Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Russia...
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our Travel Advisories.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Russia because of the threat of terrorist activity, particularly by Chechen separatists.
A number of terrorist attacks have taken place in Russia in recent years including the bombing of two commercial passenger jets in August 2004; a bomb blast near the Rizhskaya Metro station in northern Moscow in August 2004; and a bomb on a Moscow Metro train in February 2004. In the past, bombings have also occurred at government buildings, residential complexes, crowded public places and on various forms of public transportation.
Russian authorities continue to warn of the possibility of further terrorist attacks in Moscow. Russia holds the G8 Presidency in 2006 and several high profile events, including the G8 Summit in St Petersburg in mid-2006, may be catalysts for further terrorist acts.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets which include commercial and public areas such as government buildings, residential complexes, public transportation including subways, hotels, restaurants, bars, schools, businesses, places of worship, and tourist areas.
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. Military clashes and terrorist attacks are common in these areas, particularly Chechnya.
Incidents that have occurred in these areas include an October 2005 attack by a large group of gunmen on law enforcement targets in the Kabardino Balkarian town of Nalchik in October 2005 in which over 139 people died, a hostage siege in September 2004 at Beslan in North Ossetia where 340 people were killed and a large-scale attack on government security forces in Ingushetia in June 2004. The terrorist attack in Beslan in September 2004 resulted in increased instability in North Ossetia and Ingushetia and further violence is possible.
Crime
Kidnapping for political, ransom and revenge reasons is common in the Northern Caucasus. In the past, foreigners have been targeted.
Petty crime and pickpocketing is common, especially around tourist attractions such as the Ismailovsky tourist market and the Metro underground in Moscow and St Petersburg. 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.
Muggings occasionally occur in large cities.
The frequency of racially motivated assaults against foreigners has increased in Moscow over the past year. These attacks have also been reported in increasing numbers in other large Russian cities. In 2005, 25 foreign students were killed. Attacks are often perpetrated by skinhead groups or right-wing fanatics. There have been several large rallies by nationalists and neo-Nazis to protest against foreigners (particularly people from Central Asia and the Caucasus region) in Russia. You should avoid any such rallies.
Medical centres and other embassies have reported incidences of foreign travellers being 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. The Australian Embassy can provide assistance, including by raising such incidents with the appropriate authorities.
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 and ice and snow make winter driving especially hazardous.
Routine police checks in public and tourist spots are common. 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 to which foreigners may not travel without government permission.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
It is illegal to photograph military installations and establishments or sites of strategic importance, including airports.
There is a policy of zero tolerance for drink driving in Russia (ie driving with a blood alcohol level greater than zero is an offence).
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Russia for the most up to date information.
You are required to register your visa within three working days of arrival in Russia. Most hotels undertake visa registration on behalf of guests. Visitors not staying in a hotel must have their visas registered with the offices of UVIR (foreigners' registration office). Failure to register may result in significant delays or fines on departure.
An exit visa specifies the visa expiry date and is normally issued with the entry visa. A visa overstay can lead to difficulties and often may result in travellers being prevented from departing and the imposition of substantial fines. All foreign citizens entering Russia are required to fill in a migration card. This card will be stamped by passport control authorities and is required when registering your visa. The migration card is required by passport control authorities upon departure.
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 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. This does not apply to utilitarian goods such as laptop computers.
There are strict regulations covering the export of antiques, art and items of historical significance from Russia. Government approval is required for the export of such material and this may be requested at the point of departure.
Health Issues
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.
Medical facilities in parts of Russia are extremely basic. Some clinics may require advance payment in cash before providing treatment.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, 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, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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