As of July 2025, listeners need to be aware that Russia remains under the highest level of travel advisories from several major governments including the United States, Canada, and others. The U.S. State Department continues to classify Russia as Level 4: Do Not Travel due to ongoing armed conflict related to Ukraine, risks of terrorism, and the potential for arbitrary law enforcement actions. The Government of Canada also maintains a strict advisory against all travel to Russia, citing the dangers from armed incursions, drone strikes, and explosions, even in regions far from the Ukrainian border. According to the Canadian government, partial military mobilization and severe restrictions on financial transactions persist, with limited flight options for departure. Canadians and other foreign nationals are strongly urged to leave Russia by commercial means while flights are still available, as rapid exit may not be possible if the security environment deteriorates further.
Spreaker reports that anyone currently in Russia, or contemplating travel, should have updated travel and identity documents and contingency plans. Maintaining a low profile is crucial. Travelers are advised against discussing political topics in public or online, and should strictly avoid demonstrations, military zones, and government facilities. Dual nationals, especially those with Russian citizenship, face heightened risk of being called up for military service and may be prevented from leaving in an emergency.
Practical advice includes carrying sufficient cash and necessary medications, as international banking and electronic transactions may be blocked. For women travelers, while Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg remain relatively safe with visible policing and efficient public transport, it is important to remain vigilant, especially at night or when using transport after visiting social venues.
According to Russiable, despite some locals in cities reporting a sense of normalcy in daily life, risks to foreigners remain real and foreign ministries’ warnings are not just political statements. The ongoing conflict, sporadic drone attacks, and strict laws affecting foreigners mean that risks are far greater than in the past.
Listeners should recognize that while Russian hospitality and cultural vibrancy are still praised by some recent visitors, the unprecedented risks facing foreign travelers at this time outweigh the positives. Official support for foreigners is extremely limited. It is essential to keep regular contact with family or trusted contacts outside Russia, stay informed with reliable news updates, and prepare for events to change quickly. If planning to exit, communicate plans to loved ones, double-check travel documents, and confirm the status of border crossings before heading there. Ultimately, the consensus from multiple governments and safety experts is clear: those who choose to remain in or travel to Russia in 2025 must accept a high level of risk and prepare for sudden changes that could impede departure or access to essential services.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Spreaker reports that anyone currently in Russia, or contemplating travel, should have updated travel and identity documents and contingency plans. Maintaining a low profile is crucial. Travelers are advised against discussing political topics in public or online, and should strictly avoid demonstrations, military zones, and government facilities. Dual nationals, especially those with Russian citizenship, face heightened risk of being called up for military service and may be prevented from leaving in an emergency.
Practical advice includes carrying sufficient cash and necessary medications, as international banking and electronic transactions may be blocked. For women travelers, while Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg remain relatively safe with visible policing and efficient public transport, it is important to remain vigilant, especially at night or when using transport after visiting social venues.
According to Russiable, despite some locals in cities reporting a sense of normalcy in daily life, risks to foreigners remain real and foreign ministries’ warnings are not just political statements. The ongoing conflict, sporadic drone attacks, and strict laws affecting foreigners mean that risks are far greater than in the past.
Listeners should recognize that while Russian hospitality and cultural vibrancy are still praised by some recent visitors, the unprecedented risks facing foreign travelers at this time outweigh the positives. Official support for foreigners is extremely limited. It is essential to keep regular contact with family or trusted contacts outside Russia, stay informed with reliable news updates, and prepare for events to change quickly. If planning to exit, communicate plans to loved ones, double-check travel documents, and confirm the status of border crossings before heading there. Ultimately, the consensus from multiple governments and safety experts is clear: those who choose to remain in or travel to Russia in 2025 must accept a high level of risk and prepare for sudden changes that could impede departure or access to essential services.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
As of July twenty twenty five, listeners need to be
aware that Russia remains under the highest level of travel
advisories from several major governments, including the United States, Canada,
and others. The U s. State Department continues to classify
Russia as Level four do not travel due to ongoing
armed conflict related to Ukraine, risks of terrorism, and the
(00:22):
potential for arbitrary law enforcement actions. The government of Canada
also maintains a strict advisory against all travel to Russia,
citing the dangers from armed incursions, drone strikes, and explosions,
even in regions far from the Ukrainian border. According to
the Canadian government, partial military mobilization and severe restrictions on
(00:44):
financial transactions persist, with limited flight options for departure. Canadians
and other foreign nationals are strongly urged to leave Russia
by commercial means while flights are still available, as rapid
exit may not be possible if the security and vs
vironment deteriorates further. Spreaker reports that anyone currently in Russia
(01:05):
or contemplating travel should have updated travel and identity documents
and contingency plans. Maintaining a low profile is crucial. Travelers
are advised against discussing political topics in public or online,
and should strictly avoid demonstrations, military zones and government facilities.
