{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"RU","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Russia","url-slug":"russia","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 17:44 ","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution; see also regional advisories.","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory for Russia. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to crime. For detailed information on the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, please consult our dedicated page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to the following areas:<\/p>\n If you are currently in one of these areas, you should leave. The ability of the Embassy of Canada in Moscow to provide assistance is severely limited or non-existent.<\/p>\n See Security<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.<\/p>\n Despite the end of the Chechen War in 2009, there remains an insurgency in the North Caucasus, during which terrorist attacks are frequent. The security situation is unstable and dangerous. Suicide bombings occur on a regular basis and targeted assassinations have also taken place. Unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Kidnapping for ransom is also common.<\/p>\n You must obtain special permission from the Ministry of the Interior to enter certain areas of the country.<\/p>\n Tensions remain high in the border regions with Georgia since the 2008 conflict in South Ossetia, and may affect the security situation in the republics of Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia. Military operations are carried out with little or no notice, and are accompanied by travel restrictions. The border crossings to Georgia and Azerbaijan are subject to frequent, sometimes lengthy closures.<\/p>\n Terrorist incidents have occurred most frequently in the North Caucasus and in Moscow, but may happen throughout Russia. Exercise caution in public places, particularly on public transport (including subways, railways, airports and buses), and during large gatherings and events. <\/p>\n On December 29, 2013, an explosive device was detonated inside the main railway station of the city of Volgograd; on December 30, another explosive device was detonated on a public bus in the same city. These incidents caused deaths and injuries. Security measures have been reinforced throughout Russia, specifically in the Volgograd region. The Domodedovo International Airport and the Moscow subway system have also been targeted by terrorist attacks<\/p>\n Remain vigilant, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Authorities perform random identity checks frequently in public places.<\/p>\n Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and attacks are prevalent, especially for foreigners of Asian and African descent. Some victims have died. Foreigners in the areas to which we advise against all travel (see above) are particularly vulnerable. Several journalists and local aid personnel have been killed or kidnapped. Criminals have targeted and destroyed well-marked aid convoys<\/p>\n Exercise extreme caution in crowds and places frequented by skinhead groups, including open markets.<\/p>\n Violent crime is common. Pickpocketing, assaults and robberies occur frequently and are often committed by groups of children and teenagers. Criminals employ various techniques to distract the victims, including luring people to help them. In such situations, walk away quickly. Underground walkways, public transport, tourist sites, restaurants, transport hubs, markets, and hotel rooms and residences (even when occupied and locked are preferred targets. Reduce your risk of being targeted by travelling in groups with reputable tour agencies.<\/p>\n Criminals may also pose as police officers, particularly in St. Petersburg. Real police officers wear a visible personal identification number on their uniforms. Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Replacing travel documents and visas is difficult, and could considerably delay your return to Canada.<\/p>\n Cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault have been reported. Do not accept food and drinks from strangers, and do not leave food and drinks unattended in bars, nightclubs or restaurants. Order only bottled drinks in order to minimize risk.<\/p>\n Bogus checkpoints may be set up in rural areas in order to commit robbery.<\/p>\n Traffic police may stop motorists to collect fraudulent cash fines on the spot.<\/p>\n Credit card and automated banking machine (ABM) fraud occurs. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others during payment processing.<\/p>\n Organized criminal groups remain active throughout Russia, especially in large cities. Credit card fraud is one type of activity. Extortion and corruption are common business practices, including among foreign businesses. Criminals demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Report extortion attempts to Russian authorities<\/p>\n Rallies, protests and demonstrations occur in Russia. They can lead to significant disruptions in traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.<\/p>\n The 2014 Winter Olympic Games<\/a> will be held from February 7 to 23, 2014, in Sochi, followed by the Paralympic Games from March 7 to 16. Events will be held in the resort towns of Adler and Krasnaya Polyana. Any high profile international event is vulnerable to the risk of a terrorist attack<\/a>. In July 2013, Imarat Kavkaz leader Doku Umarov called on militants to derail the Sochi Olympic Games using any necessary means, and lifted his previous moratorium on actions of militants in Russia outside the North Caucasus. On January 19, 2014, the Ansar Al-Sunna terrorist group took responsibility for the December 2013 attacks on Volgograd (see above) and threatened further attacks if the Olympic games were to take place.