Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–June 12, 2014. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens in Russia to the ongoing tensions along the border with Ukraine and the potential for increased clashes between pro-Russian groups and Ukrainian forces. This supersedes the Travel Alert dated March 14 to provide updated information on the security situation along Russia’s border with Ukraine.
The U.S. government currently has no information concerning active armed clashes inside Russia 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 districts immediately bordering Ukraine in parts of Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, and Rostov Oblasts and Krasnodar Krai, should be aware of the potential for escalation of tensions, armed clashes (either accidental or intentional), or other violence, and the potential for threats to their safety and security.
The Russian government has declared a state of emergency in nine districts of the Rostov Oblast bordering Ukraine. The situation along the border is unpredictable and could change quickly. Armed, pro-Russian groups are reportedly traveling illegally across the border into Ukraine and could increase the potential for clashes in Russia near the border.
U.S. citizens considering travel to the border region in Russia should evaluate their personal security situation in light of current political tensions and the possibility of violence or anti-U.S. actions directed against U.S. citizens or U.S. interests. U.S. citizens who choose to remain in areas where Russia has declared a state of emergency or other border regions should maintain a low profile and avoid large crowds and gatherings.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens in Russia to avoid all public demonstrations, whether properly authorized by local officials or not, and avoid any large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures. Demonstrations related to the conflict may appear anywhere throughout Russia, at any time. These demonstrations may increase the possibility of confrontation and violence. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Russia enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment allows you to receive the Department’s safety and security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website where you can find current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution, and read the Country Specific Information for the Russian Federation. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website. Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow assists U.S. citizens in Russia. The Unit can help you with passport issuance and renewal, voter assistance, notarials, and registering a child born abroad. It also provides emergency services for U.S. citizens in case of a disaster or in case of illness, arrest, death or destitution while in Russia.
Appointments are required for all non-emergency services; you can make an appointment by calling the ACS unit at (+7) (495) 728-5577, or you may click here to schedule an appointment online. To contact us with questions, please write to [email protected] or visit the Embassy’s 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 and U.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 Consulate’s ACS unit by e-mail at [email protected], or by fax at (+7) (812) 331-2646, or visit the Consulate website.
For after-hours emergencies, call (+7) (812) 331-2600 and listen to the recorded message for the Duty Officer’s cell phone number.
U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok:
Tel: (+7) (423) 230-0070. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS Unit by e-mail at [email protected], or by fax at (+7) (423) 230-0091
For after-hours emergencies, call (+7) (914) 791-0067.
U.S. Consular Agency Yuzho-Sakhalinsk:
The Consular Agency in Yuzho-Sakhalinsk is located at Lada Hotel Suite 210, 154 Komsomolskaya Street, Tel: (+7) (424) 242-4917. You may contact the Consular Agency by e-mail at [email protected]
For after-hours emergencies, call (+7) 914-704-0867.
U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg:
The U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg is located at 15 Gogolya Street, Tel: (+7) (343) 793-001. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS Unit by e-mail at [email protected] or by fax at (+7) (343) 379-4515, or visit the Consulate’s website.
For after-hours emergencies, you may call the Duty Officer at (+7) (917) 569-3549.
Source: state.gov
