This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate (Lifting of state of emergency due to forest fires). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Russia because of the threat of terrorist activity, particularly by Chechen separatists, and the level of criminal activity. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

The subway service in Moscow has been the repeated target of bomb attacks. In March 2010, two bomb attacks killed and injured dozens of people at Moscow metro stations Lubyanka and Park Kultury. These attacks were followed by others, mainly in the North Caucasus (see North Caucasus below for further information).

Public transport more broadly has been frequently attacked in Russia in the last two years. Passengers have been killed and injured in these attacks. In November 2009, a bomb attack derailed the Nevsky express en route from Moscow to St Petersburg, killing 26 and injuring 92 people. A second device exploded nearby on the following day. The same train service was bombed in August 2007.

Attacks have also occurred in Dagestan and Nevinnomyssk in the North Caucasus, Chelyabinsk in the Ural Mountains and Togliatti in the Volga Federal District. On 26 May 2010, a bomb detonated in the centre of Stavropol City killing eight people and injuring 50.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include public transportation including subways, trains and buses, commercial and public places such as government buildings, residential complexes, hotels, restaurants, bars, schools, businesses, embassies, places of worship, markets and tourist areas.

Terrorist attacks can also occur in other major cities.

North Caucasus: Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, the south-east part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya, Karbardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia: We strongly advise you not to travel to the North Caucasus, in particular the regions of Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, the south-east part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya, Karbardino-Balkaria, and Karachay-Cherkessia. Following the March 2010 terrorist attacks in the Moscow metro, there have been a number of suicide bombings in the North Caucasus. These include an explosion in Kyzlyar city (Republic of Dagestan) on 31 March 2010, which killed 12 people and injured 30; an explosion on the railway outside Izberbash city (Republic of Dagestan) on 4 April 2010; two consecutive explosions in Karabulak city (Republic of Ingushetia) on 5 April 2010, which killed two people and injured 13; and on 9 May 2010, a hand grenade was detonated inside a coffee shop in Makhachkala city (Republic of Dagestan) injuring one person.

Military clashes and terrorist attacks are common in these areas. Tensions in Georgia may impact security in the area bordering Russia. See our travel advisory for Georgia for details.

Foreign nationals intending to travel to Chechnya and a number of other regions in the North Caucasus must first get permission from the Ministry of Interior.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

You should avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent.

Crime

Kidnapping for political, ransom and revenge reasons is common in the Northern Caucasus. In the past, foreigners have been targeted.

Petty crime, pick-pocketing and mugging (sometimes committed by groups of children) is common, especially around tourist attractions such as Red Square, the Ismailovsky tourist market and the metro in Moscow and St Petersburg. Care should be taken with your personal belongings.

There is a high incidence of passport theft from foreign tourists.

Scams involving money and valuables apparently dropped by a passer-by are common. The unsuspecting traveller picks up the money to return it to the person and is told that it is not the correct amount. Travellers are advised not to pick up money, not to get involved in disputes with strangers over such incidents and to walk away immediately. Only exchange currency at bank counters. Travellers have become scam victims when trying to exchange money with strangers in the street or in a bank queue.

Assault and robbery occasionally occur in large cities. Tourists have been targeted.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Keep your credit card in sight during transactions.

Racially-motivated assaults continue to occur in Russia, particularly in Moscow and St Petersburg. Attacks are often perpetrated by skinhead groups or ultra-nationalists. There have been several large rallies by nationalists and neo-Nazis to protest against the presence of foreigners (particularly people from Central Asia and the Caucasus region) in Russia. You should avoid any such rallies. If you are of Asian or African descent, you should take extra care.

Travellers have been drugged and robbed while drinking in nightclubs and bars in Moscow or after accepting offers of food, drink or transportation from strangers.

There have been reports of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police or other local officials.

Bomb explosions and arson attacks, which appear to have criminal motives rather than terrorist ones, have occurred in Moscow and other parts of Russia, particularly at busy markets. These attacks have caused fatalities. The Cherkizovsky/Ismailovsky markets in eastern Moscow, which attract large numbers of Russian and foreign shoppers, have a history of business conflicts including arson. In August 2006, an explosion at this market which killed up to ten people was linked to feuding between rival businesses or gangs.

Some Australian citizens have been defrauded by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes purportedly operating from Russia. These large-scale, well-organised scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Once a virtual relationship develops, the Australian citizen is asked by their friend or prospective marriage partner to send money to enable travel to Australia. Once the money has been received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely.

Local Travel

Road users often drive dangerously and erratically. Ice and snow make driving in winter especially hazardous.

Routine police checks in public and tourist spots are common. You should carry with you your passport, originals of the registered visa and migration card. Photocopies are not acceptable. Failure to provide travel documentation can result in detention and/or substantial fines.

Extensive areas of Russia, especially in Siberia and the Russian Far East, are designated closed areas. Foreigners require government permission to enter.

On 1 March 2010, the Verkhny Lars/Darial Gorge border crossing between Russia and Georgia was reopened for the first time since the August 2008 conflict. Limited direct charter flights have also resumed between Russia and Georgia.

Airline Safety

Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. It is not known whether maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are always properly observed or whether passengers are covered by airline insurance.

For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Every year during winter, a number of people are injured or killed in snow-related accidents. These include falls, traffic accidents, avalanches, snow falling from roofs and prolonged exposure to extreme cold.

During summer, forest and peat fires can occur in Russia including in the Moscow region. Recent fires have resulted in widespread destruction on property and loss of life. The worst affected areas are to the south and east of Moscow. A state of emergency has been lifted for Moscow and surrounding areas.

