travel to russia state dept

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Learn about your destination

Take 90 seconds for safer travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

Enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

The State Department tells Americans to leave Russia immediately

Emma Bowman

Aeroflot's passenger planes are parked at Sheremetyevo airport, outside Moscow, Russia, on Tuesday. Aeroflot said Monday that it suspended flights to New York, Washington, Miami and Los Angeles through Wednesday because Canada has closed its airspace to Russian planes. Pavel Golovkin/AP hide caption

Aeroflot's passenger planes are parked at Sheremetyevo airport, outside Moscow, Russia, on Tuesday. Aeroflot said Monday that it suspended flights to New York, Washington, Miami and Los Angeles through Wednesday because Canada has closed its airspace to Russian planes.

The U.S. State Department is telling U.S. citizens in Russia to leave the country "immediately."

The new travel advisory was issued Saturday over heightened security concerns in the country as Russian military forces carry out an "unprovoked and unjustified attack" in Ukraine, the State Department said.

The alert warned of "the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the Embassy's limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law. U.S. citizens should depart Russia immediately.

"As foreigners make plans to exit the country, the State Department noted a growing number of flight cancellations into and out of Russia, reports of cash shortages, and that "some credit and debit cards may be declined as a result of sanctions imposed on Russian banks."

The State Department's prior travel advisory, issued on Friday, said American citizens should "consider" departing Russia immediately through the available commercial options. On Feb. 28, U.S. officials allowed the voluntary departure of non-emergency staff at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and their family members.

• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

Coronavirus (COVID19) travel Information

• #Travel tips

When planning your trip, it is essential to inform the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Below is the latest information regarding the current situation.

• Border closing

Russia closed its borders for foreign visitors from 18.03.2020 till further notice. Here are the few exceptions: foreigners studying in Russia; diplomatic workers and members of their families; relatives of a deceased person, provided that they have documents confirming their relations; transit passengers; foreigners seeking medical treatment; international ship, cargo, train, sea crew members performing their work duties; specialists who carry out adjustment and maintenance of imported equipment; holders of special visas, issued to visit the funeral of a person, permanently residing in Russia; Russian citizens and permanent residents.

• Border opening

Russia's borders are open for the citizens of certain countries with which Russia has resumed regular air travel.

The international flight connection reopened between Russia and several counties from the particular list approved by the government. Today the list of such countries includes 50 countries:

• Turkey 
• Switzerland
• South Korea
• Tanzania (temporarily no air connection)
• Azerbaidzhan
• Tadzhikistan
• Saudi Arabia
• North Macedonia

Citizens of the foreign states, according to the list, can visit Russia if they enter the Russian Federation from the country of their citizenship through air checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation.

• Special requirements

On the departure to Russia, travelers must show a negative result for a COVID test conducted within 72 hours before arrival English or Russian). Russian citizens arriving without a test result must submit to this test within 72 hours of arrival. Foreign citizens will not be accepted onboard without this test.

There is no quarantine upon arrival.

• Boutique Hotels in St. Petersburg read
• Travel tips read
• Quick facts about Russia read

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, tailor content, and measure advertising. By continuing to use our Website, you accept our Privacy Policy .

Your request has been sent successfully! Our travel expert will contact you shortly.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Watch CBS News

The countries where the State Department warns that travelers risk being wrongfully detained

By Kathryn Watson

Updated on: December 9, 2022 / 7:15 PM EST / CBS News

During his announcement that the WNBA's  Brittney Griner  had been released by Russia, President Joe Biden  had a broader message directed at all Americans to "take precautions" and review the State Department travel advisories before traveling overseas. He noted that those advisories now include warnings about the "risk of being wrongfully detained by a foreign government."

Russia's detention of Griner, who returned home to the United States early Friday morning, and Marine veteran  Paul Whelan , who remains in Russian custody after four years, has focused broader attention on the wrongful detention of Americans abroad. Another Marine veteran, Trevor Reed , was released by Russia in a prisoner swap in April.

In July, the State Department added a new risk factor to its travel advisories , warning U.S. citizens traveling abroad of the possibility they could be wrongfully detained by a foreign country's government. That indicator, signified by a "D" label, has been attached since the summer to existing travel advisories for Russia and seven other countries — Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea and Venezuela.

In 2017, Otto Warmbier , a University of Virginia student who was in a coma when he was  freed from North Korean custody , died soon after his release. 

Earlier this year, Venezuela freed seven Americans who had been imprisoned, including five oil executives held for almost five years, in exchange for two nephews of President Nicholas Maduro's wife who had been jailed for years by the U.S. on drug smuggling convictions.

"In July 2022, we introduced a new risk indicator to our Travel Advisories — the "D" indicator," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement. "This new indicator warns U.S. citizens of the risk of wrongful detention by a foreign government. We made this change to highlight the elevated risk of wrongful detention in particular countries that have engaged in this practice. The United States opposes wrongful detention, including the practice of using individuals as political bargaining chips, everywhere. These practices represent a threat to the safety of all U.S. citizens traveling, working, and living abroad."

