Americas Should Depart Russia Soon

The U.S. Department of State today updated its Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for the Russian Federation. This travel advisory was reissued on February 13, 2023, with health and other risk indicators updates.

The U.S. government's ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for embassy personnel and staffing and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates.

The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens in departing the country, and transportation options may suddenly become even more limited.

If Americans wish to depart Russia, they should make independent arrangements as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, commercial flight options are extremely limited and are often unavailable on short notice. 

Click here for Information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.

If you are currently in Russia, the State Department suggests enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive Alerts and be located in an emergency.

From a health perspective, the U.S. CDC suggests various vaccinations before visiting Russia.

During the recent pandemic, most Russians were offered the Sputnik V vaccine.

Russia's relationship with the United States began on October 28, 1803, and diplomatic relations between the United States and Russia were formally established in 1809.

On March 30, 1867, the United States agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.

However, diplomatic relations were interrupted following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.

On December 6, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson instructed all American diplomatic representatives in Russia to refrain from any direct communication with representatives of the Bolshevik Government. However, normal diplomatic relations resumed on November 16, 1933.

On December 25, 1991, the United States recognized the Russian Federation as the successor to the Soviet Union and established diplomatic relations on December 31, 1991.