the Middle East. These
Americans are also at risk for harassment by police authorities.
Visitors to
Russia need to be alert to their surroundings. In large
cities, they need to take the same precautions against assault,
robbery, or pickpockets that they would take in any large U.S.
city:
- keep billfolds in inner front pockets,
- carry purses tucked securely under arms,
- wear the shoulder strap of cameras or bags across the chest,
- walk away from the curb and carry purses away from the street.
The most vulnerable
areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains,
train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, and restaurants.
Groups of
children and adolescents have been aggressive in some cities,
swarming victims, or assaulting and knocking them down.
They frequently target persons who are perceived as vulnerable,
especially elderly tourists or persons traveling alone.
Some victims report that the attackers use knives. Persons
carrying valuables in backpacks, in back pockets of pants and
in coat pockets are especially vulnerable to pickpockets.
Foreigners
who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault
and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home.
Some travelers have been drugged at bars, while others have taken
strangers back to their lodgings, where they were drugged, robbed
and/or assaulted.
In many cases
involving stolen credit cards, thieves use them immediately.
Victims of credit card or ATM card theft should report the theft
to the credit card company or bank without delay.
Travelers
are advised to be vigilant in bus and train stations and on public
transport. Always watch for pickpockets in these areas.
Bogus trolley inspectors, who aim to extort a bribe from individuals
while checking for trolley tickets are also a threat. Travelers
have generally found it safer to travel in groups organized by
reputable tour agencies. Robberies may occur in taxis shared
with strangers. Travelers should be aware that there are
few registered taxi services in Russia and should be aware of
the safety risks inherent in flagging down informal or A gypsy
cabs.
A common street
scam in Russia is the turkey drop in which an individual accidentally
drops the money on the ground in front of an intended victim,
while a confederate either waits for the money to be picked up,
or picks up the money himself and offers to split it with the
pedestrian. The individual who dropped the currency returns,
aggressively accusing both of stealing the money. This confrontation
generally results in the pedestrians money being stolen.
Avoidance is the best defense. Do not get trapped into picking
up the money, and walk quickly away from the scene.
To avoid highway
crime, travelers should try not to drive at night, especially
when alone, or sleep in vehicles along the road. Travelers
should not, under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers: they
not only pose a threat to physical safety, but also put the driver
in danger of being arrested for unwittingly transporting narcotics.
Extortion
and corruption are common in the business environment. Threats
of violence and acts of violence are commonly resorted to in business
disputes. Organized criminal groups and sometimes local
police target foreign businesses in many cities and have been
known to demand protection money. Many Western firms hire
security services that have improved their overall security, although
this is no guarantee. Small businesses are particularly
vulnerable. U.S. citizens are encouraged to report all extortion
attempts to the Russian authorities and to inform consular officials
at the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate General.
Travelers
should be aware that certain activities that would be normal business
activities in the United States and other countries are either
illegal under the Russian legal code or are considered suspect
by the FSB (Federal Security Service). U.S. citizens should
be particularly aware of potential risks involved in any commercial
activity with the Russian military-industrial complex, including
research institutes, design bureaus, production facilities or
other high technology, government-related institutions.
Any misunderstanding or dispute in such transactions can attract
the involvement of the security services and lead to investigation
or prosecution for espionage. Rules governing the treatment
of information remain poorly defined.
It is not
uncommon for foreigners in general to become victims of harassment,
mistreatment and extortion by law enforcement and other officials.
Police do not need to show probable cause in order to stop, question
or detain individuals. If stopped, travelers should try
to obtain, if safe to do so, the officer’s name, badge number,
and patrol car number, and note where the stop happened, as this
information assists local officials in identifying the perpetrators.
Authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated
in investigating such cases. Travelers should report crimes
to the U.S. Embassy or the nearest Consulate General.
Internet Dating
Schemes: The U.S. Embassy receives reports almost every
day of fraud committed against U.S. citizens by Internet correspondents
professing love and romantic interest. Typically, the correspondent
asks the U.S. citizen to send money or credit card information
for living expenses, travel expenses, or “visa costs.”