The State Department already labels Burma, China, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea and Russia as "do not travel" countries, its most serious travel advisory label. 

The department has not released figures on how many Americans are wrongfully detained overseas, but a report by the New York Times Friday said that a senior State Department official estimated in July that there were 40 to 50 Americans being wrongfully detained by foreign governments.

The Biden administration stresses that it is doing everything it can to bring home imprisoned Americans wrongfully detained abroad. 

"I don't want any American to sit wrongfully detained one extra day if we can bring that person home," Mr. Biden said Thursday.

• Paul Whelan
• Brittney Griner

Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, D.C.

More from CBS News

CBS News poll: Biden-Trump race tight in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin

Searches on Americans in FBI foreign intelligence database fell in 2023

U.K. shares video of first migrants being detained under Rwanda plan

Transcript: Rep. Summer Lee on "Face the Nation," April 28, 2024

US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

The US Is Now Allowed to Seize Russian State Assets. How Would That Work?

The big U.S. aid package for Ukraine and other allies that President Joe Biden signed Wednesday also allows the administration to seize Russian state assets located in the U.S. and use them for the benefit of Kyiv

President Joe Biden speaks before signing a $95 billion Ukraine aid package that also includes support for Israel, Taiwan, and other allies, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The big U.S. aid package for Ukraine and other allies that President Joe Biden signed Wednesday also allows the administration to seize Russian state assets located in the U.S. and use them for the benefit of Kyiv.

That could mean another $5 billion in assistance for Ukraine, coming from Russian Central Bank holdings that have already been frozen in the United States. The seizures would be carried out under provisions of the REPO Act, short for the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, that were incorporated into the aid bill.

But it's not likely the U.S. will seize the assets without agreement from other members of the Group of Seven nations and the European Union.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FREEZING AND SEIZING?

The U.S. and its allies immediately froze $300 billion in Russian foreign holdings at the start of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. That money has been sitting untapped — most of it in European Union nations — as the war grinds on. But roughly $5 billion of it is located in the U.S.

The frozen assets are immobilized and can't be accessed by Moscow — but they still belong to Russia. While governments can generally freeze property without difficulty, turning that property into forfeited assets that can be sold for the benefit of Ukraine requires an extra layer of judicial procedure, including a legal basis and adjudication in a court.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

For more than a year, officials from multiple countries have debated the legality of confiscating the money and sending it to Ukraine.

HOW QUICKLY COULD THIS HAPPEN?

The new U.S. law requires the president and Treasury Department to start locating Russian assets in the U.S. within 90 days and to report back to Congress within 180 days. A month after that period, the president will be allowed to “seize, confiscate, transfer, or vest” any Russian state sovereign assets, including any interest, within U.S. jurisdictions.

But the U.S. wants to keep consulting with global allies and act together, which is likely to slow down the process.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said Wednesday the issue would be an important topic when leaders of the G7 countries meet in Italy in June, adding that “the ideal is that we all move together.”

WHAT CAN THE US DO WITH THE MONEY?

Biden is given leeway to determine how the money can be spent for the benefit of Ukraine — but he must confer with other G7 members before acting.

The legislation states that “any effort by the United States to confiscate and repurpose Russian sovereign assets” should be done alongside international allies, including the G7, the 27-member European Union and other nations as part of a coordinated effort.

Policymakers, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, have said the U.S. is not likely to act without the support of G7 allies.

Yellen said after the passage of the bill that "Congress took an important step in that effort with the passage of the REPO Act, and I will continue intensive discussions with our G7 partners in the weeks ahead on a collective path forward,” Yellen said.

WILL EUROPE ALSO SEIZE RUSSIAN ASSETS?

The European Union already has begun to set aside windfall profits generated from frozen Russian central bank assets. The bloc estimates the interest on that money could provide around 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) each year.

“The Russians will not be very happy. The amount of money, 3 billion per year, is not extraordinary, but it is not negligible,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters in March .

Still, some European leaders have expressed hesitation about moving forward with a plan to formally seize Russia's assets in Europe.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said at a Council on Foreign Relations event earlier this month that confiscating Russian assets "is something that needs to be looked at very carefully" and could “start breaking the international legal order.”

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Critics of the REPO Act say the weaponization of global finance against Russia could harm the U.S. dollar’s standing as the world’s dominant currency.

To confiscate Russia’s assets could prompt nations like China — the biggest holder of U.S. Treasuries — to determine it is not safe to keep their reserves in U.S. dollars.

The conservative Heritage Foundation has criticized Russian asset seizure for, among other things, undermining the dollar-denominated global finance system, saying “it would expose an already fragile economy to unintended consequences and risks for which the United States is unprepared.”

Russian authorities have warned that the new law will undermine the global financial system.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation

Tags: Associated Press , legislation , politics , business , world news , socialism

America 2024

Health News Bulletin

Stay informed on the latest news on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

The 10 worst presidents.

