Maximum Alerts / Russia
Level published by the State Department on 28.12.2025 · read 13 October 2026 · source checked daily
Russia — official level as of 13 October 2026: Level 4/4 ("Do Not Travel"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, USD 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
100 recorded incidents (UCDP)hover, click to open it in the briefing
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
At least one official reading covers the whole country; no region is singled out.
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — advises against all travel to the whole country.
Foreign Office — advises against all travel to the whole country.
an official reading covers the whole country; every trip calls for a written management decision, justified by a pressing reason, with reinforced conditions.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (24.09.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (12.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: Updated information about drone attacks leading to short-notice restrictions on airspace use and airport operations (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
Updated 28.12.2025
Do not travel to Russia for any reason due to terrorism , unrest , wrongful detention and other risks .
U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately
The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has reduced its staff. The Russian government has also restricted travel for embassy personnel. All U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.
Do not travel to Russia for any reason
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has limited ability to assist in the case of a detention of a U.S. citizen. There is no guarantee that the Russian government will grant the U.S. Embassy consular access to detained U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens may serve their entire prison sentence without release. The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens remains high. Even if a case is determined wrongful, there is no guarantee of release.
Russian officials often question and threaten U.S. citizens without reason. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges. They have denied them fair treatment and convicted them without credible evidence. Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens for their religious activities.
There have been drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine, and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities. In 2024, ISIS Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack at Crocus Music Hall in Moscow. This attack killed 130 people. They also targeted places of worship in Dagestan. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.
Dual citizenship
Russia will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship.
Demonstrations
In Russia, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected rights. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and taking photos of…
10-13 6.8 · 10-14 8.8 · 10-15 19.3 · 10-16 16.2 · 10-17 10.0 · 10-18 7.3 · 10-19 6.2 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Over 1 January 2026 → 30 June 2026, UCDP (Uppsala University) recorded 100 geolocated violent incidents in this country, for 173 documented deaths.
Most affected areas
Belgorod oblast 56 · Kursk oblast 15 · Bryansk oblast 11 · Krasnodar krai 6 · Rostov oblast 5 · Samara oblast 2
Most recent incidents
Source: UCDP Georeferenced Event Dataset (Uppsala Conflict Data Program), file GEDEvent_v26_01_26_06.csv, CC BY 4.0 licence. We keep only incidents UCDP codes as "Clear" and whose location is precise enough to be placed — about 58% of the dataset. An incident may be revised, moved or withdrawn by UCDP in a later release: these figures describe a closed period, not a live situation.
Reading: The homicide rate is 11 times Switzerland's: violence is a real risk there, concentrated in the areas named by the official advisories. On the road, 5 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
il est formellement déconseillé de se rendre dans l’ensemble du territoire de la Russie.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
- Présentation de la Russie
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Dernière actualisation le 12/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
Dans le contexte de la guerre d’agression menée par la Russie en Ukraine, il est formellement déconseillé de se rendre dans l’ensemble du territoire de la Russie.
De nombreuses villes en Russie présentent un risque industriel majeur. Les normes russes diffèrent des normes européennes de type SEVESO et sont considérées moins contraignantes.
En cas d’accident industriel, il est essentiel de suivre rigoureusement les instructions diffusées par le ministère des Situations d’urgence ou EMERCOM .
La Russie n’est pas épargnée par la menace terroriste.
Suite à l’attentat survenu au Crocus City Hall, à Moscou, le 22 mars 2024, et dans le contexte de menaces terroristes réitérées par l’Etat islamique, il est conseillé de maintenir une vigilance accrue dans les lieux publics et les transports en commun, à proximité des lieux de rassemblement et événements de masse, notamment à l’égard de personnes au comportement suspect ou d’éventuels bagages abandonnés.
La situation générale sécuritaire en Russie varie d’une région à l’autre. La région de Moscou connait une forte diminution de la petite délinquance envers les touristes compte tenu du déploiement de la vidéo-surveillance. Toutefois la vigilance d’usage reste de rigueur.
Le chantage en ligne, les blocages informatiques et l’espionnage via Internet sont de plus en plus répandus. Le voyageur internaute est invité à la plus grande prudence lors de connexions à des réseaux publics et à la plus grande vigilance s’agissant des messages reçus durant le séjour.
Inondations, tempêtes, incendies, glissements de terrain, séismes sont autant de menaces à prendre en considération lors d’un séjour en Russie, en fonction de la destination.