The anonymity of the Internet means that the U.S. citizen cannot
be sure of the real name, age, marital status, nationality, or
gender of the correspondent. The U.S. Embassy has received
many reports of citizens losing thousands of dollars through such
scams. American citizens are advised never to send money
to anyone they have not met in person. See our flyer on
Internet dating schemes.
In many countries
around the world including Russia, counterfeit and pirated goods
are widely available. In Russia, CD and DVD piracy is an
especially serious problem. Transactions involving such
products are illegal under Russian law, and the Russian government
has markedly increased its enforcement activities against intellectual
property rights infringements. In addition, bringing counterfeit
and pirated products back to the United States may result in forfeitures
and/or fines. More information on this serious problem is
available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Reports_Publications/2006/2006_Special_301_Review/Section_Index.html.
INFORMATION
FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a
U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police
and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the
victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to
local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example,
assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members
or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although
the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility
of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand
the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if
needed.
MEDICAL
FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in most
localities is below Western standards; shortages of medical supplies,
differing practice standards and the lack of comprehensive primary
care all combine to make the medical system difficult to negotiate
as well as suspect. The few facilities in Moscow and St. Petersburg
that approach acceptable standards do not necessarily accept all
cases (i.e., they may not be licensed to treat trauma, infectious
disease or maternity cases). Access to these facilities
usually requires cash or credit card payment at Western rates
at the time of service.
Elderly travelers
and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk.
Elective surgeries requiring blood transfusions and non-essential
blood transfusions are not recommended, due to uncertainties surrounding
the local blood supply. Most hospitals and clinics in major
urban areas have adopted the use of disposable IV supplies, syringes
and needles as standard practice; however, travelers to remote
areas might consider bringing a supply of sterile, disposable
syringes and corresponding IV supplies for eventualities.
Travelers should refrain from visiting tattoo parlors or piercing
services due to the risk of infection.
Outbreaks
of diphtheria and Hepatitis A have been reported throughout the
country, even in large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend
up-to-date tetanus and diphtheria immunizations before traveling
to Russia and neighboring countries. Typhoid can be a concern
for those who plan to travel extensively in the region.
Rarely, cases of cholera have also been reported throughout the
area. Drinking bottled water can reduce the risk of exposure
to infectious and noxious agents. Tap water in Russia, outside
of Moscow, is generally considered unsafe to drink. Travelers
are strongly urged to use bottled water for drinking and food
preparation. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health
concern in Russia. For further information, please consult
the CDC's Travel Notice on TB at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-TB.aspx.
Rates of HIV
infection have risen markedly in recent years. While most
prevalent among intravenous drug users, prostitutes, and their
clients, the HIV/AIDS rate in the general population is increasing.
Reported cases of syphilis are much higher than in the United
States, and some sources suggest that gonorrhea and chlamydia
are also more prevalent than in Western Europe or the United States.
Travelers should be aware of the related health and legal risks.
Information
on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food
and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline
for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747)
or via the CDCs website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.
For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad
consult the World Health Organizations (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en/. Further health
information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL
INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans
to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling
abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether
it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance
overseas. Medicare does not provide benefits for medical
care overseas. Travelers should consider obtaining traveler’s
insurance prior to going abroad.
TRAFFIC
SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country,
U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly
from those in the United States. The information below concerning
Russia is provided for general reference only, and may not be
totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
In some areas
of Russia roads are practically non-existent. Persons planning
to drive in Russia should adhere to all local driving regulations;
these are strictly enforced and violators are subject to severe
legal penalties. Drivers should be aware that Russia practices
a zero tolerance policy with regard to alcohol consumption prior
to driving. The maximum punishment is a two-year suspension
of a drivers license. An intoxicated driver may also be
detained until they are deemed to be sober.
