Russia Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Russia.
Healthcare System
Russia has a two-tier healthcare system with state-funded facilities and private clinics. State hospitals provide free emergency care to all, but quality varies widely. Private clinics in major cities offer Western-standard care but are expensive and require upfront payment or insurance guarantees.
Hospitals
International clinics in major cities include European Medical Center, American Medical Center, and Medsi. These cater to foreigners with English-speaking staff but charge Western prices. State hospitals provide emergency care but expect payment from foreigners. Always carry your insurance information and passport.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (аптека/apteka) are widely available in cities. Many medications requiring prescriptions in Western countries are available over-the-counter. However, bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications with documentation, as specific brands may not be available. Pharmacists often speak limited English.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is essential and strongly recommended. Many private clinics require proof of insurance or significant cash deposits before treatment. Ensure your policy covers Russia specifically and includes medical evacuation, as this can cost over $100,000.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete supply of prescription medications in original packaging with a letter from your doctor in English and Russian if possible
- Download offline translation apps for medical terms as English is rarely spoken in state facilities
- Keep copies of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers both digitally and in print
- International clinics in Moscow and St. Petersburg are expensive but provide Western-standard care; know their locations before you need them
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Dental care can be good in private clinics but ensure your insurance covers dental emergencies
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in tourist areas, crowded metro stations, markets, and popular attractions. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims.
Police and security officials can request identification at any time. Failure to produce proper documentation can result in detention, fines, or deportation. Some police may attempt to solicit bribes from foreigners.
Unlicensed taxis and some official taxis overcharge tourists, take unnecessarily long routes, or work with accomplices to rob passengers. Airport taxis are particularly notorious for overcharging.
Tourists, particularly men, have been targeted in bars and nightclubs where drinks are spiked, leading to robbery or credit card fraud. Some establishments use attractive individuals to lure tourists and present inflated bills.
Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C (-22°F) or lower, causing frostbite and hypothermia. Summer heat waves can also be dangerous. Icy sidewalks cause many injuries in winter.
Russia has experienced terrorist attacks, primarily in the North Caucasus region but occasionally in major cities. High security presence at major events and transportation hubs.
Internet surveillance is common, and cyber cafes and public WiFi may be monitored. Data theft from hotel WiFi and ATM skimming occur.
Travelers of non-Slavic appearance, particularly those of African, Asian, or Middle Eastern descent, may experience discrimination, harassment, or in rare cases, violence from nationalist groups.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as police officers approach tourists, claim to be checking for counterfeit money or drugs, and ask to see wallets or passports. They then steal cash or demand bribes.
Attractive women approach solo male travelers, befriend them, and suggest going to a specific bar or club. The victim is then presented with an enormously inflated bill, sometimes thousands of dollars, with intimidating security preventing them from leaving without paying.
People offer to help tourists buy metro cards or tickets, then either take the money without providing the card or charge significantly more than the actual price.
Individuals posing as hotel staff enter rooms and steal valuables. In some cases, actual hotel staff may be involved in theft from rooms.
Unofficial money changers offer good rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit notes, or switch denominations during the transaction.
People offer to help with luggage at train stations, then demand excessive payment or disappear with bags. Others create distractions while accomplices steal luggage.
Scammers advertise apartments that don't exist or aren't theirs, collect deposits, and disappear. Some show a nice apartment but provide a different, inferior one.
Groups of children, often Roma, surround tourists with newspapers, cardboard, or by begging, while pickpockets steal wallets, phones, and bags during the distraction.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Documentation and Legal
- Always carry your passport, migration card, and visa registration; police can request these at any time and failure to produce them can result in detention
- Register your visa within 7 business days of arrival (hotels do this automatically; private accommodation requires manual registration)
- Keep photocopies of all important documents separate from originals and store digital copies in cloud storage
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications and assistance
- Understand that Russian laws may be strictly enforced and differ significantly from your home country; penalties can be severe
- Photographing military installations, airports, or infrastructure is illegal and can result in arrest
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxi apps (Yandex.Taxi, Uber) rather than hailing cabs on the street to avoid scams and ensure fair pricing
- On overnight trains, lock your compartment from inside and keep valuables secured; be cautious of accepting food or drinks from strangers
- The metro is generally safe and efficient but watch for pickpockets during rush hours; keep bags in front of you
- Avoid unofficial taxis or rides from strangers at airports and train stations
- If driving, be aware that Russian driving can be aggressive; winter driving requires experience with snow and ice
- Keep car doors locked and windows up in traffic, especially in major cities
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than standalone machines on streets to avoid skimming devices
- Notify your bank of travel plans to Russia to avoid card blocks; bring backup payment methods
- Carry some cash in rubles as many smaller establishments don't accept cards
- Don't display large amounts of cash in public; use money belts or hidden pouches for larger sums