<\/p>\n Russian authorities have announced that special security arrangements will be in place at Olympic venues, airports, border crossings and other sensitive areas. Whenever possible, limit your use of public transportation that is not affiliated with the Games. If you must use public buses or trains, be particularly vigilant and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Russian authorities have also placed special security measures and restrictions<\/a> on various items and materials, including prescription medications and medical supplies, at Olympic venues. Bring a copy of your prescription and be prepared to show it to officials.<\/p>\n If you are planning to travel outside of Olympic sites, be particularly cautious. There remains an ongoing insurgency in the North Caucasus, located approximately 150 kilometres from Sochi; consult our Advisories against travel to the North Caucasus republics of Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan<\/a>.<\/p>\n Since January 7, 2014, demonstrations, assemblies, rallies, marches and picketing not associated with the Olympic and Paralympic Games in and around Sochi must be held in places or along routes approved by the Interior Ministry. This order will be in effect until March 21, 2014. This includes the nearby venues of Adler and Krasnaya Polyana. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. Avoid demonstrations, monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities.<\/p>\n If you are planning to travel to the Games, take sensible precautions. You should make your travel arrangements, including accommodation, transportation and purchase of sporting events tickets, well in advance using genuine and reliable sources.<\/p>\n Use only registered taxis and do not share a taxi with strangers. Negotiate the price before getting into a taxi.<\/p>\n Road conditions vary and are often poor outside major cities. Traffic regulations are mostly ignored. Road accidents are common and pedestrians should be particularly careful. In the event of an accident, do not move the vehicle until the police arrive, even if the car is obstructing traffic. Drive only during daylight hours.<\/p>\n When travelling by train, store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Lock the door from the inside.<\/p>\n Boat accidents are common due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Safety standards differ from those in Canada. Exercise caution and common sense when using marine transportation. Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Fraud has been reported by victims developing friendships or romantic relationships over the Internet and becoming entangled in financial issues. Remain vigilant and be aware that neither the Embassy of Canada in Moscow or Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada can help you recover lost funds or property in such cases.<\/p>\n See our Overseas Fraud page<\/a> for more information on scams abroad.<\/p>\n Power outages and shortages occur often throughout Russia.<\/p>\n Dial 01 for fire, 02 for police and 03 for ambulance.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Russian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Russian Federation<\/a> or one of its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page<\/a>, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadian must present a passport<\/a> to visit Russia, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from that country.<\/p>\n Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Russia. Visa applications must be submitted electronically, via the Embassy of the Russian Federation’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Contact a Russian embassy or consulate prior to travelling to make sure you are aware of all entry and exit requirements pertaining to your stay in Russia (prior to arrival in Russia and upon exiting the country).<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Required (for those staying in commercial accommodations) You require a tourist visa if you are staying at a hotel or other commercial establishment. Ensure that the hotel registers your visa.<\/p>\n Canadian travel agencies must submit a tourist visa application on your behalf. Canadian travel agents work with Russian travel agencies or companies, who act as sponsors for tourist visas. In cases of expired tourist visas or lost or stolen Canadian passports, only the visa-sponsoring travel agency is authorized to apply for a new tourist visa on your behalf. Extensions are not issued. Holders of expired visas face heavy fines or imprisonment upon departure.<\/p>\n International cruise passengers may enter Russia without a visa for up to 7 days, provided that they are accompanied by a guide with all of the authorizations required by the Russian authorities.<\/p>\n You require a guest visa if you intend to stay in private accommodations. The host must obtain an official invitation (Priglashenie) from the local UFMS (local Russian visa and passport office) and send it to you (the guest) in Canada. You must then take the invitation and your passport to a Russian embassy or consulate, which will issue the visa. Upon arrival, you must register at a local police station.<\/p>\n A business visa requires sponsorship by a Russian individual or organization. It may take up to three months for the host to obtain approval for sponsorship from the Ministry of the Interior. Any subsequent changes (replacement or extension) to the original visa must be made by the sponsor. A business visa is not a work permit.<\/p>\n Foreign journalists cannot work in Russia without a special accreditation issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The accreditation can only be obtained through a formal request addressed to the Press Office of the MFA by the Embassy of Canada in Moscow, regardless of who is the inviting Russian sponsor. Journalists must submit the following documents well ahead of planned travel and prior to their Russian visa request:<\/p>\n Journalists wishing to travel to controlled areas (such as Chechnya) will require separate permission to enter the area.