Thread by @CombatJourno

State Dept. Travel Advisory

Russia — Level 4: Do Not Travel

“Harassment by Russian government security officials & arbitrary enforcement of local law.”

The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is already severely limited

…particularly in areas far from the US Embassy in Moscow due to Russian government limitations on US staffing & the suspension of consular services at US consulates.

“Do not travel to Russia due to ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine, the potential for harassment…

…against U.S. citizens, the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, harassment by Russian government security officials, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law.”

State Department called on AMCITs in Russia earlier today to “consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available” because soon there will be no flights to catch.
ru.usembassy.gov/security-alert…

State Department adds, “…the situation along the border is unpredictable, given heightened tension & on-going volatility of the situation, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling by land from Russia to Ukraine through [Ukraine] region.”

Do Not Travel to:

•The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping, and risk of civil unrest. 

•Crimea due to Russia’s purported occupation of the Ukrainian territory and abuses by its occupying authorities.