On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.
This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…
At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.
Russia : Safety by City
Russia is the largest country in the world, spreading over more than one-eighth of the world’s inhabited land area, stretching over two continents – Eastern Europe and northern Asia.
Russia is an immensely large country, and it offers an extremely large amount of tourist attractions, though many of them can be found on the remote and hard-to-reach parts of the country.
However, the best-known ones are precisely in the urban parts and cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Talking about Russia’s landmarks and attractions itself would take a couple of hours.
Russia’s history attracts the most tourists, as they are fascinated by its surreal and sometimes brutal but nevertheless thrilling and jawdropping national story.
It is told in Russia’s numerous museums some of which are among the world’s greatest, for example, the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, which is truly known all around the world.
However, there’s plenty to see and do if you’re a nature lover too.
Though there are large spaces between them, Russia offers many natural wonders.
In this sense, Siberia is the first to be mentioned, with Lake Baikal like a perfect ornament, known as its “jewel”.
Warnings & Dangers in Russia
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Generally speaking, Russia today is safe as much as other countries in Europe, despite its problematic history with criminal activity in the 90s. However, if you’re planning on traveling to Russia, keep in mind that you should avoid regions close to the Ukraine border, this is not recommended, because of the high level of risk and unstable situation in the region of Donetsk, Lugansk, and Kharkiv.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Generally speaking, transportation in Russia is safe, but you should bear in mind that kidnappings have been known to happen, mostly in unlicensed taxis, so be careful when hailing one on the streets. Keep in mind that the most dangerous areas where small crime tends to occur are the underground walkways, called “perekhods”. Only use official services like Yandex Taxi, Uber or Gett taxi.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Pickpocketing is very common in Russia, and surprisingly it is mostly performed by groups of children. Pay attention to your belongings, don’t leave them in plain sight and be especially careful in crowded places like stations or near tourist attractions.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Russia isn’t particularly susceptible to natural disasters. Some blizzards are possible during winter which can cause affect the traffic and delay your flights. Also, in areas near Mongolia and Kazakhstan, earthquakes can happen sporadically.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Kidnappings for political reasons have happened in the North Caucasus, and there have been reports of foreigners being attacked there. Generally, never accept free drinks or food when you’re in a club or a bar. Drink spiking and then attacking and robbing the victim have been reported on numerous occasions.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Recent military interventions in Syria have caused high terrorism activity in the areas of Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, the south-east part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya, Gabardine-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus area), and Karachay-Cherkessia. Apart from that, terrorist attacks have recently taken place in St. Petersburg.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
There is a world-known scam typical for Russia: scamming people through dating websites. When the victim gets to know a person from Russia via a dating website, and the relationship develops, the victim is asked by his/her (usually men are the victims here) partner to transfer some money to the country where the future partner lives, to make her/his trip to the victim’s country possible. After the money is transferred, the relationship ends. As for scams on the streets, you should avoid playing street gambling games.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women are generally safe in Russia, though you should avoid finding yourself alone in clubs or bars, and of course, apply all normal precaution measures like avoiding remote and poorly lit streets and areas.
So... How Safe Is Russia Really?
Russia experienced a rise when it came to crime rates during the 1990s.
Violent crime, as well as petty crime and scams, have increased, but the biggest part of the violence was within the criminal groups themselves, and it didn’t affect foreigners that much.
However, it decreased since the 90s, so right now, for tourists, major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg aren’t more dangerous than any other European city, they’re even less so.
The crime rate in Moscow, for example, is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.
When it comes to the authority officials, you should keep in mind that they usually don’t speak English, so don’t expect any English by them outside of the major cities.
Speaking about the officials, don’t ever try to bribe them: you will be charged with bribery.
Bear in mind that if you are a member of LGBT community, there is no reason to avoid Russia altogether but you should refrain from any public displays of affection since, as of June 2013, “homosexual propaganda to minors” is prohibited, which basically means that any discussion of gay rights or homosexuality issues in the presence minors is punishable by law.
Tourists are also strongly advised against traveling to the North Caucasus, as that region is considered to be the most dangerous in the entire country.
The area has a bad reputation as there have been incidents of terrorist and criminal activities there as well as cases of both corruption and lawlessness.
How Does Russia Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Russia | 34 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Switzerland | 89 |
| South Korea | 82 |
| Oman | 76 |
| Canada | 88 |
| Estonia | 82 |
| Albania | 75 |
| Czech Republic | 88 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Russia, and if you’re a U.S. citizen you must possess both a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. None of the nationals that do need a visa can acquire one upon arrival, so make sure you apply for your visa in advance. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
The Russian ruble is the official currency in Russia. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted everywhere.
