Travel Alert Russia 2025: Critical Safety Warnings and Essential Advice for US and Canadian Citizens

Listeners, there is a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory in effect for Russia as of May 2025, according to the United States Department of State. This heightened warning is primarily due to the ongoing consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the resulting armed conflict, which continues to cause instability, security threats, and sporadic violence both near the Russian-Ukrainian border and deeper within Russian territory. The U.S. government emphasizes that drone strikes, explosions, and related incidents have occurred in various Russian cities, not limited to border regions. In addition to the security risks posed by the conflict, travelers face the possibility of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the risk of wrongful detention, and the inability to access consular services in a crisis, including during a potential evacuation.

Canada has issued a similar warning, strongly advising against all travel to Russia. Canadian officials highlight the possibility of mandatory military service for dual nationals, ongoing risks from terrorism, and the potential for sudden restrictions on financial transactions or limited flight options. If you are already in Russia, both U.S. and Canadian authorities recommend departing as soon as it is safe to do so via commercial means. Those remaining should be aware of the possibility of extended stays due to rapidly changing travel conditions and may lose access to funds from international institutions.

Travelers are advised to refrain from discussing political topics in public or online and to avoid areas where protests or large gatherings occur. It is also important to maintain an adequate cash supply, have essential items on hand, and use only official or licensed transport. Communicating travel plans to trusted contacts and ensuring all documentation is up to date is critical, as well as confirming the current availability of border crossings or outbound flights.

While it is technically possible to travel to Russia, with consulates still issuing visas and public life in cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg appearing to function normally, travel logistics have changed significantly. There are no direct flights from Europe, most Western payment cards do not work, and several international apps and websites are blocked. Many travelers now opt to bring cash or set up a Russian MIR bank card upon arrival, and a VPN is often necessary to access certain online platforms.

In summary, due to the ongoing military conflict, unpredictable security environment, restrictions on basic services, and limited consular assistance, listeners are strongly cautioned to reconsider any travel plans to Russia and to stay updated with the latest advisories issued by their government.