The Government stated that the ability to provide emergency services to Americans in Russia is “severely limited”
The United States Department of State updated Russia Travel Advisory’s page —currently categorized in Travel Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel— and urged US citizens in Russia to leave the country yesterday, on February 28.
The new statement warns US Citizens: “Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19, and related entry restrictions, terrorism, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law.”
US citizens currently in Russia have been advised to depart the country immediately. The American Government recommends using the commercial options available and states that its ability to provide emergency services to Americans in Russia is “severely limited”. The Department of State also authorized eligible family members and non-emergency personnel in the U.S Embassy in Moscow to leave voluntarily.
The U.S. Government explained that there is a high potential for harassment and regulations targeted to foreigners and that U.S. citizens —including government and military personnel— have been interrogated and threatened without cause.
The conflict in Ukraine—this country has been also scaled to Level 4 by the US Government a few days ago— has been demanding rapid actions from different countries and American travelers must stay up to date to these events if they are planning on traveling to Europe in the near time.
Recommendations for Travelers
In addition to being extremely discouraged to visit Eastern Europe at the moment, the possibilities of accessing Russian territory —and its neighboring countries— are limited. Many airlines have already canceled flights and closed airspace to Russia, Ukraine and other locations in the region.
For those who decide to visit Russia, the U.S Government has stated a few recommendations and considerations. These are some of the main suggestions:
- Get informed about what the United States Government can do or cannot do to assist in a crisis.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and help the government locate you in case of an emergency.
- Have an independent contingency plan.
- Stay up to date with news and events.
- Visit the government’s official websites on Travel High-Risk Areas and Travel and COVID-19 page.
- Follow the Department of State on social media.
- Review the Country Security Report for Russia.
- Read the FBI Travel Advice Brochure for Russia.
Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has categorized Russia in Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 and also advises to avoid travel. If an American citizen must travel, they should make sure to be vaccinated and up to date with all vaccines.
Those travelers already in Russia can request assistance to U.S. Embassy Moscow and also contact the State Department Consular Affairs.
Travel to Eastern Europe
Russia Travel Advisory’s new update also makes a special mention to other territories and requests Americans not to travel to North Caucasus, including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Ingushetia, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya.
Additionally, the update issued strongly discourages travelers climbing Mount Elbrus, “due to terrorism, kidnapping, and risk of civil unrest.” According to the statement, there are volatile and insecure areas.
Crimea is also part of this Level 4 warning due to Russia’s invasion through this territory and “abuses by its occupying authorities.” There is a strong presence of the Russian Federation military in this peninsula and the US Government forecast further actions in this country.
It’s been also stated that it is impossible for the American authorities to assist in the North Caucasus region: “The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in Crimea, as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Crimea.” This includes the territories previously mentioned.