The North Caucasus and far eastern region of Russia are subject to earthquakes. All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis. For information on tsunamis, see the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Because of the risk of crime and ATM fraud we recommend you use ATMs inside bank premises and during business hours only. Travellers' cheques are not widely accepted, even in the main cities of Moscow and St Petersburg, and rarely in the regions.

Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental, custodial and/or access rights, particularly in the case of dual nationals.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Russia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

It is illegal to photograph military installations and establishments or sites of strategic importance, including airports. There are also restrictions on the use of commercial film, television or camera equipment in public areas, such as Red Square in Moscow. Hand-held home video cameras are permitted.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison terms served in local jails.

Driving with a blood alcohol level greater than zero is illegal.

Police can demand to see identification at any time. You should carry your passport at all times, a copy is not accepted. Failure to produce your passport can result in a fine.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Information for Dual Nationals

Russia does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Russian dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

Male Russian/Australian dual nationals between the ages of 18 and 27 may be subject to military conscription. Australian/Russian dual nationals should seek advice from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Russia well in advance of travel.

Australian/Russian dual nationals are required to enter and leave Russia on a valid Russian passport. If the passport expires while they are in Russia, they must obtain a new Russian passport before departing. Australian/Russian dual nationals can also enter Russia on an emergency travel document issued by a Russian embassy or consulate, but they must get a new Russian passport before departure. The process of obtaining a new Russian passport routinely takes several months.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Australian citizens are required to obtain visas. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Russia for the most up-to-date information. You should ensure that your visa is accurate (passport number, date of birth, validity) and, if necessary, return it to the Russian Embassy or Consulate which issued it for corrections. It is virtually impossible to amend visa details once you are in Russia.

If you intend to transit through Russia on the way to a third country, you should check transit visa requirements.

When applying for your visa, please note there is a distinction between tourist and visitor visas. A tourist visa is intended for those staying in hotel-type accommodation. Visitor visas apply to those staying privately. If you intend to stay privately, do not apply for a tourist visa.

Failure to leave Russia before your visa expires (even if the date has been incorrectly entered on your visa) will result in significant delays and/or fines on departure and possibly deportation from Russia. An exit visa specifies the visa expiry date and is normally issued with the entry visa. A tourist visa cannot be extended.

All foreign citizens entering Russia are required to fill in a migration card. The entry portion of the card will be retained by Immigration upon arrival. The stamped exit portion of the card must be kept with your passport during your stay in Russia and/or Belarus and submitted to Immigration upon departure. Loss of the exit portion of the card may result in significant delays and fines upon departure. You must complete a new migration card each time you enter Russia, even if you have a multiple entry visa.

A single migration card will now cover both Russia and Belarus. If you are travelling directly between Russia and Belarus, the stamped migration card received on entry to the first of the two countries should be retained until you exit the last of the two countries visited.

You must register with the Federal Migration Services within three working days of arrival in Russia. Most hotels undertake visa registration on behalf of guests. If you are not staying at a hotel, the process of registration can be complex. Those travelling on a visitor-type visa should register at the nearest post office. Those with visas allowing employment should be registered through their employer. A small registration fee will be imposed. Failure to register may result in significant delays and/or fines upon departure.

For passport information for Australian/Russian dual nationals, see the Information for Dual Nationals section above.

You may import up to USD10000 (or equivalent) without declaring it. On departure, you may export up to USD3000 without declaring it. If you export over USD3000 and under USD10000, it must be declared. For amounts greater than USD10000, proof will be required that it was imported and declared or legally obtained in the country. Customs declarations are only valid when stamped by a customs official.

The importation of electrical and some high technology equipment, for example Global Positioning Systems, is strictly controlled. This extends to the importation of equipment in accompanied baggage, including by business people for demonstration purposes. Certification and approval is required. There are no restrictions on bringing laptop computers for personal use into Russia.

The importation of medication is strictly monitored. Some prescribed drugs are prohibited in the Russian Federation and large amounts of medication may prompt an investigation. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Russia for the most up-to-date information.

There are strict regulations covering the export of antiques, artworks (including modern art and posters if they are particularly rare or valuable) and items of historical significance from Russia. An approval from the Ministry of Culture is required for the export of such material and this may be requested at the point of departure. In addition, we recommend you keep receipts of any such purchases in case they are requested when you leave Russia.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Health Issues

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Public medical facilities in Russian cities are well below western standards and are extremely basic in rural areas. There are a few international standard private facilities in major cities. These private facilities will require up-front payment or seek confirmation of the patient's level of insurance or obtain a written guarantee of payment prior to treatment. In the event of a serious accident or illness, medical evacuation (at considerable expense) may be necessary.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, typhoid, rabies, hepatitis, diphtheria, measles and tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes. You should also avoid unpasteurised dairy products, and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

Travel in forested areas brings the risk of exposure to tick-borne encephalitis and other tick-borne diseases. Ticks are very common in country areas from spring to autumn.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

In Russia, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy
10a/2 Podkolokolny Pereulok,
Moscow, RUSSIA
Telephone: +7 (495) 956-6070
Facsimile: +7 (495) 956-6170
Website: www.russia.embassy.gov.au

Some people have reported experiencing difficulties sending personal documents by courier to the Australian Embassy in Moscow. Should you experience such difficulties, please contact the Australian Embassy in Moscow.

Limited consular assistance, which does not include passport issue, may be obtained at the:

Australian Consulate
Mr Sebastian FitzLyon (Honorary Consul)
Italianskaya 1
St. Petersburg, RUSSIA
Telephone/Facsimile: +7 (812) 315-1100
Email: OZ@CONSULTEAST.COM

and

Australian Consulate
Mr Vladimir Gorokhov (Honorary Consul)
42, Prospekt Krasnogo Znameni
Vladivostok, RUSSIA
Telephone: +7 (423) 242-7464
Facsimile: +7 (423) 242-6916

If you are travelling to Russia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.