Russian Federation Travel Advice

Because of the security situation in the North Caucasus, travellers are advised against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and to Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kurskoy, which are regions in eastern and southern Stavropol Krai that border Dagestan and Chechnya.

Travellers are also advised against all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area).

There is a high threat from terrorism in Russia, including suicide bombings in public places. Attacks have occurred most frequently in Moscow and in the North Caucasus.

On 9 December 2007, a bomb exploded on a bus in the southern Russian town of Nevinnomyssk, which killed two and injured seven. On 31 October 2007 there was an explosion on a bus in Tolyatti. Seven were killed and up to forty injured. The Russian authorities are investigating the cause of both of these explosions.

Because of the security situation in the North Caucasus, travellers are advised against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and to the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai that border Chechnya and Dagestan. Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area).

There is a high threat from terrorism in Russia, including suicide bombings in public places. Attacks have occurred most frequently in Moscow and in the North Caucasus.

Travellers should be vigilant at all times and also watch out for pickpockets and street crime, especially in large cities and in busy areas, eg railway concourses. Also since 2005 there has been an increase in racially motivated attacks; visitors of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent should take extra care.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisaions for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel