Americans in Russia should leave immediately because they may face unlawful detention if they remain, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow said this weekend in a travel advisory.
The warning is based on what the embassy said are “unpredictable consequences” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now approaching its one-year anniversary.
“The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow,” the embassy said in a statement, citing Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing, along with the ongoing suspension of operations at U.S. consulates.
Americans should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia. Because of sanctions imposed on Russian banks, electronically transferring funds from the United States is extremely limited.
There are reports of cash shortages in Russia, the U.S. Embassy said.
Commercial flights out of Russia are minimal and often unavailable on short notice. The embassy said Americans who want to leave the country should make their own arrangements as soon as possible.
“The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens to depart the country and transportation options may suddenly become even more limited,” U.S. officials in Moscow said.
You may recall that on 21th November of last year, the U.S embassy in Russia posted that, the Russian government began a mobilization of its citizens to the armed forces in support of its invasion of Ukraine. Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, deny their access to U.S. consular assistance, prevent their departure from Russia, and conscript dual nationals for military service.
Commercial flight options are extremely limited at present and are often unavailable on short notice. Overland routes by car and bus are still open. If you wish to depart Russia, you should make independent arrangements as soon as possible. The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options, may suddenly become even more limited.
U.S. citizens should not travel to Russia and those residing or travelling in Russia should depart Russia immediately while limited commercial travel options remain. The Department of State provides information on commercial travel on the Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia page on travel.state.gov. This site also provides information on requirements for entering neighboring countries, procedures for travel on expired U.S. passports in some circumstances, and visa requirements for families with American and Russian citizen family members.
We remind U.S. citizens that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are not guaranteed in Russia. Avoid all political or social protests and do not photograph security personnel at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have participated in demonstrations.
Actions To Take:
• Read the Department’s Travel Advisory for Russia.
• Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Russian visa.
• Have a contingency plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