U.S. News Staff Feb. 23, 2024

Cartoons on President Donald Trump

Feb. 1, 2017, at 1:24 p.m.

Photos: Obama Behind the Scenes

April 8, 2022

Photos: Who Supports Joe Biden?

March 11, 2020

Congress Comes Down on Campus Protests

Aneeta Mathur-Ashton May 1, 2024

University Leaders in Their Own Words

Laura Mannweiler May 1, 2024

April Job Gains Above Forecasts

Tim Smart May 1, 2024

Nationwide Campus Protests Escalate

Laura Mannweiler April 30, 2024

What to Know: Trump Gag Order Violations

Lauren Camera April 30, 2024

Different jobs with med degree

Jarek Rutz April 30, 2024

US State Dept says oil service firm SLB is not violating Russia sanctions

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Curtis Williams in Houston; Editing by David Gregorio

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Markets Chevron

Stocks, dollar lower after Fed holds rates steady

A gauge of global stocks fell on Wednesday while the dollar dipped against a basket of peers after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged and indicated it is still leaning toward eventual rate cuts and after a batch of U.S. economic data.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

The US is now allowed to seize Russian state assets. How would that work?

Calling it “a good day for world peace,” President Joe Biden signed into law the $95 billion war aid measure that includes assistance for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and other allies, marking an end to the long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress.

President Joe Biden speaks before signing a $95 billion Ukraine aid package that also includes support for Israel, Taiwan, and other allies, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

• Copy Link copied

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The big U.S. aid package for Ukraine and other allies that President Joe Biden signed Wednesday also allows the administration to seize Russian state assets located in the U.S. and use them for the benefit of Kyiv.

That could mean another $5 billion in assistance for Ukraine, coming from Russian Central Bank holdings that have already been frozen in the United States. The seizures would be carried out under provisions of the REPO Act, short for the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, that were incorporated into the aid bill.

But it’s not likely the U.S. will seize the assets without agreement from other members of the Group of Seven nations and the European Union.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FREEZING AND SEIZING?

The U.S. and its allies immediately froze $300 billion in Russian foreign holdings at the start of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. That money has been sitting untapped — most of it in European Union nations — as the war grinds on. But roughly $5 billion of it is located in the U.S.

The frozen assets are immobilized and can’t be accessed by Moscow — but they still belong to Russia. While governments can generally freeze property without difficulty, turning that property into forfeited assets that can be sold for the benefit of Ukraine requires an extra layer of judicial procedure, including a legal basis and adjudication in a court.

For more than a year, officials from multiple countries have debated the legality of confiscating the money and sending it to Ukraine.

HOW QUICKLY COULD THIS HAPPEN?

The new U.S. law requires the president and Treasury Department to start locating Russian assets in the U.S. within 90 days and to report back to Congress within 180 days. A month after that period, the president will be allowed to “seize, confiscate, transfer, or vest” any Russian state sovereign assets, including any interest, within U.S. jurisdictions.

But the U.S. wants to keep consulting with global allies and act together, which is likely to slow down the process.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said Wednesday the issue would be an important topic when leaders of the G7 countries meet in Italy in June, adding that “the ideal is that we all move together.”

WHAT CAN THE US DO WITH THE MONEY?

Biden is given leeway to determine how the money can be spent for the benefit of Ukraine — but he must confer with other G7 members before acting.

The legislation states that “any effort by the United States to confiscate and repurpose Russian sovereign assets” should be done alongside international allies, including the G7, the 27-member European Union and other nations as part of a coordinated effort.

Policymakers, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, have said the U.S. is not likely to act without the support of G7 allies.

Yellen said after the passage of the bill that “Congress took an important step in that effort with the passage of the REPO Act, and I will continue intensive discussions with our G7 partners in the weeks ahead on a collective path forward,” Yellen said.

WILL EUROPE ALSO SEIZE RUSSIAN ASSETS?

The European Union already has begun to set aside windfall profits generated from frozen Russian central bank assets. The bloc estimates the interest on that money could provide around 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) each year.

“The Russians will not be very happy. The amount of money, 3 billion per year, is not extraordinary, but it is not negligible,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters in March .

Still, some European leaders have expressed hesitation about moving forward with a plan to formally seize Russia’s assets in Europe.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said at a Council on Foreign Relations event earlier this month that confiscating Russian assets “is something that needs to be looked at very carefully” and could “start breaking the international legal order.”

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Critics of the REPO Act say the weaponization of global finance against Russia could harm the U.S. dollar’s standing as the world’s dominant currency.

To confiscate Russia’s assets could prompt nations like China — the biggest holder of U.S. Treasuries — to determine it is not safe to keep their reserves in U.S. dollars.

The conservative Heritage Foundation has criticized Russian asset seizure for, among other things, undermining the dollar-denominated global finance system, saying “it would expose an already fragile economy to unintended consequences and risks for which the United States is unprepared.”

Russian authorities have warned that the new law will undermine the global financial system.

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked