Europe

Terrorism / Security

There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

In previous years particular threats have come from suicide attacks in public places in Moscow, including the Metro system, and hostage taking.  The risk of terrorism in Moscow could rise quickly in relation to any escalation of violence in the North Caucasus.

 

You should remain vigilant in all public places, including tourist sites and crowded places, particularly where access is not controlled e.g. open-air events, markets, etc.

 

We advise against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan because of the security situation in the North Cacasus.  This also includes the regions of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kurskoy in east and south Stavropol Krai, which border Chechnya and Dagestan.  We also advise against all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area), since terrorism and kidnapping in these regions remain a serious problem.  You should seek security advice before travelling.

 

As well as an ongoing risk of insurgent attacks across the region, terrorist attacks have occurred throughout the North Caucasus, including incidents in Beslan and Vladikavkaz in North Ossetia, Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nazran in Ingushetia, and Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan.  Further violence in the North Caucasus region is likely.

On 17 August a bomb exploded outside a police station in Nazran, the capital of Ingushetia. At least 19 people were killed and over 60 people were injured by the device. The Russian authorities believe this was a suicide bomb.

On 6 November 2008 there was an explosion on a minibus, in the North Ossetian capital of Vladikavkaz, in the North Caucasus region.The explosion happened in a crowded area next to the city's central market, and 12 passengers were killed. The Russian authorities believe that this was a terrorist attack.

There is a long history of kidnapping in the region and Westerners are particularly vulnerable. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers.  The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

 

Crime

 

As in most countries, cities in Russia have their fair share of petty crime.  You should be alert at all times to the possibility of mugging, pickpocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms.  Be particularly alert to groups of women and children who beg, and pickpockets around the main railway concourses.

 

Take care when drinking with or meeting casual or new acquaintances in bars, restaurants or night-clubs, as there have been incidents of robbery and violence involving foreigners, amongst them British nationals.  Pay particular attention when drinking alcohol.  Drink spiking followed by robbery is prevalent and can also lead to violence and/or abuse.  Unconscious victims are often left outside, which can be life threatening in the winter months.  Beware of drinks which have not been poured in your sight, do not leave your drink unattended and do not accept drink given to you by a stranger or someone you have just met.

 

In St Petersburg there have been reports of street crime where tourists have been specifically targeted. These crimes are carried out by well-organised gangs.  You should be especially aware of pickpockets in the main tourist areas.  Incidents of bogus police officers harassing and robbing tourists have also been reported.  If you are stopped always insist on seeing ID.  Avoid openly carrying expensive items, or anything that might easily identify you as a tourist.

 

Incidents of armed violence in major cities are usually linked to criminal/business activities and are not usually directed against foreign visitors.  There have also been bomb attacks linked to criminal disputes.

 

Racially Motivated Attacks

 

Racially motivated attacks do occur in Russia.  Racially motivated attacks tend to increase around 20 April, the anniversary of Adolf Hitler’s birthday.  Although the great majority of visitors experience no difficulties, there has been a substantial increase in the number of attacks on foreign nationals, especially in large urban areas.  We recommend that travellers of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent take extra care.

  

Scams

 

There are a number of services offering addresses and contact information for Russian women who are looking to become romantically involved with Western Europeans.  A number of prospective suitors have entered into correspondence, only later to be defrauded. If this occurs, there is little that the British Government can do to assist in the recovery of any capital outlay.  We advise that you exercise the appropriate level of caution if entering into correspondence.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

Russia Country Profile.

 

Local Travel

 

We advise against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan.  This also includes the regions of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kurskoy in east and south Stavropol Krai, which border Chechnya and Dagestan.  We also advise against all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) (see Terrorism above).

 

You should be aware that short-term travel restrictions are periodically applied in parts of the North Caucasus region in relation to ongoing security operations. These are usually publicised, if at all, at very short notice.
 

The North Caucasus remains an unstable and potentially dangerous region.  The Russian authorities take a particularly strict attitude towards security and compliance with official regulations.  If you intend to travel to the North Caucasus region, it is vital that you have the correct documentation including an appropriate visa for the purpose of your visit, and that you comply fully with registration requirements.

 

If you travel to these parts of Russia despite this advice, you are taking a serious risk, and must accept that the ability of the FCO and the British Embassy in Moscow to help in the case of an emergency is severely limited.

 

Cross-border traffic with Georgia and Azerbaijan is also subject to restrictions.

 

Road Travel

 

You may drive a car in Russia for a limited period if you hold an international driving licence.  For further information on driving restrictions, check with an international driving organisation.

 

Road conditions can often be poor, especially outside the major cities.

 

You should comply with all local speed limits.  The standard speed limit for built-up areas is 60 kph (37 mph), outside built-up areas 90 kph (55 mph) and 100 kph (62 mph) on motorways (Brest-Moscow).  Visiting motorists who have held a driving licence for less than two years must not exceed 70 kph (43 mph).  It is common practice for traffic police to stop motorists for spot checks.  You should be aware that there is a zero tolerance policy towards drinking and driving.

 

If travelling by taxi, use officially marked taxis and do not share them with strangers.  We advise against flagging down unofficial taxis.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

Rail Travel

 

If you are travelling by overnight train and have the use of a sleeping compartment, store valuables in the container under the bed/seat.

 

Do not leave your sleeping compartment unoccupied as some compartments only have a simple lock on the sliding door. On some trains there may be an additional security device, which can be attached to the fitted handle/lock unit.  There may also be a steel switch at head-height on the door panel which, when pulled down, prevents the closed door from being slid open.

When travelling by train do not agree to look after the luggage of a fellow traveller or allow it to be stored in your compartment.

 

Air Travel

Evidence suggests that some non western aircraft types used mainly on domestic routes by smaller airlines in Russia do not always comply with international safety standards.  On 14 September 2008 a Boeng-737 Aeroflot Nord flight from Moscow crashed as it came in to land at Perm with the loss of 88 lives. Russian federal investigators believe an engine fault probably caused the crash but continue to investigate.

There have also been air crashes in Samara in March 2007 and Irkutsk in July 2006.

You should be aware that security on Russian internal flights is not as high as that for international flights.