Russia
Warnings and insurance
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
FCDO advises against all travel to Russia
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
FCDO advises British nationals against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine. The situation in Russia is unpredictable. This includes:
- security incidents, such as drone attacks, happening in some parts of the country
- lack of available flights to return to the UK
- limited ability for the UK government to provide consular assistance
Security situation in Russia
The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. There are reports of drone attacks and explosions in areas in western and southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine, Moscow and St Petersburg.
Political rallies and demonstrations can take place in Moscow, St Petersburg and across Russia. Check the local media for the latest information. Be vigilant and avoid any political demonstrations or gatherings.
The situation remains unpredictable and could escalate without warning.
Leaving Russia
FCDO advises British nationals to consider leaving Russia.
If you do not need to be in Russia, we strongly advise you to consider leaving.
You cannot fly directly from Russia to the UK or though EU countries. Commercial flight options are limited and can sell out quickly. Check with your airline or travel provider.
British nationals should exercise extreme caution at all times. Travel within or out of Russia is at your own risk.
By air
You cannot fly direct from Russia to the UK or through EU countries. There are limited commercial airlines with indirect flights via the Middle East, Serbia and Turkey. Check the latest information with your airline or travel provider.
By road
Land borders may be busy. Be prepared for a long wait to exit Russia. You may also be questioned at the border. During periods of unrest, check the local media for updates on the situation before travelling.
Most Finnish border crossings with Russia are now closed. Consult the Finnish border guard website for up-to-date information on available road crossings.
Some European countries have restricted or banned the entry of vehicles registered in Russia , this includes:
If you plan to drive a vehicle registered in Russia into Europe check that you are eligible to do so.
By bus
Some bus companies have international routes. The situation may change quickly. From 18 November 2023, Finland will restrict entry at some road border crossings (See ‘Travelling from Russia to Finland’). Check these companies for availability of buses, timetables and tickets:
-
Ecolines – buses to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia),
Helsinki(Finland), - Baltic Shuttle – buses from St Petersburg to Tallinn (Estonia)
-
Lux Express – buses from St Petersburg to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn
(Estonia),Helsinki(Finland)(Estonia)
Travelling from Russia to Latvia
Check the travel advice for Latvia.
See the Latvian government website for information on crossing the border.
Travelling from Russia to Finland
Check the travel advice for Finland.
See the Finnish border guard website for information on crossing the border.
From 18 November 2023 until at least 18 February 2024, Finland is closing four of its land borders to Russia, at Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala. The road border crossings at Vartius and Kuusamo remain open.
The train service from Russia to Finland is no longer available.
Travelling from Russia to Estonia
Check the travel advice for Estonia.
See the Estonian police and border guard website for information on crossing the border.
If you’re planning to cross into Estonia by road at the Narva-1 border crossing point, see the Go Swift Queue Management Service.
Travelling from Russia to Lithuania
Check the travel advice for Lithuania.
If you’re planning to cross into Lithuania by road from Kaliningrad oblast at the Kybartai border crossing point, see the Lithuanian state border crossing website.
Travelling from Russia to Norway
Check the travel advice for Norway.
Staying in Russia
If you decide to stay in Russia, you should:
- keep your departure plans under constant review
- ensure your travel documents are up to date
- follow local media
- stay alert to security warnings and follow the advice of local authorities
- take cover in buildings or underground and avoid windows in the event of drone attack
- sign up to email alerts for Russia travel advice
Read FCDO advice on what to do if you’re affected by a crisis abroad and how to prepare.
Support for British nationals in Russia
The British Embassy in Moscow and British Consulate Ekaterinburg are open, but the situation could change at short notice.
In person consular support in Russia is limited. It is very limited in parts of Russia because of the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus.
If you need consular assistance, call our 24-hour helpline +7 495 956 7200 and select the option for consular services for British nationals.
Contact the Russian emergency services on 112.
Dual nationals
Dual British-Russian nationals are treated as Russian nationals by local authorities. The consular support FCDO can provide is severely limited. If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow us to provide consular access.
In 2022, Russia declared a partial mobilisation of Russian citizens to join the military forces. While mobilisation has ended, military recruitment continues. Anyone with a Russian passport could be conscripted.