Avoid excessive
speed and, if at all possible, do not drive at night, particularly
outside of major cities. In rural areas, it is not uncommon
to find livestock crossing roadways at any given time. Construction
sites or stranded vehicles are often unmarked by flares or other
warning signals. Sometimes cars have only one headlight
with many cars lacking brake lights. Bicycles seldom have
lights or reflectors. Due to these road conditions, be prepared
for sudden stops at any time. Learn about your route from
an auto club, guidebook or government tourist office. Some
routes have heavy truck and bus traffic, while others have poor
or nonexistent shoulders; many are one-way or do not permit left-hand
turns. Also, some of the newer roads have very few restaurants,
motels, gas stations or auto repair shops along their routes.
For your safety, have your vehicle serviced and in optimum condition
before you travel. It is wise to bring an extra fan belt,
fuses and other spare parts.
A valid U.S.
drivers license with a notarized Russian translation or a valid
Russian license is necessary to drive a vehicle in Russia.
Tourists may use international drivers licenses issued by the
American Automobile Association to drive in Russia. Foreigners
in Russia on a business visa or with a permanent residence status
in Russia are required by law to have a Russian drivers license.
In order to obtain this license one has to take the appropriate
exams in Russian. An American driver's license cannot be
exchanged for a Russian license. Travelers without a valid
license are often subject to prolonged stops by police and fines.
Drivers must
carry third party liability insurance under a policy valid in
Russia. U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid
in Russia nor are most collision and comprehensive coverage policies
issued by U.S. companies. A good rule of thumb is to buy
coverage equivalent to that which you carry in the United States.
Roadside checkpoints
are commonplace. These checkpoints are ostensibly in place
to detect narcotics, alien smuggling, and firearms violations.
However, they are generally viewed as a means for traffic police
to extract cash fines. See paragraph under Crime on mistreatment
by police.
For specific
information concerning Russian driving permits, vehicle inspection,
road tax and mandatory insurance, please refer to the Russia national
tourist organization at http://www.russia-travel.com/ .
AVIATION
SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has assessed the Government of Russias Civil Aviation Authority
as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Russias air
carrier operations. For more information travelers may visit
the FAAs web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa/.
Travelers
should be aware that local air carriers in remote regions may
not meet internationally accepted customer service standards.
Some local airlines do not have advance reservation systems but
sell tickets for cash at the airport. Flights often are
canceled if more than 30% of the seats remain unsold. Travelers
should have their passports with them at all times.
SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES:
TEACHING
IN RUSSIA: Many Americans come to Russia to teach English,
and some have complained about schools failure to facilitate proper
visas and pay agreed salaries. Prospective teachers who
want to teach in Russia should ensure that schools are prepared
to comply with Russian laws governing the employment and documentation
of foreigners, including proper visa support, registration and
legal salary payments. Prospective teachers who want to
teach in Russia should ask for references from other foreigners
who have taught at the school being considered and should consider
insisting upon written contracts stipulating the provisions of
their employment, just as they would in the United States.
Warning signs include instructions to arrive in Russia on a tourist
visa and change status later, payment under the table (in cash
with no documentation or tax withholding), and requirements that
the school retain a passport for the length of the employment.
(Upon arrival, a legal employee must surrender his or her passport
for registration by the employer but this process should take
less then three weeks.)
CURRENCY:
The Russian ruble is the only legal tender currency. It
is illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars except
at authorized retail establishments. Worn U.S. bills or
bills marked in any way are often not accepted at banks and exchange
offices.
Travelers need no longer bring large amounts of hard currency
unless they expect to travel in rural areas. ATMs are plentiful
in major cities. Travelers should follow all normal precautions
about using ATMs. In particular, they should avoid stand-alone
machines and opt for machines at banks or higher-class hotels
and stores. Credit card acceptance, while not universal, is rapidly
spreading in Moscow and to a lesser extent in other large cities.
Travelers should check in advance whether a specific store, restaurant,
or hotel accepts credit cards. Outside of major cities,
commercial enterprises still operate largely on a cash basis and
travelers should plan accordingly.