Il convient, avant tout déplacement en Russie, de consulter les pages du site Conseils aux Voyageurs consacrées aux risques naturels .
En matière de transports, les accidents de la route constituent aujourd’hui le principal risque en Russie. Grâce aux campagnes menées par les autorités, la sécurité des transports s’est améliorée à Moscou, notamment pour les piétons, mais il convient de rester prudent.
Dans les régions reculées ou mal desservies la circulation automobile hors des axes récents peut être difficile en raison de la détérioration des chaussées et des risques climatiques. En cas d’accidents corporels et de blessures, le temps d’attente de l’assistance médicale peut être long.
Des groupes de hooligans sont susceptibles d’agir violemment à l’occasion de certains matchs de clubs du championnat de football russe. Il convient de rester vigilant lors des matchs.
Il est déconseillé d’évoquer les questions politiques, en particulier les questions liées à la guerre en Ukraine, en public ou avec des personnes inconnues.
Il est recommandé de :
La conduite automobile sur les lacs gelés en hiver est une pratique dangereuse qui requiert impérativement d’être accompagné d’un guide professionnel et d’un chauffeur expérimenté. Chaque année se produisent des accidents mortels. Les accidents sont plus nombreux à partir de mars, lorsque la température remonte. Il en est de même du trekking sur les lacs gelés qui nécessite un équipement et une préparation comparables à ce qui est nécessaire pour un trekking sur glacier.
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — La description de la situation a été actualisée. Les recommandations restent valables de manière inchangée: Les voyages ainsi que les séjours non urgents à destination de la Russie sont déconseillés. (published 18.05.2026)
Les voyages ainsi que les séjours non urgents à destination de la Russie sont déconseillés. La situation en Russie est imprévisible en raison de la guerre contre l’Ukraine. À la suite de l'incursion des forces armées ukrainiennes sur le territoire russe en août 2024, des attaques visant les régions occidentales du pays et des cibles situées à Moscou et dans ses environs ainsi qu’une recrudescence des attaques contre les infrastructures énergétiques ont lieu. Les ports de chargement de pétrole, les raffineries et les dépôts de stockage et les cibles industrielles sont particulièrement touchés. Ces attaques font des victimes et des blessés. Le développement de la situation est incertain et une dégradation ultérieure ne peut être exclue. De nombreuses compagnies aériennes ont réduit ou suspendu leurs vols à destination de la Russie . Il n'y a pas de vols directs entre la Suisse et la Russie. Il faut s'attendre à des fermetures des aéroports de Moscou pouvant durer plusieurs heures. Certaines frontières avec la Russie sont également fermées par intermittence. Depuis le 1er décembre 2024, les aéroports de Moscou établissent des profils digitaux de ressortissants étrangers. Veuillez consulter le site de l'autorité : MID Russie Les retraits d'argent liquide ne sont parfois plus possibles. Les cartes de crédit les plus connues dans les pays occidentaux (p. ex. American Express, Mastercard, Visa) ne peuvent pas être utilisées pour le trafic des paiements quotidiens en Russie. Si vous voyagez en Russie avec une carte SIM étrangère , il est possible que l’accès à l'Internet mobile, aux SMS ou à d'autres services n’est pas possible pendant un certain temps après votre arrivée, voire pas du tout. L'achat d'une carte SIM pour le réseau local en Russie est soumis à diverses conditions pour les visiteurs étrangers et avère difficile. L’accès à certains sites Internet étrangers (y compris des médias) ainsi qu’aux médias sociaux étrangers a été bloqué. L'accès à Internet peut être temporairement bloqué dans certains quartiers ou certaines régions, ou le débit internet peut être réduit. Des affrontements violents sont possibles lors de manifestations sporadiques , en particulier à Moscou et à Saint-Pétersbourg. Les forces de sécurité répriment durement les manifestants. Des arrestations peuvent survenir. Les voyageurs étrangers courent le risque d'être arrêtés, interrogés ou détenus sans raison apparente. Ce risque existe également pour les ressortissants suisses et les doubles nationaux russes et suisses. Les autorités russes considèrent les personnes avec la double…
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 13.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 18.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Regions covered by the Foreign Officegov.uk ↗updated 18.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 18.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
## FCDO advises against all travel to Russia
FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including:
There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia. See ‘Risk of arrest and detention’ on ‘Safety and security’ .
Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDO ’s ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited.
There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities. See ‘Safety and security’ .
