Listeners, as of November 24, 2025, multiple governments including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada maintain the highest level of travel warning for Russia, urging citizens not to travel there under any circumstances. The U.S. State Department, in particular, classifies Russia as Level 4: Do Not Travel, citing numerous serious concerns, including a high risk of arbitrary detention, very limited consular assistance, harsh enforcement of local laws, drone attacks and explosions in major cities, ongoing threats of terrorism illustrated by incidents such as the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow, and unpredictable disruptions to flights and travel routes, especially near the border with Ukraine. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reaffirmed its “Do Not Travel” warning on November 24, 2025, advising Australians to leave Russia immediately, warning of abrupt flight cancellations and an increased likelihood of police searches and detention targeting foreigners.

The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also advises against all travel to Russia due to risks related to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Canada’s latest update warns travellers to avoid all travel, noting specific risks for 2SLGBTQI+ people due to Russia’s hardline social policies, and highlights restrictions at land border crossings, particularly with Belarus. For U.S. citizens, embassy staff have been drastically reduced, consular support is extremely restricted, and evacuation flights are unlikely. Americans who remain in Russia are urged to keep low profiles, avoid protests, maintain contingency plans for overland exit routes, and be aware that even legal activity—including posts on social media or carrying certain electronic information—can result in investigation or arrest.

Despite visa issuance remaining technically possible, day-to-day travel has become increasingly complicated due to sanctions, disrupted flight connections, banking issues, and frequent re-routing of international airline routes. Moscow and St. Petersburg are described by some travel sources as having a moderate risk level for routine tourism, but all foreign travellers are advised to stay alert in crowded spaces, strictly follow local laws, and avoid all political activity or demonstrations. Border regions with Ukraine remain extremely dangerous and should be avoided entirely.

Furthermore, recent regulations require foreigners to register with Russia's Unified Biometric System to sign up for mobile phone contracts, which may pose additional privacy and safety concerns. Travellers who continue to Russia against official advice are strongly recommended to have comprehensive private security support, register with their home country’s crisis notification services, and monitor geopolitical developments in real-time.

To summarize, listeners should understand that, as of November 24, 2025, travel to Russia is actively discouraged by virtually all Western governments due to the risk of arbitrary detention, terrorism, war-related instability, and systemic limitations on foreign consular assistance. Those already in Russia are advised to consider immediate departure and maintain contingency plans for rapid exit should conditions change.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI