Travel Alert: Russia Deemed Unsafe for Americans and Canadians Amid Ongoing Conflict and Security Risks

As of April 2025, the U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Russia, urging American citizens to avoid all travel to the country due to significant safety and security risks. This advisory stems from the ongoing armed conflict with Ukraine, heightened risks of terrorism, potential wrongful detentions of U.S. nationals, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The situation within Russia has escalated to the point that U.S. citizens currently in the country are strongly advised to leave immediately using commercial means, as the ability of the U.S. government to assist is severely limited. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is operating with reduced staff, and all consular services at American consulates in Russia have been suspended.

Security threats extend beyond U.S. nationals. Canadian authorities also advise avoiding all travel to Russia, citing risks of armed incursions, drone strikes, and explosions in various regions, including major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. Canadians in Russia may face difficulties accessing funds from international financial institutions and could be at risk of being conscripted if holding dual Russian citizenship. This highlights how foreign nationals overall might face severe disruptions and potential legal entanglements if traveling to or staying in Russia during this period.

Additional reports discuss incidents such as drone attacks and explosions near border regions and within urban centers. Foreign travelers are advised to follow instructions from local authorities, seek shelter in emergencies, and avoid areas with military activity or installations. Travelers should maintain a low profile, refrain from public or online discussions about political topics, and monitor credible news sources for updates on the evolving situation.

Western governments, including Canada and European nations, similarly caution against non-essential travel to Russia, stressing the importance of staying informed through official travel advisories. Major practical challenges include limited flights out of the country, financial restrictions, and risks of detention or military conscription for dual nationals.

While some sources acknowledge that cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg are generally safer, particularly during daylight hours with visible police presence, the broader geopolitical risks overshadow these localized considerations. Women travelers, for example, are advised to exercise additional caution, especially at night, and rely on trusted transportation services while avoiding less populated areas. However, these precautions are unlikely to mitigate the greater, systemic risks posed by the current security climate across Russia.

In summary, the advice is clear and consistent across various governments and agencies—traveling to Russia is currently extremely hazardous. Foreign nationals already in the country are urged to plan their departure promptly, while those considering travel are strongly advised to reconsider.