In August, Russian law was amended to stop Russian nationals eligible for military conscription from leaving Russia from the day their draft notice appears on the federal electronic conscription register.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:
- advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
- information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Update history
2024-11-29 11:26
Information on new biometric entry requirements at Moscow airports (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-08-23 11:30
New information on the security situation, the risk of arrest and detention, and entry requirements (‘Warnings and insurance’, ‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2024-07-04 13:20
New information on the security situation in the North Caucasus (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-06-17 13:25
Information that Russia has banned surrogacy for all foreigners except those married to Russian citizens (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-04-05 16:00
Information on travelling from Russia to Finland and that border crossing points for maritime traffic at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa and Santio will be closed to leisure boating from 15 April (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-03-27 16:35
Update on the terrorism section and information on obtaining a Russian driving licence (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-03-24 16:36
On 22 March 2024, a terrorist attack took place at the Crocus City Concert Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow. Additional counter-terrorism procedures and restrictions are in place across the country as a result (‘Warnings and insurance’)
2024-03-22 18:49
Update on ongoing incident around Crocus concert hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow (‘Warnings and insurance’)
2024-03-14 15:47
Information on Russian presidential elections (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-03-12 15:16
Information on terrorism in Russia (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2024-03-08 12:00
Information on questioning that British Nationals may receive on arrival in Russia and new information about the risks around arrest and detention under Russian law (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2024-03-07 20:49
Information on a US Embassy in Moscow security alert which says “The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours.” (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-02-15 13:49
Information on legislative restrictions which target the LGBT+ community in Russia (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-02-09 13:02
Update on Finnish border closures (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-02-06 09:43
Closure of Narva vehicle border crossing between Russia and Estonia (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-01-15 16:49
Information that Road border crossings between Finland and Russia will be closed until at least the 11 February 2024 (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-12-27 14:03
Information on Arctic travel (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-12-15 11:22
Information following the announcement of Finnish border crossings closing (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-12-14 11:39
Information for LGBT+ travellers (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-12-13 09:17
Information on road border crossings between Finland and Russia (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-11-29 11:12
Information on border closures between Finland and Russia (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-11-23 16:16
Information on further border closures between Finland and Russia (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-11-17 13:02
Information on Finland closing four of its land borders to Russia (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-10-30 16:32
Information on the restriction of entry for cars registered in Russia (Under ‘Leaving Russia’; ‘By Road’ on the ‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-09-01 14:23
Information on delays and cancellations of flights in and out of airports in Russia (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-08-25 16:54
Addition of information about Russian nationals being prohibited from exiting Russia (‘Summary’ page).
2023-08-24 11:55
Information on entry restrictions in the Voronezh Region’s Paninsky district following an outbreak of anthrax (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-06-30 17:13
Lifting of restrictions following reduced military tensions in the Rostov and Voronezh regions (‘Summary’ page). Additional details on risks to dual nationals (‘Summary’ and ‘Local laws and customs’ pages).
2023-06-25 10:55
Updates on the lifting of restrictions following reports of reduced military tensions in the Rostov and Voronezh regions. Additionally, there is a lack of available flight options to return to the UK (‘Summary’ page)
2023-06-24 08:50
Latest update:There are reports of military tensions in the Rostov region and a risk of further unrest across the country. Additionally, there is a lack of available flight options to return to the UK (‘Summary’ page)
2023-06-24 08:46
Latest update: There are reports of military tensions in the Rostov region and a risk of further unrest across the country. Additionally, there is a lack of available flight options to return to the UK(‘Summary’ page)
2023-06-22 10:08
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-05-30 16:52
Information on recent drone attacks and termination of UK-Russia Green Card Bilateral Agreement (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-05-04 19:10
Updated information about large gatherings and reports of fires and explosions (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-05-02 14:46
Updated information about altitude sickness (‘Health’ pages).
2023-03-31 20:12
Information on risks for journalists. (Safety & Security Page)
2023-03-02 11:09
Updated information about high security (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-01-23 16:08
Updated information on British government staff travelling internally in Russia and using Western-manufactured aircraft (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-12-30 13:59
Updated information on threats to British Nationals in Russia (‘Terrorism’ page).
2022-12-19 17:35
Updated information on travel, safety and security, visas and dual nationality (‘Summary’, ‘Returning to the UK’, Coronavirus’, Safety and security’, ‘Entry requirements’, ‘Local laws and customs’ and ‘Health’ pages).
2022-11-16 10:35
Clarification of requirement for health checks for those staying longer than 90 days in Russia and clarification of liability for conscription of dual nationals (‘Summary’ and ‘Local laws and customs’ pages).
2022-10-22 11:03
Information on removal of requirement to produce a negative PCR test on entry to Russia.