Weather
Russia has highly continental influenced climate characterized by warm to hot and dry summers and extremely cold, freezing winters with temperatures as low as -30°C – sometimes even lower, with heavy snowfall.
Airports
Sheremetyevo International Airport is Russian busiest international airport. It is located in Molzhaninovsky District, Northern Administrative Okrug, in Russia’s capital, Moscow, about 29 km northwest of central Moscow.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Russia, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Russia Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | -5 | -4 | 2 | 11 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 22 | 16 | 8 | 1 | -3 |
| Low °C | -10 | -10 | -5 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 7 | 2 | -3 | -8 |
| High °F | 23 | 25 | 36 | 52 | 66 | 72 | 75 | 72 | 61 | 46 | 34 | 27 |
| Low °F | 14 | 14 | 23 | 36 | 46 | 54 | 57 | 54 | 45 | 36 | 27 | 18 |
Russia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Kazan | 66 |
| Moscow | 51 |
| Nizhny Novgorod | 71 |
| Novosibirsk | 76 |
| Saint Petersburg | 56 |
| Sochi | 66 |
| Yekaterinburg | 72 |
Take out the warnings for North Caucasus area and Russia is about as safe as anywhere. Sure, pickpocketers can be a problem, but common sense will thwart them. I have been in Russia every year since 1991.
Risk of detention
Unless the govt decides to randomly single you out for incarceration. Not everyone detained has clear cut crimes. Plus, lets not add any cash to their economy just yet.
I visited Moscow twice and St Petersburg once. Both are must visit cities. Can be tough for English speakers as most signs are in cyrillic, and i found that not many Russians speak English. The vibe in Moscow is a bit colder with people, but nevertheless still friendly. I did find the atmosphere and people in St Petersburg to be much more open and friendlier.
Be aware of pickpockets as I’ve unfortunately experienced it. While it happened, i have no ills against it.
Highly recommend it. I’ll be visiting again!
seems a complicated country, size can play a part in crime. Although “Gopniks” all over is not a result of mass pickpocketting. It originating in the late Soviet Period as Many high rise buildings were built in cities to accomdate the people migrating there from the country.
This meant that the price was cheap attracting “Gopniks and Gopnistas ( Female gopniks- For more information see Life of Boris “What is a Gopnik.” video)
It is what is called slavic ‘culture’ with slav squatting and addidas tracksuits. But for more accurate watch that video
Not safe for gays
If I were gay, I absolutely wouldn’t visit there, it’s on par with places like Somalia and Saudi Arabia for violence against LGBT people.
Wrong. Only appears in Muslim areas like North Caucuses. Do you honestly think someone will assault, kill or rape you because of your hair color or LGBT badge on your shirt in Moscow, St.Petersburg, or Kazan like they do in the countries you mentioned? If you think so, then either you are homophobic yourself or just a not-in-line with the rest of society.
Moscow has gay clubs unmaked that go along an area. No one cares . It’s just a Country of respect for anyone. Really no one wants to see it, or hear it in your voice.
No, im sorry, you are very wrong. Russian government is very openly antigay. Definitely not safe for gays, especially as far as russian police. Promise. Maybe look at the “names” who is providing the information and see who would actually know what it like in Russia. Like “Alexander” and “Jenia” 😉
Update once again.
Russia is really in fact, safe, it’s crime rate isn’t that bad, compared to countries like Honduras or El Salvador. Of course, there is a widespread alcohol problem, but just try to avoid going to bars. The terror problem isn’t that bad, you won’t hear about a terrorist attack in a Russian city so often, however, there is a terror threat on the border of Ukraine and the Caucasus Region.
You sir, are a donut
Are you absolutely brain dead? You cannot compare a country such as Honduras to Russia. Obviously, Russia is safer. That’s why Russia is in yellow, not red. Come on man use your brain a bit. This review is 1000% accurate. You basically summarized everything that was said. But seriously, stop comparing two IMMENSELY different countries when it comes to crime. Compare Russia to the United States next time.
Pretty safe
Completely weird a pretty safe country like Russia shows a safety index of 34. Its safety was even repeated countinously in the description, so it should be definitely changed to at least the 70’s (on par to Chile, which is a much more dangerous country). Bad standards!
Only safe for caucasians
Non caucasians, stay in your hotel rooms.
Can’t agree. Half of the country are Turkic or Asian. 200+ nationalities living there permanently, also lots of foreign students.
