Russia Travel Warning: Urgent Advisory Highlights Extreme Risks for US and Canadian Citizens in Conflict Zone

Listeners, if you are considering travel to Russia, current international guidance is unequivocal: avoid all travel to Russia under present circumstances. As of May 2025, the U.S. Department of State has issued its highest-level advisory—Level 4: Do Not Travel—citing a range of urgent risks including the ongoing armed conflict with Ukraine, the threat of terrorism, and the potential for arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The advisory explicitly states that U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately due to these heightened dangers. The U.S. government’s ability to assist its citizens in Russia is severely restricted, especially outside of Moscow, and all U.S. consulates in the country have suspended operations. If a U.S. citizen is detained, there is no guarantee of consular access or early release before the full sentence is served, making any legal entanglement potentially dire. According to the U.S. Embassy in Russia, the environment is particularly volatile, and the diplomatic mission has limited resources and reach to help Americans in distress.

Canada’s advisory echoes this stark warning, instructing its citizens to avoid all travel to Russia due to risks stemming from the conflict in Ukraine and the persistent threat of terrorism. Canadians are further warned about possible partial military mobilization, restrictions on financial transactions, and limited flight options should they need to depart. For those who remain, the Canadian government stresses the importance of maintaining a low profile, steering clear of political discussions, demonstrations, and areas of military activity, in addition to ensuring an adequate supply of essential items and emergency cash, as access to funds could be frozen. Canadian citizens who also hold Russian citizenship may be at risk of being called up for mandatory military service, adding another layer of risk.

Travel and communication disruptions are reported to be common, with sudden changes affecting transportation, banking, and exit routes. The U.S. Embassy has highlighted that the Russian government’s travel restrictions extend to embassy personnel, limiting their response capabilities even further.

Anyone who chooses to travel to or remain in Russia despite these warnings should weigh the possibility of becoming stranded, facing unexpected legal or financial obstacles, or encountering threats to their personal safety. Both the U.S. and Canadian governments are clear: they cannot guarantee assistance or evacuation for their nationals in Russia during the current climate.

For those listeners still contemplating travel, health and safety authorities such as the CDC remind travelers to use only official, licensed transportation, follow local laws meticulously, and to have comprehensive international health and travel insurance. However, these measures do not mitigate the extraordinary risks posed by the ongoing conflict and the overall security situation.

In summary, Russia is currently designated at the highest risk level by both U.S. and Canadian authorities. The advice remains: do not travel to Russia for any reason and if you are already there, leave while commercial options are still available. The evolving situation demands constant vigilance and a readiness to adjust travel plans immediately in response to new developments.