US State Department Warns Americans Against Russia Travel Due to Detention Risks Terrorism and Limited Diplomatic Support

If you're considering travel to Russia, be aware that the U.S. State Department currently has its highest-level travel advisory in place - Level 4: Do Not Travel. This advisory, reissued on May 8, 2025, explicitly urges American citizens to not travel to Russia for any reason and recommends that those already in the country leave immediately.

The U.S. government has severely limited ability to assist Americans in Russia, particularly outside Moscow. The embassy in Moscow is operating with reduced staff, and Russian authorities have restricted embassy personnel travel. All U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.

Of particular concern is the high risk of wrongful detention. The State Department warns there is no guarantee that detained U.S. citizens will receive consular access or be released before completing their entire prison sentence. Russian officials have reportedly questioned and threatened U.S. citizens without reason and have arrested Americans on false charges, denying them fair treatment and convicting them without credible evidence.

Security concerns extend beyond legal issues. In 2024, ISIS Khorasan claimed responsibility for an attack at Crocus Music Hall in Moscow that killed 130 people, as well as attacks in Dagestan targeting places of worship. The country has also experienced drone attacks and explosions near the Ukrainian border and in major cities including Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg.

Canada's government shares similar concerns, advising its citizens to avoid all travel to Russia due to the armed conflict with Ukraine and terrorism risks. Canadian officials note that the conflict has led to armed incursions and shelling in areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border, with drone strikes, explosions, and fires occurring deeper inside Russian territory.

If you're a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, you face additional risks. Russian authorities may not recognize your U.S. citizenship, potentially subjecting you to military mobilization.

For those who decide to remain in Russia despite these warnings, authorities recommend maintaining a low profile, avoiding public or online political discussions, steering clear of demonstrations, ensuring adequate supplies of cash and medications, and monitoring trustworthy news sources.

The situation remains fluid, with the State Department updating its Russia travel advisory as recently as May 12, 2025, emphasizing that U.S. citizens should not travel there "for any reason." This places Russia in the same category as active war zones and nations with authoritarian regimes.

Given these extensive warnings and the limited consular support available, travel to Russia carries significant risks that travelers should carefully consider.