CUSTOMS INFORMATION:
There have been increasing reports of rigorous searches of baggage
and stricter enforcement of customs regulations against the exportation
of items of cultural value. Visitors to Russia have been arrested
for attempting to leave the country with antique items which they
believed were legally purchased from licensed vendors. Travelers
should obtain receipts for all high-value items (including caviar)
purchased in Russia. Any article that could appear old or
as having cultural value to the Customs Service, including artwork,
icons, samovars, rugs, military medals and antiques, must have
a certificate indicating that it has no historical or cultural
value. Certificates will not be granted for the export of
articles that are more than 100 years old, irrespective of the
value. These certificates may be obtained from the Russian
Ministry of Culture. For further information, Russian speakers
may call the Airport Sheremetyevo-2 Customs Information
Service in Moscow at (7) (495) 578-2125/578-2120. In St.
Petersburg, the Ministry of Culture may be reached at 311-3496.
Russia also
has very strict rules on the importation of large quantities of
medication: certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs
common in the United States are prohibited in Russia, and large
quantities of any medicine will receive scrutiny. It is
advisable to contact a Russian Embassy or Consulate for specific
information regarding this or other customs regulations.Please
see our Customs Information.
The importation
and use of Global Positioning Systems (GPSs) and other radio electronic
devices are sometimes subject to special rules and regulations
in Russia. The Russian Customs Service has most recently
stated that terminal GPSs can be imported upon their simple declaration
on arrival. A special customs permit should be obtained
in the case of importation of a GPS to be used as a peripheral
device to a separate computer and/or antenna to increase its capability.
In general,
mapping and natural resource data collection activities associated
with normal commercial and scientific collaboration may result
in seizure of the associated equipment and/or arrest. The
penalty for using a GPS device in a manner which is determined
to compromise Russian national security can be a prison term of
ten to twenty years.
Visitors may
bring regular cellular telephones to Russia without restriction.
Satellite telephones require advance approval from the Russian
authorities.
The State Customs Committee has stated that there are no restrictions
on bringing laptop computers into the country for personal use.
The software, however, can be inspected upon departure.
Hardware and software found to contain sensitive or encrypted
data may be subject to confiscation.
Travelers
should address specific questions to the Federal Customs Service
of the Russian Federation, e-mail: webmaster@mail.customs.ru , web site:
http://www.customs.ru/en.
Great care
should be taken to safeguard against the loss of airline tickets
for Russian carriers. Generally, a central office must authorize
the replacement of lost airline tickets, which can take 24 hours
or more. In some cases, Americans who have lost their tickets
just prior to their flights on local airlines have been forced
to buy new full-fare tickets or miss the flight because replacement
tickets were not authorized in time.
CRIMINAL
PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen
is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes
differ significantly from those in the United States and may not
afford the protections available to the individual under U.S.
law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than
in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
Russian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in Russia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long
jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct
with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a
foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S
ISSUES: For information see our Office of Childrens
Issues web pages on intercountry
adoption and international
parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION
/ EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in
Russia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate through the State Departments travel
registration web site so that they can obtain updated information
on travel and security within Russia. Americans without
Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it
easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of
emergency.
The U.S. Embassy's consular section is located at Novinskiy Bulvar
21, Moscow, metro station Barrikadnaya. The Embassy's switchboard
is tel. (7) (495) 728-5000, and the American Citizen Services
Unit at tel. (7) (495) 728-5577. In the event of an after-hours
emergency, please contact the main switchboard. The American
Citizens Services Unit may also be contacted by fax at (7) (495)
728-5084, by e-mail at moscowwarden@state.govand through
the Embassy web site at http://moscow.usembassy.gov/.
U.S. Consulates
General are located in:
St. Petersburg
15 Ulitsa Furshtadtskaya, St. Petersburg 191028
Tel: (7) (812) 331-2600
Fax: (7) (812) 331-2646
Email: acsstpete@state.gov
Web site: http://stpetersburg.usconsulate.gov/
Vladivostok
32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya, Vladivostok 690001
Tel: (7) (4232) 30-00-70
Fax: (7) (4232) 30-00-91
After-hours emergencies: (7) (4232) 71 00 67
E-mail: vladcons@state.gov
Web site: http://vladivostok.usconsulate.gov/
Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151
Tel: (7) (343)379-3001
Fax: (7) (343) 379-4515
After-hours emergencies: (7) 8 902 84 16653
Email: consulyekat@state.gov
SOURCE:
CIA World Factbook
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