<\/p>\n An exit visa is required to leave or re-enter Russia during an extended stay. The exit visa must be obtained by your sponsor after arrival. The Embassy of Canada cannot act as a sponsor.<\/p>\n If you are planning to remain in Russia for more than three months, you must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The certificate must be valid for three months from the date of testing and include:<\/p>\n Other tests (such as tuberculosis and leprosy) may be required for individuals staying in Russia for more than three months.<\/p>\n You must complete a migration card upon your arrival in Russia. These cards are usually distributed on flights and trains entering Russia or at points of entry. Sometimes they are not available, even at major international airports. It is your responsibility to obtain a migration card and fill it out. Holders of multiple-entry visas must fill out a new card every time they enter the country. Part A of the card is deposited with immigration officials upon arrival. Part B is held throughout the stay and must be shown to the police, together with the passport and registered visa, upon request and submitted to border officials upon departure. The migration card is also required for hotel registration. Loss of this card can result in fines, serious delays or imprisonment at the time of departure.<\/p>\n If you are vising multiple destinations, you must register with Russian authorities within seven working days (including arrival and departure days) of your arrival at each separate destination. Your host or your employer can perform this registration. Failure to register will result in a fine, and you could experience problems when trying to re-enter Russia at a future date.<\/p>\n Upon arrival in Russia, you must fill out a customs declaration form, go through the red customs line and have the form stamped by a customs official. Without the stamp, any undeclared currency and valuables—including items that could be considered antique—may be confiscated upon departure.<\/p>\n You must declare amounts of currency exceeding US$10,000 at border crossings, and you may have to provide information on the origin of the money and its intended use. Currency exceeding the amount stated on the declaration form will be confiscated if you have not obtained an official bank receipt authorizing the clearance of these sums. The declaration form must be kept until departure.<\/p>\n Upon departure, you must fill out a second customs declaration form and present the two forms to a customs official. If you fail to declare in writing any amount of currency in your possession, the undeclared currency and valuables may be confiscated and you may be detained and face criminal charges leading to imprisonment.<\/p>\n Travel and residency in several Russian cities and regions is restricted. You must obtain permission from local authorities prior to entering a restricted city or region. Failure to do so may result in arrest, fines and\/or deportation. Attach an itinerary to your visa application to avoid delays. Some areas must be specifically indicated in the visa and you may have to pay an extra fee in order to include them.<\/p>\n Dual citizens must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport. If your Russian passport expires prior to travel, Russian authorities in Canada can extend it for entry purposes only. If the passport expires during your stay in Russia, you must obtain a new one before leaving. The renewal of a Russian passport may take several months.<\/p>\n If you are entering Russia with a repatriation certificate issued by Russian authorities in Canada or elsewhere, you may not be allowed to leave with a Canadian passport. This certificate is only valid for one-way travel into Russia.<\/p>\n Consult the Laws and culture tab and our publication entitled Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n Violating entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tJapanese encephalitis<\/a> is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is low for most travellers. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to mosquito bites (e.g., spending time outdoors in rural areas) while travelling in regions with risk of Japanese encephalitis.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tThere is a risk of polio<\/a> in this country. Be sure that your vaccination against polio is up-to-date.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTick-borne encephalitis<\/a> is a viral disease that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to tick bites (e.g., those spending time outdoors in wooded areas) while travelling in regions with risk of tick-borne encephalitis.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Regional Advisory <\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
<\/p>","security":"Republics of Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan (see Advisory<\/a>)<\/h3>\n
Republics of Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region) and North Ossetia (see Advisory<\/a>)<\/h3>\n
Terrorism<\/h3>\n
Crime<\/h3>\n
Organized crime<\/h3>\n
Demonstrations<\/h3>\n
Sochi Olympics<\/h3>\n
Transportation<\/h3>\n
Fraud<\/h3>\n
General safety information<\/h3>\n
Emergency services<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visa<\/h3>\n
Guest visa: Required (for those staying in private accommodations)
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required
Transit visa: Required (including for Belarus)
Exit visa: Required<\/p>\nTourist visa<\/h3>\n
Guest visa<\/h3>\n
Business visa<\/h3>\n
Journalists<\/h3>\n
\n
Exit visa<\/h3>\n
Health entry requirements<\/h3>\n
\n
Migration card<\/h3>\n
Registration<\/h3>\n
Customs declaration form<\/h3>\n
Special permits and restricted areas<\/h3>\n
Dual citizenship<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Japanese encephalitis<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Polio<\/summary>
Rabies<\/summary>
Tick-borne encephalitis<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>