Russian Federation Travel Alert - Events in Ukraine

The U.S. government currently has no information concerning active military conflict inside Russiaas a result of regional tensions or of any threat specific to U.S. citizens.� However, all U.S.citizens located in or considering travel to the border region, specifically the regions borderingUkraine in Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, and Rostov Oblasts and Krasnodar Krai, should beaware of the potential for escalation of tensions, military clashes (either accidental or intentional), orother violence, and the potential for threats to safety and security.� Media accounts note therehas been a sizable Russian military build-up in those regions and there are reports of an increasedpresence of Russian neo-Nazi and radical nationalist and extremist groups in those regions.

U.S. citizens considering travel to Russia shouldevaluate their personal security situation in light ofcurrent political tensions and the possibility ofviolence or anti-U.S. actions directed against U.S.citizens or U.S. interests.Ã� Ã�Â

The Department of State advises that U.S. citizensshould avoid all public demonstrations, whetherproperly authorized by local officials or not, and avoid any large crowds and public gatherings thatlack enhanced security measures.Ã� Demonstrations related to the conflict may appear anywherethroughout Russia, at any time.Ã� These demonstrations may increase the possibility ofconfrontation and violence.Ã� Review your personal security plans, remain aware of yoursurroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates.Ã� Maintain ahigh level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.Ã� Ã�Â

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Russia enroll in the Departmentof Stateâ��s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).� STEP enrollment allows you toreceive the Departmentâ��s safety and security updates, and makes it easier for the nearestU.S. embassy or U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.� If you do not have Internetaccess, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Departmentâ��s website, where you can find current TravelWarnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution, and read the Country Specific Information forthe Russian Federation.� For additional information, refer to the "Traveler's Checklist" on theState Department's website.� Current information on safety and security can also be obtained bycalling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 fromother countries.� These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Mondaythrough Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).� Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.

The American Citizen Services Unit of theU.S. Embassy in Moscow assists U.S.citizens in Russia. We can help you withpassport issuance and renewal, voterassistance, notarials, and registering a childborn abroad. We also provide emergencyservices for U.S. citizens in case of adisaster or in case of illness, arrest, deathor destitution while in Russia.Ã�Â

Appointments are required for all non-emergency services; you can make anappointment by calling the ACS unit at 7

(495) 728-5577, or you may click here� to schedule an appointment online.� To contact uswith questions, please write to� moscowwarden@state.gov or visit� the Embassy website.

Emergency Contact Information in Russia:

U.S. Embassy Moscow:

U.S. citizens with an emergency during regular office hours (M-F 9am-6pm, excluding Russian andU.S. holidays) are welcome to visit the ACS unit at the U.S. Embassy, 21 Novinsky Blvd., Moscow.

Tel: (7) (495) 728-5577 - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, weekdays

For after-hours emergencies, call (7) (495) 728-5000 after 6:00 pm, and on weekends and holidays.

U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg:

The U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg is located at 15 Furshatskaya Street, Tel: (+7) (812)331-2600.� You may contact the Consulateâ��s ACS unit by e-mail atStPetersburgACS@State.gov, or by fax at (+7) (812) 331-2646, or visit the Consulate website.

For after-hours emergencies, call (812) 331-2600 and listen to the recorded message for the DutyOfficer�s cell phone number.

cheap first class flights

U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok:

Tel: (+7) (4232) 30-00-70

U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg:

Tel: (+7) (3432) 793-001