Is it ok for an American to travel to Moscow right now?

[JayFromTexas 69]

I have plans to travel to Moscow next week. Is it reasonably safe for an American to travel to Russia at this time? There’s been at least one incident where an American was interrogated for 3-4 hours, shared in these forums. That person was traveling with a new passport. My passport isn’t new and I was in Russia six months ago. 
 

Im looking for advice and opinions. Is it too risky for an US citizen to travel to Russia at this time?

[Nuba 57]

Not quite a direct answer. A colleague who is UK citizen and US LPR travelled to Moscow two weeks ago.  He underwent 4 hours of questioning at entry and they went through his phone before they finally admitted him.. He had traveled to Russia extensively for business and personal over the past years.

[smoothoperaytor 40]

I think it's more risky when it comes to how it looks for the US government than it is for Russia. I have spent a good amount of time in Russia during the past few years. I was interrogated when I returned to the states. Granted, I was outside the US for almost two years. They questioned me about my activity in the some of the countries I was in (e.g., Russia, Turkey, etc.). It was a formality and the conversation was friendly. Just something to consider. 

 

I have also heard of Americans being questioned when going to Russia. Being questioned is the extent of the "problem". I believe they're just checking what your intentions are and if you're telling the truth about the purpose of your visit. 

[JeanneAdil 6,491]

US Department of State warns as "limited ability to assist US citizens in Russia" -the same warning that has been posted for years (just adding covid part)   

mind the laws when u travel as others have said they have gone there

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/russia-travel-advisory.html#:~:text=Do%20not%20travel%20to%20Russia,officials%20including%20for%20detention%2C%20the

 

Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19-related restrictions, and terrorism. U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart Russia immediately.

 

 

[millefleur 5,046]

@To_the_moon travelled to Russia recently if I'm not mistaken.

[Cheddy 788]

There are a bunch of recent reports in the thread here: (mine included)

 

I flew from LA through Istanbul to Moscow in June. I had absolutely no problems going in to Russia or coming home. Everything was as it normally is. Though I do have A LOT of previous travel history, as I lived in Moscow for 3 years.

 

Though it seems like several people are reporting getting interrogated at the border.

 

Let me know if you have any questions

[JayFromTexas 69]

2 hours ago, Cheddy said:

There are a bunch of recent reports in the thread here: (mine included)

 

I flew from LA through Istanbul to Moscow in June. I had absolutely no problems going in to Russia or coming home. Everything was as it normally is. Though I do have A LOT of previous travel history, as I lived in Moscow for 3 years.

 

Though it seems like several people are reporting getting interrogated at the border.

 

Let me know if you have any questions

Thanks. I saw that thread and commented a couple times already. 

[slavaskii 886]

Honestly, only you know the answer to that question. I visited Belarus in December 2020 and was searched thoroughly for the first time ever, but I was simply going to visit my fiancée in her small town and was always far from trouble. Expect a similar experience landing in Moscow, but little problems thereafter if you keep to yourself.

 

Of course, exercise caution and don’t go near any protest zones. Be aware that the Embassy’s power to help you in distress is exceptionally limited. And, of course, be always mindful that the situation can (and will) change at a moment’s notice. Something’s going to crack somewhere at some point, and you don’t want to be there for it.

[JayFromTexas 69]

I traveled from Dallas TX to Moscow Thursday (July 21) and arrived with zero border issues. I went thru the normal “passport control” kiosk and it only took 2-3 minutes. 

[Simplytex 387]

Good to hear. I really wonder if the border 'interviews' are due to 

• random spot checks
• huffing and puffing just to hit a quota
• profiling of certain age/fitness American men
• bored agents who have a masochistic streak