Ongoing drone attacks and associated Russian air-defence activity may increase risks to civilian aviation and can lead to short-notice restrictions on airspace use and airport operations. See ‘Safety and security’
The British Embassy in Moscow and British Consulate in Ekaterinburg are open, but the situation could change at short notice.
In-person UK government support in Russia is limited. It is very limited in parts of Russia because of the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus.
If you need support, call our 24-hour helpline +7 495 956 7200 and select the option for consular services for British nationals.
Contact the Russian emergency services on 112.
If you hold both British and Russian nationality, Russian authorities will treat you as a Russian citizen. This limits the consular assistance the UK government can provide. If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow UK consular staff to visit or assist you.
Russian nationals are required to notify Russian authorities of any second nationality, including British, within 60 days of acquiring that nationality, or within 60 days of returning to Russia if the British/ foreign nationality was obtained outside of Russia. Parents are responsible for notification on behalf of their children aged under 18. Failure to comply can result in criminal liability. Your British passport may be confiscated by the Russian authorities and not returned. Penalties can include a fine of up to 200,000 Russian rubles (or up to one year of income) and/or compulsory work for up to 400 hours.
Russia operates a conscription-based military system. Men aged 18 to 30 with Russian citizenship may be called up for two-year compulsory military service. Conscription campaigns continue throughout the year.
Russian law prevents eligible individuals from leaving Russia once their draft notice appears on the federal electronic draft register.
If you receive a conscription notice via your account on the Russian State Services portal, you will be prohibited from leaving Russia. Failure to report to the conscription point within seven days of receiving the notice may result in penalties, restrictions on your rights, or detention.
In addition to regular conscription, Russia has declared a partial mobilisation. Military recruitment is ongoing, and anyone with Russian citizenship may be drafted.
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 18.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Russia.
Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
Terrorist attacks have taken place in Moscow and St Petersburg and other Russian cities in recent years, resulting in large numbers of casualties. Russia’s aviation has also been targeted.
Examples of recent attacks include:
Additional counter-terrorism procedures and restrictions may still be in place across the country. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Terrorists are active in the North Caucasus. They have carried out a number of attacks mainly in Russia’s Dagestan region.
Security services carry out regular counter-terrorism operations in the North Caucasus and across Russia. These can happen at short notice and may lead to travel restrictions.
Examples of recent attacks include:
The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. There are reports of drone attacks and explosions in Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, but also in and near large cities and infrastructure sites across Western and Central Russia. Associated Russian air defence activity may pose a threat to civilian aviation. Air space may close during drone attacks. This has led to frequent and unpredictable delays, diversions and cancellations to flights in and out of Russian airports. There have been several shootings in Moscow, often near to apartment blocks. There has also been a bombing near to a Moscow railway station.
Check local media for the latest information. Be vigilant and avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings.
The situation remains unpredictable and could escalate without warning.
If you do not need to be in Russia, the FCDO strongly advises you to consider leaving.
You cannot fly directly from Russia to the UK or through EU countries. There are limited commercial airlines with indirect flights including through the Middle East, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Georgia and Turkey. Check the latest information with your airline or travel provider.
Land borders may be busy or closed. Be prepared for a long wait to exit Russia. Officials may question you at the border. During periods of unrest, check the local media for updates before travelling.
Check entry requirements in:
These and other European countries have restricted or…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Russia - Level 4: Do Not Travel 2025-12-28travel.state.gov ↗updated 28.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026
Do not travel to Russia for any reason due to terrorism , unrest , wrongful detention and other risks .
U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately
The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has reduced its staff. The Russian government has also restricted travel for embassy personnel. All U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.
Do not travel to Russia for any reason
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has limited ability to assist in the case of a detention of a U.S. citizen. There is no guarantee that the Russian government will grant the U.S. Embassy consular access to detained U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens may serve their entire prison sentence without release. The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens remains high. Even if a case is determined wrongful, there is no guarantee of release.
Russian officials often question and threaten U.S. citizens without reason. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges. They have denied them fair treatment and convicted them without credible evidence. Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens for their religious activities.
There have been drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine, and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities. In 2024, ISIS Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack at Crocus Music Hall in Moscow. This attack killed 130 people. They also targeted places of worship in Dagestan. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.
Dual citizenship
Russia will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship.
Demonstrations
In Russia, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected rights. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and taking photos of…
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Russia due to the impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine and the risk of terrorism.
Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Certain Canadian institutions, including NGOs, community organizations and educational institutions are considered “undesirable” by the Russian authorities. If you have a current or previous affiliation with these groups, you may be denied entry to Russia or face increased scrutiny at the border or in the country. You may face deportation if you are already in Russia.
Authorities frequently perform random identity checks in public places. You must carry the following identification documents at all times:
You may be fined or detained if you cannot provide proper documentation to Russian authorities. Only the special police of the Federal Migration Bureau have the authority to arrest, detain and impose fines on improperly documented foreigners. If you are stopped in the street and requested to pay a fine, ask to see the officer’s name and identification, and to contact the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Drugs, alcohol and travel
It is illegal for minors (those under 18) to participate in unauthorized protests. Adults who involve minors in such protests could face up to 15 days in jail and fines of up to RUB1 million.
Although the laws of Russia do not prohibit homosexual activity, Russian federal law prohibits public actions that are described as promoting homosexuality and “non-traditional sexual relations.” Since January 2024, Russian law treats organizations advocating for 2SLGBTQI+ persons or issues as “extremist.” Previous laws banning “LGBT propaganda” and “the international LGBT movement” reflect an increasingly restrictive environment for 2SLGBTQI+ persons and their allies. Actions that contravene or appear to contravene this law may lead to arrest, a fine, jail time and deportation. Examples of such actions include:
Same sex marriage is not recognized in Russia. Homosexuality isn’t socially accepted. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Russia. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Russia by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Religious activity is heavily regulated in Russia. If you plan to engage in religious activity, such as missionary work, make sure you do not break local laws.
You should carry an international driving permit. You may drive with a Canadian driver’s licence if you carry a notarized Russian translation. You must obtain a local permit if you stay longer than 6 months. The legal blood alcohol content limit is significantly lower than in Canada. Those found guilty of drinking and driving can expect heavy fines, suspension of their driving permit and immediate detention. Repeat offenders may face prison sentences. The traffic police can impose fines on drivers for traffic violations. They can conduct identity checks on pedestrians, but they are not authorized to impose fines. The same is true of police in the underground metro systems. International Driving Permit
The importation and use of electronic equipment are strictly controlled. Foreigners have faced charges of espionage for possessing improperly certified GPS devices, such as those used for geological mapping. You must obtain a certificate from the Ministry of Culture to export items that appear old (prior to 1945) or may have cultural value. Customs officials may conduct thorough baggage searches and can arrest you if you don’t have the necessary certificate. Contact the nearest Russian embassy or consulate or consult the Federal Customs Service prior to departure for up-to-date information on customs requirements. Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
The currency of Russia is the Russian ruble (RUB). Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, major Western-issued credit card corporations no longer operate in Russia. Credit and debit cards from outside of Russia will not work at banks, businesses, or ATMs within Russia. ATMs are common in major cities and will accept cards issued in Russia. It is illegal to pay for goods and services in foreign currency. You can exchange U.S. dollars at any exchange bureau. Carry new, crisp bills as worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. In major cities, you can usually exchange Euros and U.S. dollars at various banks.
Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
Always carry your passport with you as ID. Police carry out random checks, especially during periods of high security. You could get a fine or be detained for up to 48 hours if you cannot show your passport when asked. Copies are not accepted.
You can be prosecuted for possessing even small quantities of any drugs, including cannabis. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. Airports in Russia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
Access to some areas, such as military and border zones, is restricted. You must get permission from local authorities before entering. If you do not have permission, the authorities may arrest, fine or deport you. You can find a list of restricted areas online (in Russian, you may not be able access the site from outside of Russia). Check with your tour operator or the Russian Embassy in the UK if you’re unsure whether a tour or excursion will take you into a restricted area.
Photography is illegal at any military, secure or official sites, including airports. There may not be warning signs in locations where photography is banned. You could be detained or arrested if you break the law.
Due to current military activities, it is illegal to use drones in some regions. Check restrictions with the local authorities. You must get permission from the Russian aviation authority (in Russian) before using any unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in Russian airspace. You must tell them the flight route at least 24 hours in advance and keep in regular contact with them before and during the flight. You will get a fine if you do not comply.