Maybe kids in smaller towns or villages will be surprised if you’re Black. So it’s best to avoid visiting kindergartens.
Agreed. Been to Moscow twice recently with my wife who is Asian. Enjoyed nightlife in Moscow (bars/restaurants) and travelled the Metro late at night. Not a single issue. Everyone was lovely and helpful, even with the language barrier. Feels so much safer than London or New York for example which we have also visited.
Overall Russia is a very safe place for tourists.
I don’t understand the score of 34. It’s too low for Russia.
Colder than vertical says!!!
And I promise, the temperatures the article offers are a bit warm. Moscow may be in the teens Fahrenheit, but outside that city, we see zero, 4-5 below anytime in December!! Sometimes the entire month!!
Life in Russia has been fine for me. Since 1991, the “mafia” ended about when President Putin came to power. Since then, in our faraway city of 110,000 people, I have witnessed so much Hope and Change, I thought President Obama was in power. Churches, schools, hospitals, etc. and typical transportation infrastructure (sidewalks to airports) have been improved thru rebuilding and new construction. Walking nights never seemed unwise. From Moscow to Barnaul and many cities and villages in between, and likewise- places from St Petersburg to Vologda to Ulyanovsk; all safe and walked late at night. (no guns)
Sure, keep your senses, don’t try to keep up with a Russian drinking… you won’t. You shouldn’t, as that can be a ruse for taking advantage of you.
Russian flattering
Putin can only turn cities in ruin with one metric ton and cluster bombs.
Russia is great
I must say that from Moscow, east to Barnaul, and from Vologda to south of Moscow, Ulyavovsk and around that entire area (Kirov, Izhevsk, Kazan, etc) life is simple and easy, just don’t be “American”. Be reserved, polite, low key, quiet, and as invisible as possible and you won’t have any problems. I am an American, I have traveled this area, scouted food and drink late nights, and never have been bothered. If you wish to visit Russia, by all means, do so. Expect differences and accept those differences as life. Russia is calm, safe and a nice, peaceful place to live.
Amazing place to visit.
I have been there 4 times and love the Moscow area and surrounding towns, always felt very safe and only ran into one drunk who didn’t like me because I was obviously English speaking. But like you said, just be low key and move on. I will gladly go again when this current BS lockdown is over.
Nonsense
Such ignorance that it doesnt warrant a lengthy sensible response, You cant have been there. I spoke to plenty of people of color in Moscow who go about their trip or their daily lives without harassment and enjoy their stay.
Russians are not human
You are aggressors and terminators and shed so much blood in you neighbouring countries, latest in the list is ukraine, turning their cities in ruins and killing their kids and pregnant women, starving the poorest countries of the whole world people by blocking ukraine grain export and let them to die from hunger. You are savage and you country safety index must be a big zero.
Great Country to visit
I’m a Brit who has lived in Russia for many years. Good review. The Caucuses are in fact the most interesting place to visit and very safe so long as you respect the local (mostly Islamic) religion. Walking around at night (although I wouldn’t recommend anywhere in the world) is much safer in Russia than most other countries. Highly recommend visiting. Visa is the bigest barrier – but some good news – Some places you don’t need a visa – like if you arrive by cruise ships to St Pete and Sochi (check out the rules). Russia is trying to introduce really easy e-visas (apply online and show print-out), which “after COVID” should make life easy for citizens of EU and many other countries (Not UK & USA though, due to reciprocal “unfriendly” visa regimes with absurd rules for Russians)
i love Russia, i love to visit, beautiful people and kind faces! one of the biggest country in the world for a reason.
Don't visit it at this time (wait for better days)
Right now this is a 1 star and very unsafe. It usually is a 3 star location. Russia has some beautiful cities and landmarks that should be visited but right now, I wouldn’t recommend going there. Ever since they started the attack on Ukraine neither Ukraine nor Russia is safe. This crazy war that has started will soon lead to all sorts of problems in Russia so keep your distance for the time being. Once this is over, hopefully soon, you can give it a try.
And yes, there is a certain terrorism risk in Russia at any given time, especially now. I know of someone that has been mugged in Sankt Petersburg. It was night but he wasn’t on an unlit alley or something. I was also surprised to see how many pickpockets there are in the major cities. I wasn’t expecting to see so many. And yes, I can confirm that in some cases, children are the ones that will try to steal from you. It sounds insane but it’s the truth.
I will outline a few interesting places that can be visited. For example, Lake Baikal. This lake holds around 20% of the world’s fresh water!!! Just imagine how big it is?! When it’s not frozen, you can do some kayaking or go on boat cruises.
