Russia
Is Russia safe to visit? Advice, scams and health
Read your own government travel advice first; this desk does not plan around it. If you decide to go, stay alert for common scams, keep health precautions, and use emergency number 112.
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GuideRussia
Key facts
- Capitalcheck
- Moscow
- Population
- About 146 million (official figure, including annexed Crimea — contested)
- Language
- Russian; over 100 minority languages, some official in their republics
- Currency
- Russian ruble (RUB)
- Government
- Presidential federation under Vladimir Putin, in power as president or prime minister since 1999; re‑elected March 2024
- Time zones
- Eleven, from UTC+2 (Kaliningrad) to UTC+12 (Kamchatka); Moscow UTC+3
- Emergency
- 112; follow your government's advice page for consular contacts
Quick answer
Do not book a trip line for Russia. Check the latest travel advisory from your government and decide if you are comfortable travelling. If you go, follow basic safety steps and be aware of scams.
Government travel advisories
US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland all issue separate travel advice. Most advise a high level of caution because of political tensions, arbitrary law enforcement and possible protests. Check the current level (e.g., "Do not travel" or "Exercise increased caution") before booking.
- US State Department – travel.state.gov
- UK Foreign Office – gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- Canada – travel.gc.ca
- Australia – smartraveller.gov.au
- New Zealand – safetravel.govt.nz
- Ireland – dfa.ie
Common scams in Russia
Pickpocketing is frequent in crowded metros (Moscow, St Petersburg) and tourist sites. Taxi scams include unmetered rides or inflated fares; use licensed apps. Currency exchange offices may give poor rates – use banks or reputable exchange points. Street vendors sometimes overcharge tourists for souvenirs.
- Pickpocketing – keep wallet in front pocket, use anti‑theft bags.
- Taxi – request a metered ride or book via Yandex.Taxi, Uber.
- Currency exchange – verify posted rates, avoid street changers.
Health and safety tips
Medical care in major cities is good, but English‑speaking staff may be limited. Carry a basic first‑aid kit and any prescription meds. Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is preferred for sensitive stomachs. Vaccinations: routine (MMR, DTP) plus hepatitis A and B are recommended.
- Emergency number: 112.
- Travel insurance – see /topics/travel-insurance-what-it-covers-and-how-to-choose.
- Vaccinations – check CDC/UK NHS recommendations.
Questions people ask
Is Russia safe for tourists?
Safety depends on current government advisories and your personal risk tolerance. Review the latest advice from your home country; if you travel, stay alert, avoid protests and use reputable services.
What are the most common scams in Russia?
Pickpocketing in metros, unmetered taxi rides, inflated exchange rates, and overcharging by street vendors are the most reported scams.
What do government travel advisories say about Russia?
Most Western governments advise a high level of caution, noting risks of arbitrary detention, protests and inconsistent law enforcement. Check the specific level on the official sites before you travel.
Do I need travel insurance for Russia?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, COVID‑19, and trip interruption is strongly recommended.
Is tap water safe to drink in Russian cities?
Tap water is generally treated and safe in major cities, but many travellers prefer bottled water to avoid stomach upset.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS State Department travel advice
- officialUK Foreign Office travel advice
- officialCanada travel advice
- officialAustralia Smartraveller
- officialNew Zealand Safe Travel
- officialIreland travel advice
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS State Department travel advice
- officialUK Foreign Office travel advice
- officialCanada travel advice
- officialAustralia Smartraveller
- officialNew Zealand Safe Travel
- officialIreland travel advice
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