Following the nerve agent attack in Salisbury on 4 March 2018, there are heightened political tensions between the UK and Russia. While the British Russian foreign office travel advice in Moscow is not aware of any increased difficulties for British people travelling to Russia, you’re advised to remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations, and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.

The UK doesn’t recognise Crimea as being part of Russia. See the Ukraine travel advice page for details. Political rallies and demonstrations can occur in Moscow, St Petersburg and other places across Russia. Check the local media for the latest information, be vigilant, and avoid any demonstrations.

You should be aware of the risk of street crime. According to the Federal Agency for Tourism, British nationals made around 177,000 visits to Russia in 2016. Small earth tremors are recorded throughout the year without consequences. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the website of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency. Consular support is severely limited in parts of Russia due to the security situation. The North Caucasus remains an unstable and potentially dangerous region.

The Russian authorities take a particularly strict attitude towards security, as well as compliance with visa and registration rules. Short-term travel restrictions are sometimes applied in relation to ongoing security operations. These are publicised at very short notice, if at all. If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. You can contact the emergency services by calling 112. The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.