Dual nationals, especially those with Russian citizenship, face heightened risk
(01:29):
of being called up for military service and may be
prevented from leaving in an emergency. Practical advice includes carrying
sufficient cash and necessary medications, as international banking and electronic
transactions may be blocked for women travelers. While Russian cities
like Moscow and Saint Petersburg remain relatively safe with visible
(01:50):
policing and efficient public transport, it is important to remain vigilant,
especially at night or when using transport after visiting social venues.
According to Russiable, despite some locals and cities reporting a
sense of normalcy in daily life, risks to foreigners remain
real and Foreign Ministry's warnings are not just political statements.
(02:12):
The ongoing conflict, sporadic drone attacks, and strict laws affecting
foreigners mean that risks are far greater than in the past.
Listeners should recognize that while Russian hospitality and cultural vibrancy
are still praised by some recent visitors, the unprecedented risks
facing foreign travelers at this time outweigh the positives. Official
(02:34):
support for foreigners is extremely limited. It is essential to
keep regular contact with family or trusted contacts outside Russia,
stay informed with reliable news updates, and prepare for events
to change quickly. If planning to exit, communicate plans to
loved ones, double check travel documents, and confirm the status
(02:54):
of border crossings before heading there. Ultimately, the consensus from
multiple goun governments and safety experts is clear. Those who
choose to remain in or travel to Russia in twenty
twenty five must accept a high level of risk and
prepare for sudden changes that could impede departure or access
to essential services.
As of July twenty twenty five, listeners need to be
aware that Russia remains under the highest level of travel
advisories from several major governments, including the United States, Canada,
and others. The U s. State Department continues to classify
Russia as Level four do not travel due to ongoing
armed conflict related to Ukraine, risks of terrorism, and the
(00:22):
potential for arbitrary law enforcement actions. The government of Canada
also maintains a strict advisory against all travel to Russia,
citing the dangers from armed incursions, drone strikes, and explosions,
even in regions far from the Ukrainian border. According to
the Canadian government, partial military mobilization and severe restrictions on
(00:44):
financial transactions persist, with limited flight options for departure. Canadians
and other foreign nationals are strongly urged to leave Russia
by commercial means while flights are still available, as rapid
exit may not be possible if the security and vs
vironment deteriorates further. Spreaker reports that anyone currently in Russia
(01:05):
or contemplating travel should have updated travel and identity documents
and contingency plans. Maintaining a low profile is crucial. Travelers
are advised against discussing political topics in public or online,
and should strictly avoid demonstrations, military zones and government facilities.
Dual nationals, especially those with Russian citizenship, face heightened risk
(01:29):
of being called up for military service and may be
prevented from leaving in an emergency. Practical advice includes carrying
sufficient cash and necessary medications, as international banking and electronic
transactions may be blocked for women travelers. While Russian cities
like Moscow and Saint Petersburg remain relatively safe with visible
(01:50):
policing and efficient public transport, it is important to remain vigilant,
especially at night or when using transport after visiting social venues.
According to Russiable, despite some locals and cities reporting a
sense of normalcy in daily life, risks to foreigners remain
real and Foreign Ministry's warnings are not just political statements.
(02:12):
The ongoing conflict, sporadic drone attacks, and strict laws affecting
foreigners mean that risks are far greater than in the past.
Listeners should recognize that while Russian hospitality and cultural vibrancy
are still praised by some recent visitors, the unprecedented risks
facing foreign travelers at this time outweigh the positives. Official
(02:34):
support for foreigners is extremely limited. It is essential to
keep regular contact with family or trusted contacts outside Russia,
stay informed with reliable news updates, and prepare for events
to change quickly. If planning to exit, communicate plans to
loved ones, double check travel documents, and confirm the status
(02:54):
of border crossings before heading there. Ultimately, the consensus from
multiple goun governments and safety experts is clear. Those who
choose to remain in or travel to Russia in twenty
twenty five must accept a high level of risk and
prepare for sudden changes that could impede departure or access
to essential services.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!