The state Department recommends to reconsider its decision to Americans who plan to visit Russia

The state Department recommends to reconsider its decision to Americans who plan to visit Russia

In order to improve the protection of Americans abroad, the U.S. State Department launched a new notification system American tourists traveling to other countries, about threats to their safety while visiting another country. A new section of the website of the Department divides the countries into 4 categories depending on their degree of security for traveling Americans (the least dangerous from the first to the fourth, where to go is strongly not recommended).

According to the state Department, Russia is among the countries of the third category. The entry here is not prohibited, but Americans are urged to reconsider their decision about traveling to this country because of the increased severity of his stay. On the Agency’s website lists the reasons why the Department considers the country dangerous. This is terrorism and harassment.

The state Department recommends to reconsider its decision to Americans who plan to visit Russia

«U.S. citizens are often victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by law enforcement officers and other officials. Consular assistance to US detainees often unreasonably delayed Russian officials. Russia also imposes special restrictions on persons holding dual citizenship, including us. In connection with the reduction of the Russian government staff of the U.S. mission in Russia the US government has reduced the possibilities to provide services to the citizens of the United States,» reads a warning on the Department’s website.

The terrorists and make Russia even more dangerous, as their attack cannot be predicted, they can strike suddenly, in popular tourist places, transport hubs, shops and shopping centres.

If you do decide to travel to Russia, contrary to the recommendations of the Department, you should adhere to the following rules:

  • Avoid demonstrations.
  • Keep up with local news and adjust your plans on the basis of the information received.
  • Be vigilant in places frequented by Westerners.
  • Your documents should be valid (if necessary, updated, relevant the date of the trip). They should always be at hand.
  • Read more about Russia, visit the state Department before you travel.
  • Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive alerts and to facilitate the search of help in an emergency.
  • Follow the State Department in Facebook and Twitter.
  • View crime reports and security in Russia.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a plan of action in emergency situations.

A particular danger in accordance with the data of the Department’s operations in Russia include Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, the Crimea. «A local gang has repeatedly kidnapped Americans for ransom. Known cases of lynching and murder of gay people», — said in the appeal of the Caucasian territories.

In the new section of the website of the Department of state, travelers can find also other useful information, including addresses and phone numbers of the diplomatic missions of the USA in Russia, data about the transport system, health care, etc.

Source