US State Department Warns Against Travel to Russia Citing Extreme Security Risks and Limited Assistance for Americans

As of April 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Russia, explicitly urging "Do not travel." This advisory, which was recently reissued with minor edits, cites several critical concerns for travelers.

The State Department emphatically recommends that U.S. citizens currently in Russia should leave immediately. This urgent guidance stems from multiple serious risks, including potential harassment or detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, limited flight availability, and terrorism threats.

American travelers should be aware that the U.S. government has severely limited ability to assist citizens in Russia, particularly outside Moscow. The U.S. Embassy is operating with reduced staffing, Russian authorities have restricted embassy personnel travel, and all U.S. consulates throughout Russia have suspended operations and consular services.

Recent security incidents have further elevated concerns, with reports of drone attacks and explosions near the Ukrainian border as well as in major cities including Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg. These incidents highlight the volatile security situation that persists across the country.

Dual U.S.-Russian citizens face additional complications, as Russia may refuse to recognize your American citizenship. There have been cases where Russia has denied consular officers visits to detained dual citizens. More alarmingly, the Russian government has forced citizens with dual nationality to join the military and prevented them from leaving the country.

For those absolutely unable to leave Russia immediately, safety experts recommend maintaining a low profile, avoiding political discussions, and staying informed through reliable news sources. It's advisable to avoid large gatherings, military areas, and to exercise extreme caution in public spaces.

While under normal circumstances Russia's major cities might be considered relatively safe for tourists, the current situation has created unpredictable and potentially dangerous conditions that make non-essential travel inadvisable.

The Canadian government and other Western nations have issued similar warnings about travel to Russia, reflecting the international consensus on the serious risks present.

In case of emergency while in Russia, travelers should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. However, the primary recommendation from all Western governments remains unequivocal: avoid travel to Russia and depart immediately if already there.