St. Petersburg should also be on your list – this city is a mix of history and art and beautiful design. Visit the St. Isaac’s Cathedral or the Hermitage Museum is the 2nd biggest culture museum on the globe. And they’re both worth a visit. There’s also Peterhof Palace which is close to St. Petersburg. This place looks like the Palace of Versailles from France.
Another interesting place is Vladivostok which has the longest cable-stayed bridge on earth with a length of 1885 meters. The city is worth exploring, having a beautiful military museum and there’s also a fortress that’s now became a museum as well.
Again, there’s a lot to see but don’t go now. Wait until things settle down.
3 years living in provincial areas and Moscow
34…? This is grossly inaccurate. Morocco is 54 and Russia a 34? I have experience in both countries and attest you are misled. Sounds like you wrote this based on the 90s. Even now in the middle of the war, despite frequent travel, Moscow poses minimal risks. pickpocketers, terrorist acts, or scams are a genuine rarity. Racist violence I have not yet been exposed to. Police and legal system serviceable.
Who rated Russia that low?
I’m not sure why rating is lower than some African countries, but I can assure you 34 is way too low. Russia is a police country and the law enforcement system is actually working comparing some countries we have traveled to and by some reason rated on this site higher. It might be politics involved or some people personal experience not sure, but we never had a single issue in Russia. Petty crime is common unfortunately, just put your grey shirt with spotty armpits along with beat up keds and blend in or not lol, Russians tend to dress nicely, mostly. We learned Russian and Cyrillic alphabet so it might helped a bit, but nowadays a lot of Russians speak English fluently and we had no issue communicating. Of course you have to be vigilant like anywhere even crime infested Brighton and Hove eg and people around you are not your friends, but overall very positive experience. Don’t bring forbidden substances and don’t express your political point of view and enjoy your trip.
Cities v. Moscow, Barnaul, St. Pitersburg, Voronezh, Kazan.
Completely unsafe
Since russia invaded Ukraine, it’s not safe anymore. You can be easily beaten or brought to the jail just because of your anti-military position. Kidnapping is very popular in Caucasian area, while other areas are not safe tho. There’s also a possibility of being assaulted because of your sexual orientation or political opinion. Women are often treated cruelly and impolite. Russia is completely unsafe for both travelling and living.
still safe for Anglo-Saxons after a year of genocidal war
I visited in late 2022 , and kept a low profile – had no problems . Russian makes are often very sexist , ometimes mysoginistic and brusque but also ” chivalrous” in this ultra-conservative society
Russia is safe
Sorry to say but this is absolutely not true, I live in Russia as a foreigner, and have never experienced any of this, not even in the past year.
Slava Ukraini
Russia is not unsafe …… as long as you avoid the macho violent young men , and you do not engage in very heavy drinking / drugs . There is a very small chance that you could be detained randomly on a trumped up charge , as a hostage for future spy swaps . And some likelihood that you will be interviewed by the FSB either on entry or deparrture about the purpose of your visit or your profession/ security/army background .
Don't go to Russia
Their president is the worst, more than 200k+ as of this writing are dead because of the war he started, this country should be stopped.
Putin – your crimes against humanity will not go unpunished. Your day will come for all the destruction you’ve caused.
Sh** results
Totally safe country. If you leave bad rate you hadn’t been there. Cold country… And me in June having sun baths in +50C in Rostov-on-Don (not even the southest city in Russia)
Simply not true
You lie, as temperature in rostov never ever reaches 50C.
Thank you as you swear for vladimir putin. I totally hate him just as joseph stalin
Russia is relatively safe for people with common sense. Just like in any other countries: Just don’t be a moron, don’t be a d🍆k.
Don’t run into trouble. Avoid unsafe situations/places.
Act orderly.
Be polite. Don’t provoke people.
Carry your money and valuables in a theft-safe bag (that’s a must for any trip, and even in your home country)
Beware of scammers (inform yourself about common scams on the streets to know who/what you should avoid).
Alcohilic russions
People giving 5 stars have not been to russia and are part of russian propaganda machine. As a sailor I have traveled to some russian port cities and we were attacked by knife and forced to give up our cash. Even the western african countries ports are safer than russia. Most of russians we have seen are alcoholic and have a their mood is highly variable as they get very aggressive sometimes. Alcohol is their weak point and they can resist drinking as much alcohol as they can.
you can’t even spell alcoholic or russians, and your experiences are not related to tourism. What tourist is going to ports to argue with sailors? Such a stupid comment..