US State Department Warns Americans Against All Travel to Russia Due to High Risks of Detention and Security Threats

The United States Department of State has reissued its highest-level travel advisory for Russia, emphatically warning Americans to "not travel to Russia for any reason." This Level 4 advisory, updated on May 8, 2025, places Russia in the same category as active war zones and nations with authoritarian regimes.

If you're considering a trip to Russia, you should be aware that the U.S. government has severely limited ability to assist citizens who encounter problems there, especially outside Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is operating with reduced staff, Russian authorities have restricted embassy personnel's travel, and all U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.

The State Department warns that the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Russia remains high. Russian officials have questioned and threatened U.S. citizens without reason and have arrested Americans on false charges. Even more concerning, there is no guarantee that detained U.S. citizens will receive consular access or be released before serving their entire prison sentence.

Security concerns are another major factor in this advisory. There have been drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine, as well as in major cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan. Just last year, ISIS Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack at Crocus Music Hall in Moscow that killed 130 people, along with attacks in Dagestan targeting places of worship.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia's invasion in February 2022, continues to create dangerous conditions and has severely strained diplomatic relations between Russia and Western nations.

Canada has issued similar warnings, advising its citizens to avoid all travel to Russia due to the armed conflict with Ukraine and terrorism risks. Canadian authorities note that the conflict has led to armed incursions, shelling near the Russian-Ukrainian border, and drone strikes deeper within Russia.

For any Americans currently in Russia, the advice is unequivocal: leave immediately. If you do remain in Russia despite these warnings, you should maintain a low profile, avoid discussing political developments in public or online, steer clear of demonstrations, and ensure you have adequate supplies of cash, essential items, and medications.

Before traveling to any international destination, it's always advisable to check the latest travel advisories from reliable government sources. In this case, the message couldn't be clearer – Russia is not a safe destination for American travelers at this time.