Russia travel advice

Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including:

• security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity
• lack of flights to return to the UK
• limited ability for the UK government to provide support

There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia. See ‘Risk of arrest and detention’ on ‘Safety and security’.  

Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDO’s ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited.

There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities. See ‘Safety and security’.

Ongoing drone attacks and associated Russian air-defence activity may increase risks to civilian aviation and can lead to short-notice restrictions on airspace use and airport operations. See ‘Safety and security’

Limited UK government support

The British Embassy in Moscow and British Consulate in Ekaterinburg are open, but the situation could change at short notice.

In-person UK government support in Russia is limited. It is very limited in parts of Russia because of the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus.

If you need support, call our 24-hour helpline +7 495 956 7200 and select the option for consular services for British nationals.

Contact the Russian emergency services on 112.

Dual nationals

If you hold both British and Russian nationality, Russian authorities will treat you as a Russian citizen. This limits the consular assistance the UK government can provide. If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow UK consular staff to visit or assist you. 

Russian nationals are required to notify Russian authorities of any second nationality, including British, within 60 days of acquiring that nationality, or within 60 days of returning to Russia if the British/ foreign nationality was obtained outside of Russia. Parents are responsible for notification on behalf of their children aged under 18.  Failure to comply can result in criminal liability. Your British passport may be confiscated by the Russian authorities and not returned. Penalties can include a fine of up to 200,000 Russian rubles (or up to one year of income) and/or compulsory work for up to 400 hours.

Military Service 

Russia operates a conscription-based military system. Men aged 18 to 30 with Russian citizenship may be called up for two-year compulsory military service. Conscription campaigns continue throughout the year. 

Russian law prevents eligible individuals from leaving Russia once their draft notice appears on the federal electronic draft register. 

If you receive a conscription notice via your account on the Russian State Services portal, you will be prohibited from leaving Russia. Failure to report to the conscription point within seven days of receiving the notice may result in penalties, restrictions on your rights, or detention. 

In addition to regular conscription, Russia has declared a partial mobilisation. Military recruitment is ongoing, and anyone with Russian citizenship may be drafted.

From FCDO: warnings and insurance.

Passport validity

To enter Russia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date your visa expires.

You cannot enter Russia using a visa in an expired passport, even if you’re also carrying a new, valid passport. You will need to apply for a new visa or visa transfer.

Sign your passport before you travel if it was issued after January 2017. Some British nationals have been denied entry for not signing their passports.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.