U.S. Citizens in Russia Urged to Leave Immediately Amid High-Risk Advisory

The U.S. Department of State reissued its highest travel warning for Russia this week and urged U.S. citizens in the country to depart immediately as it cited a convergence of security and legal risks.

The department reaffirmed a Level 4 advisory, “Do Not Travel,” for Russia without modification, pointing to terrorism, wrongful detention, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and ongoing military conflict as principal risk factors.

“U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately,” the advisory states, urging Americans to use commercial means where possible.

Advisory date and scope

• The advisory was last updated December 29, 2025.
• It describes threats that can affect Americans regardless of their reason for being in Russia, including short-term travel, work, study, or residency.

Core risks highlighted

• Wrongful detention: The advisory emphasizes that U.S. citizens have been detained without transparent legal recourse and with limited access to consular assistance.
• the State Department warns that Russian security services have arrested Americans on false charges, denied fair treatment, and convicted without credible evidence.
• There is no guarantee of consular access or release even if detention is wrongful.

• Arbitrary law enforcement and harassment: Local authorities may detain or question Americans without clear cause, particularly amid heightened tensions with Western nations. Risks include questioning, threats, or detention without reason — including for religious activities.

• Military conflict and terrorism: The war in Ukraine has escalated, increasing the likelihood of violent incidents and limiting safe movement within or near conflict areas. The advisory cites the March 2024 Crocus City Hall incident in Moscow as an example of terrorism striking without warning.

• Economic and financial restrictions: Sanctions have disrupted basic services, including functionality of U.S. debit and credit cards and international transfers, which complicates efforts to leave quickly.

State Department travel advisory levels

The department’s travel advisory system operates on four levels:

Russia remains classified at Level 4 due to intersecting risks of armed conflict, systemic legal uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions.

“Do not travel to Russia due to: U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately” and “Do not travel to Russia for any reason.”

Practical constraints and U.S. government capacity

• Limited U.S. assistance: The Embassy in Moscow has reduced staff, consulates are suspended, and travel is restricted for personnel. Support is especially limited outside Moscow.
• Aviation and travel restrictions: The FAA downgraded Russia’s air safety to Category 2. U.S. flights are banned in certain airspace via NOTAM; U.S. personnel are prohibited from Russian airlines and travel to the North Caucasus is restricted.
• Visa service constraints: Non-diplomatic visa services in Moscow are suspended due to Russian restrictions on hiring foreign nationals. Consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok remain suspended.

Guidance for specific visa holders and residents

• Departing Russia does not invalidate valid U.S. visas, but the advisory urges individuals to monitor embassy guidance on re-entry or extended stays.
• Students (F visas):
• Coordinate with U.S. or foreign institutions about remote study options, deferral, or relocation support.
• Temporary workers (H-1B and similar):
• Engage with employers and immigration counsel to safeguard employment authorization if outside Russia.
• Dual nationals:
• Russia does not recognize U.S. citizenship for dual nationals and treats them as Russian only.
• Financial constraints:
• Sanctions affecting payment systems and transfers may impede rapid movement.

Visa processing and immigration services (practical locations)

• For non-Russian residents only, contact USCIS or UNHCR Moscow:
• Address: 9 Leontievsky lane
• Phone: +7-495-660-0901
• Email: [email protected]
• Note: Russian nationals are ineligible.

• The advisory also notes that HIV/AIDS tests are required for longer-term visas or residence.

Recommended actions and preparedness

The advisory urges Americans to take the following steps:

1. Leave immediately if you are in Russia and can do so using commercial means.
2. Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive real-time updates and embassy notifications abroad.
3. Confirm travel documents: Ensure passports, visas, and documentation are current and allow re-entry where applicable.
4. Consult immigration counsel for long-term stays or employment categories such as H-1B, F-1, or Green Card processes.
5. Establish contingency plans:

– Exit strategies
– Travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations and geopolitical disruptions
6. Coordinate with institutions and employers if you are a student or temporary worker to manage study or employment continuity.

Wider context and comparisons

• The updated advisory is part of a broader travel warning environment. The State Department cited recent alerts including security concerns at other locations (for example, the Thailand–Cambodia border).
• Russia is grouped in the advisory’s highest-risk category alongside other Level 4 countries such as Iran, Belarus, Yemen, and Uganda.

Final emphatic guidance

For U.S. citizens already in Russia, the State Department’s guidance remains blunt and unequivocal:

“U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately.”