Travel Alert: US, UK, and Canada Warn Citizens Against All Travel to Russia Due to Extreme Security Risks

As of June 2025, travelers are being strongly warned against traveling to Russia due to the severe risks and ongoing armed conflict resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Multiple governments, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, have issued Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories for Russia. The U.S. State Department has emphatically advised that U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia for any reason and those already in the country should leave immediately. They highlight that the U.S. government has extremely limited capacity to provide assistance within Russia, especially outside of Moscow, because all U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations. If a U.S. citizen is detained, there is no guarantee of consular access or release before serving the entire sentence. Russian authorities have been known to arrest foreigners, including Americans, on questionable or false charges, deny fair legal treatment, and open investigations into religious activities.

The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks arising from the ongoing conflict, increased incidents of drone strikes and explosions in major cities, and a lack of available commercial flights for return travel. Terrorist threats remain high, exemplified by the Crocus Music Hall attack in Moscow that resulted in the deaths of 130 people and recent attacks in Dagestan attributed to terrorist groups. The UK government warns that in-person support is limited and the situation is volatile, especially for dual nationals, who may be subject to conscription and are likely to be treated solely as Russian citizens by local authorities.

Canadian authorities echo these strong warnings, urging all citizens to avoid Russia due to armed incursions, drone strikes, and the real risk of sudden changes in the security situation. Canadians in Russia could face mandatory military service, have funds or bank access restricted, and must not expect government assistance in leaving the country. The risk of being unable to depart Russia due to limited flight options and restricted land borders is significant.

All three governments emphasize that travel insurance may become invalid if traveling against advisory warnings. Travelers still in Russia should keep a low profile, avoid political discussions, stay informed through trustworthy news sources, and ensure they have adequate emergency supplies. Anyone who must remain is advised to register with their respective embassy services, keep travel documents updated, and communicate plans with family and friends.

Recent news also stresses these risks. The U.S. State Department reiterated in May 2025 that its Russia advisory remains at the strictest level, reserved for active war zones and authoritarian regimes. The ability for embassies to support detained citizens, particularly outside Moscow, is minimal. Russian security services have increasingly questioned and threatened foreign citizens, with a heightened risk of wrongful detention.

In summary, government agencies in the U.S., UK, and Canada urge listeners not to travel to Russia under any circumstances due to escalating security risks, the possibility of detainment, restricted support from consulates, threat of terrorism, military mobilization, and the unpredictability of the ongoing conflict. All non-essential travel should be deferred until advisories are lifted and conditions stabilize.