Founded in the 12th Century, the Principality of Muscovy was able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries), and gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th Century, a new Romanov Dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under Peter I, who ruled from 1682 to 1725, hegemony was extended to the Baltic Sea, and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th Century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia. Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) contributed to the Revolution of 1905, which resulted in the formation of a parliament and other reforms. Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian Empire and to the overthrow of the imperial household in 1917. Under Vladimir Lenin, the Communists seized power, and formed the USSR soon after. From 1928 to 1953, the brutal rule of Iosif Stalin strengthened both Communist rule and Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives. Soviet economy and society stagnated in the following decades until Mikhail Gorbachev, who worked as General Secretary of the Communist Party from 1985 to 1991, introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize Communism. Gorbachev’s initiatives inadvertently released forces that, by December 1991, splintered the USSR into Russia and 14 other independent republics.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Medical Testing: All foreigners planning to travel or reside in Russia for a period of longer than three months must provide a medical certificate which indicates a negative result for HIV testing.

The certificate must:

1. contain passport particulars (full name, date of birth, passport number, and country of residence) and HIV test information (date of test, test results, and signatures of both the doctor who performed the test as well as the person examined)

2. indicate the length of intended stay in Russia

3. be valid for three months from the date of testing.

Other tests, for diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy, may be required for individuals staying in Russia for more than three months.

There has been an increased incidence of rabies in the Moscow region.

Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in wooded areas, from spring to autumn.

Consumption of untreated water or water-based foods greatly increases the chances of contracting disease. Tap water should be avoided.

Travelers should be wary of the quality of homemade alcohol.

Travelers are advised to bring with them a sufficient supply of medications, as shortages of basic medical supplies are common outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg. A few higher quality facilities, which usually require cash payment upon admission, exist in major cities.

Exercise High Degree of Caution

The decision to travel to a dangerous location is the sole responsibility of the traveler. Travelers are responsible for their own personal safety.

Avoid All Travel

It is advised to avoid all travel to the republics of Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region), and North Ossetia, as well as the regions of Budyonnosky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky, and Kurski (part of the district of Stavropol Krai). Foreigners in these areas should leave. Those contemplating travel to these areas despite this warning are taking serious and unwarranted risks.

Since the summer of 2009, regions of the North Caucasus have witnessed a new rise in terrorist attacks. Suicide bombings take place on a regular basis, mostly in the republics of Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia. Targeted assassinations have also occurred. The security situation continues to be unstable and dangerous. Unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Kidnapping for ransom is also common.

As a result of the 2008 conflict in Georgia, ongoing tensions remain in regions bordering this country, which may have an impact on the security situation in the republics of Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and North Ossetia. The main border crossing is currently closed, and leaving the country at other crossing points is uncertain.

Threats against Foreigners

Foreigners are particularly vulnerable. Several journalists and local aid personnel have been killed or kidnapped. Well-marked aid convoys, driven by local staff, have been targeted and destroyed.

There are strict controls on the movement of foreigners and journalists. Special permission from the Ministry of the Interior is required in order to enter certain areas of the North Caucasus.

Crime

Violent crime is a common occurrence. Pickpocketing, assaults, and robberies occur frequently, and are often committed by groups of children and teenagers. Many techniques are used to distract the victims, including those that encourage people to be helpful. If such a situation occurs, the best option is to walk away quickly. Traveling in groups and with reputable tour agencies may reduce the risk of being targeted. Risky areas include underground walkways, public transportation, tourist sites, restaurants, transportation hubs, markets, and hotel rooms and residences, even when locked and occupied. There are reports of criminals posing as police officers, particularly in St. Petersburg. Be aware that “real” police officers wear a visible personal ID number on their uniforms. To reduce the probability of becoming a victim, travelers should avoid showing signs of affluence, and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault have been reported. Food and drinks should not be accepted from strangers, and should not be left unattended in bars, nightclubs, or restaurants. Only bottled drinks should be ordered in order to minimize risk.

Bogus checkpoints may be set up in rural areas in order to rob those who have stopped. Traffic police may stop motorists to collect bogus, on-the-spot cash fines.

Transportation

It is advisable to use only registered taxis, and to refuse sharing taxis with strangers. You should negotiate the price before getting into a taxi.

While traveling by train, it is preferable to store valuables in a safe place and never leave the compartment unattended. The door should be locked from the inside.

Crime against Foreigners

Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and attack of foreigners, especially of Asian and African descent, are prevalent. Some victims have died due to attacks. An increase in these types of attacks is noticeable around April 20th every year. Travelers should exercise extreme caution in crowds and in places frequented by skinhead groups, including open markets.

Organized Crime

Organized criminal groups remain active throughout Russia, especially in the main cities. Credit card fraud is one type of criminal activity. Extortion and corruption are common in a business context, including foreign businesses. Protection money may be demanded under threat of serious violence. Extortion attempts should be reported to Russian authorities and officials of an individual’s Embassy.

Internet Relationship Frauds

Incidents have been reported whereby victims develop friendships or romantic relationships over the internet, and become entangled in financial issues.

Demonstrations

Rallies, protests, and demonstrations sometimes occur in Russia. Travelers should avoid all crowds as demonstrations may turn violent without warning.

General Safety Information

Electricity shortages often occur in Russia.

The main emergency phone numbers are 01 for fire, 02 for police, and 03 for ambulance.