If you travel to Russia with a non-Russian SIM card, you may not be able to access mobile internet, SMS or other services. Buying a local-network SIM card in Russia can be difficult for visitors and could take up to 2 weeks to complete. Make sure your friends and relatives know how to contact you if your mobile phone does not work. You need to present your passport or other ID and pass biometric checks to buy a Russian sim card from local providers in Russia. You may be asked to perform these checks even if you have had a local SIM for some time. You can continue using your UK SIM in Russia without any local identity checks as long as your UK mobile company provides roaming service for Russia. Any SIM which has not been connected to the Russian network for 72 hours will not be able to connect to the internet or send SMS when they are first switched on. You may have to wait for some time for the services to resume. This may vary from several hours to several days. Some networks may allow you to complete a set of actions to get your access restored quicker. Make sure friends and relatives know how to contact you if your mobile phone does not work.
There are increasing restrictions to limit access to content posted on the internet, including social media platforms. Meta (Facebook and Instagram), X and LinkedIn are blocked in Russia. Access to other websites can be unreliable. More information is available from the Federal Service for Surveillance of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (in Russian).
Most visitors experience no problems, but racial discrimination can happen in some areas. If you’re of African, Asian or Caribbean descent, you may receive unwanted attention in public places. Take care, particularly when travelling late at night.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Russia but there are considerable legislative restrictions which target the LGBT+ community. In January 2024 a Russian Supreme Court judgement came into force banning the so-called ‘international LGBT movement’ and designating it as ‘extremist’. ‘LGBT propaganda’ legislation bans people from promoting ‘non-traditional sexual relations’. If charged, foreign citizens could face:
Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community and LGBT+ issues are less tolerant than in the UK and vary in different locations. Government officials have made derogatory comments to LGBT+ individuals. Same-sex couples showing affection in public may receive negative attention. There are no laws to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. Recent laws targeting LGBT+ communities include:
In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court banned the so-called ‘international LGBT movement’, designating it as ‘extremist’. The court provided no definition of ‘international LGBT movement’. Displaying ‘extremist’ symbols and being a member of and donating money to ‘extremist’ organisations are criminal offences. This decision came in to force in January 2024. It is unclear how the authorities will implement the ruling but there have been reports of persecution for displaying the rainbow flag, considered by the authorities as a ‘symbol of an extremist organisation’. Harassment, threats and
Russia has banned surrogacy for all foreign nationals except those married to Russian citizens. Read about surrogacy arrangements in foreign countries.
Some religious activities are restricted, including preaching and distributing religious materials. Jehovah’s Witnesses are considered an extremist organisation in Russia. They can face harassment from authorities, including detention, particularly at places of worship. Some other minority religious groups, like Scientologists, also face discrimination.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 18.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan.
Reading 01:00 (Europe/Moscow)Open-Meteo ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: Medical density comparable to Switzerland: the local network handles most cases; repatriation remains a question of convalescence and cost. Health spending of 1,003 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Les déplacements en Russie sont formellement déconseillés. Le contexte sécuritaire en Russie est en effet caractérisé d’une part par la poursuite de la guerre d’agression russe contre l’Ukraine et d’autre part par le durcissement de la législation pénale russe et le risque d’arrestation et de détention arbitraires de ressortissants de pays déclarés « inamicaux » par les autorités russes. Les régions russes frontalières de l’Ukraine (oblasts de Koursk, Belgorod, Briansk,…
France Diplomatie (in French) · posted 30 March 2026 · updated 9 September 2026diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026Health – editorial change
September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 4/4 — Do Not Travel, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 13 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 28.12 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10DFAE · updated 18.05 · read 13.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 18.09 · read 13.10State Department · updated 28.12 · read 13.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 18.09 · read 13.10State Department · updated 28.12 · read 13.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — $990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 10.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: single number 112 · police 02 / 102 · ambulance 03 / 103 · fire 101
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 10.10
At today's level 4/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Around Moscow: 80 hospitals and clinics, 7 with a 24/7 emergency room, 40 pharmacies, 40 doctors' practices (OpenStreetMap, hospital list read on 30.09.2026).
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10OMS · updated 10.10 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 18.09 · read 13.10
5.1 physicians per 1,000 people (2022) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
6.8 homicides per 100,000 people (2021) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 10.10DFAE · updated 18.05 · read 13.10
At least one official reading covers the whole country; no region is singled out.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 18.09 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 18.09 · read 13.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 13.10eda.admin.ch · updated 18.05 · read 13.10
Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to CHF 20,000, special risk CHF 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: Afghanistan · Myanmar · Belarus · Burkina Faso · DR Congo · North Korea
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Moscow. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Moscow
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