2022-10-21 12:49
New information about potential additional security measures announced by President Putin on 19 October (‘Summary’ page).
2022-09-30 16:49
Updated information on security checks on foreign nationals and transport routes out of Russia (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-09-26 15:41
Addition of information about Russian declaration of a “partial” mobilisation of Russian citizens to join the military forces (‘Summary’ page).
2022-09-23 17:12
Updates on political rallies, and border tensions with Ukraine including explosions and fires, (Summary Page) and (Safety and security page).
2022-08-25 13:33
Updated information on COVID-19 cases (‘Coronavirus’ page) and entry requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-07-12 14:39
Updated information on security checks on foreign nationals (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ page) and COVID-19 entry requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-05-26 10:58
Updated information on sanctions (Summary’ page)
2022-05-05 16:39
Updated information on the situation in border areas with Ukraine, the value of the Rouble, number of British National visitors, social distancing rules, COVID-related entry restrictions, travelling between Russia and Belarus, LGBT+ travellers, dual nationality, HIV prevalence (Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’, ‘Safety and Security’, ‘Entry Requirements’ ‘Local Laws and Customs’, ‘Health’ and ‘Money’ pages)
2022-04-27 15:57
Updated information on increased security checks in regions adjoining the Ukraine/Russia border (‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-04-21 16:18
Updated information on the arrival process at Russian airports and money exchange (‘Safety and security’ and ‘Money’ pages)
2022-04-11 17:11
Updated information on COVID-19 protocols (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-08 12:09
Updated information on COVID-19 protocols (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages) and flight safety (‘Returning to the UK’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-04-02 11:40
Updated information on military action in the Belgorod region of Russia (See ‘Summary’ page)
2022-03-29 16:57
Updated information on travelling from Russia to Finland; a train service is no longer available (‘Returning to the UK’ page).
2022-03-24 19:53
Updated information on domestic flight restrictions (‘Summary,’ ‘Returning to the UK’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages). The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the whole of Russia due to the lack of flight options and increased economic volatility.
2022-03-23 18:54
Updated information on domestic flight restrictions (‘Summary,’ ‘Returning to the UK’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages), and updated country entry restrictions list (‘Entry requirements’ page). The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the whole of Russia due to the lack of flight options and increased economic volatility.
2022-03-17 11:08
Updated information on entry restrictions (‘Entry requirements’ page) and domestic flight restrictions (‘Summary’, ‘Returning to the UK’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages). The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the whole of Russia due to the lack of flight options and increased economic volatility
2022-03-09 14:18
Updated information on transport options and border crossings (‘Returning to the UK’ page). The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the whole of Russia due to the lack of flight options and increased economic volatility
2022-03-07 21:16
Updated with information about bus services from Russia to the Baltic States (see ‘Returning to the UK’ page). The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the whole of Russia due to the lack of flight options and increased economic volatility.
2022-03-06 18:51
Updated to advise British nationals whose presence in Russia is not essential to consider leaving by remaining commercial routes, information on travel out of Russia, announcement that Mastercard and Visa have suspending operations in Russia (see ‘Summary’, ‘Returning to the UK’ and ‘Money” pages).
2022-03-05 10:22
Updated to advise British nationals whose presence in Russia is not essential to consider leaving by remaining commercial routes, information on travel out of Russia, possible social media restrictions (‘Summary’, ‘Returning to the UK’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-03-02 22:25
The FCDO now advises against all travel to Russia (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-02-28 15:03
The FCDO now advises against all travel to Russia (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-02-26 00:29
Updated information regarding where FCDO advises against all travel (summary)
2022-02-25 10:25
Updated information on restrictions to flights in both UK and Russian airspace and British Airways’ decision to cease flights to Russia (see ‘Summary’ page).
2022-02-24 22:21
Change to the Summary – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused significant political tension between Russia and Western countries.
2022-02-24 11:17
New information on restrictions on domestic flights to a number of airports in southern Russia, with disruption to internal flights to and from Moscow and other cities. Check the latest information with your airline or travel provider (‘Summary’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages). New information on reports of increased police presence and ID checks. You should keep your passport with you at all times. (‘Safety and security’ page)
2022-02-24 05:32
There are multiple reports of widespread military activity in Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Russia. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-02-21 19:50
Update to advise on states of emergency introduced in some Russian regions (‘Safety and Security’ page)
2022-02-17 17:45
Update to areas in Russia where the FCDO advises against all travel, due to the build up of Russian forces and ongoing military exercises (‘Summary’ page)