- Be aware that international sanctions may affect some credit card functionality; check with your bank
- Keep emergency cash in a separate location from your main wallet
Communication
- Learn basic Russian phrases; English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas and international hotels
- Download offline translation apps and maps before arrival as internet access may be limited
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication; registration requires your passport
- Be aware that some messaging apps and websites may be blocked or restricted
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily available in your phone and written down
- Consider a VPN service for secure internet access, though be aware of legal restrictions on VPN use
Food and Water Safety
- Don't drink tap water; use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth
- Be cautious with ice in drinks as it may be made from tap water
- Restaurants in major cities are generally safe; choose busy, reputable establishments
- Be cautious with street food; ensure it's thoroughly cooked and served hot
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Those with sensitive stomachs should avoid raw vegetables in less touristy areas
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good security reviews; international chain hotels generally have better security
- Use hotel safes for passports (keep a copy with you), extra cash, and valuables
- Ensure your visa registration is completed by your hotel or accommodation provider
- Keep doors locked and use chain locks when inside; don't open for unexpected visitors without verification
- Be aware of fire exits and emergency procedures in your accommodation
- If staying in private apartments, ensure the rental is legitimate and registered
Cultural Sensitivity and Behavior
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites (women should cover heads in Orthodox churches)
- Avoid discussing sensitive political topics or criticizing the government in public
- Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon; LGBTQ+ travelers should be particularly discreet
- Russians can appear reserved initially but are often hospitable once acquainted; don't mistake initial coldness for rudeness
- Tipping is becoming more common but not obligatory; 10% is appreciated in restaurants
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home and accept offers of hospitality graciously
Alcohol and Nightlife
- Be extremely cautious about accepting drinks from strangers; drink spiking occurs in nightclubs targeting tourists
- Stick to reputable, well-known bars and clubs; avoid venues suggested by strangers
- Never leave drinks unattended and watch them being prepared
- Be aware that vodka culture is strong; don't feel pressured to drink excessively
- Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in unfamiliar areas
- Keep phone charged and taxi app ready for safe transportation back to accommodation
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Russia safely with appropriate precautions. Solo female travelers are not uncommon in major cities, and Russian women often travel independently. However, women may experience unwanted attention, catcalling, or harassment, particularly from intoxicated men. Traditional gender roles are more prevalent than in many Western countries. Exercise standard safety precautions and trust your instincts.
- Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention; Russian women in cities dress stylishly but modestly
- Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas or parks; use taxis from reputable companies
- Be firm and assertive if experiencing harassment; don't feel obligated to be polite to aggressive strangers
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deter some unwanted attention
- Sit in carriages with other passengers on overnight trains; lock compartment doors from inside
- Be cautious in bars and nightclubs; never leave drinks unattended and watch them being prepared
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it
- Keep phone charged and have taxi apps ready for quick, safe transportation
- Stay in reputable accommodations with good security and 24-hour reception
- Connect with other travelers or join group tours if feeling uncomfortable traveling solo
- Be aware that sexual harassment is not always taken seriously by authorities, but report serious incidents to police and your embassy
- Learn basic Russian phrases for "leave me alone" (оставьте меня в покое) and "I need help" (мне нужна помощь)
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Russia (decriminalized in 1993), but there are significant legal restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights. The "gay propaganda" law prohibits promotion of "non-traditional sexual relationships" to minors, which has been used to suppress LGBTQ+ expression and events. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections. In 2023, laws were expanded to further restrict LGBTQ+ rights and expression.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; avoid public displays of affection
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly in public spaces or with strangers
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ dating apps may be monitored; use with caution and never share personal information
- Avoid LGBTQ+ symbols, rainbow flags, or clothing that might identify you as LGBTQ+
- If visiting LGBTQ+-friendly venues, research carefully beforehand and be discreet when entering and leaving
- Do not rely on police protection if harassed; authorities are often unsympathetic or hostile
- Consider traveling with a trusted companion rather than solo
- Register with your embassy and keep emergency contact information readily available
- Be prepared for potential discrimination in hotels or other services; book with international chains if concerned
- Research LGBTQ+ resources and support networks before traveling in case of emergency
- Understand that legal protections available in your home country do not exist in Russia
- Consider whether travel to Russia is necessary; many LGBTQ+ travelers choose alternative destinations due to safety concerns
- If you must travel, maintain a low profile and prioritize personal safety over self-expression
- Be aware that trans individuals may face additional scrutiny regarding passport documentation
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for travel to Russia. Medical care at international clinics is extremely expensive (comparable to or exceeding US prices), and state facilities, while providing emergency care, may not meet Western standards. Medical evacuation from Russia can cost over $100,000. Additionally, the complex visa and registration requirements mean that trip cancellation coverage is valuable. Political situations can change rapidly, making cancellation and interruption coverage important.