A tourist trip to Russia should wait amid risks and uncertain exit options

This is not simply a choice between Moscow, St Petersburg or a remote region. Current advisories point to risks related to the war against Ukraine, security incidents that may reach cities far from the border, terrorism, arbitrary enforcement of laws and limited possibilities for consular assistance for some nationalities. For anyone holding a US passport, the official recommendation is not to travel for any reason. The authorities of Canada and the United Kingdom also advise against all travel. Spain recommends considering not traveling and asks people already in the country to consider leaving temporarily by available commercial means. These differences in wording do not change the conclusion for tourism: it is not advisable to commit to non-refundable flights, hotels or excursions.

Even an apparently simple trip may be affected by prolonged border controls, inspection of electronic devices, the collection of biometric data or questions about public activity and social media. Rules and their enforcement may change, and certain statements about the war may have criminal consequences. There is also a decisive logistical issue: air connections with Europe remain limited, and exit routes may change. Spain’s recommendation also warns that Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards issued outside Russia do not work there for payments or cash withdrawals. Do not base any future trip on a return route, payment method or entry procedure that you have not confirmed immediately before departure.

Anyone already in the country should maintain an up-to-date and flexible exit plan: valid documents, sufficient resources for transport changes and contact with their consular representation. Follow local authorities’ instructions during security alerts and do not approach border areas with Ukraine, occupied Ukrainian territories or regions subject to specific warnings. Do not interpret an appearance of normality in one particular city as a guarantee for the rest of the trip. Incidents, transport restrictions and administrative decisions may change with little notice. If you hold dual nationality, have a history of activism, work as a journalist, have links to public bodies or face any circumstance that could attract scrutiny, seek individual consular advice before making decisions.

Postponing tourism does not prevent you from preparing a better-informed trip. You can study the country’s vast territory, historic railway networks, art collections, architecture, regional languages and local traditions without turning that curiosity into an immediate booking. When the context makes reconsideration possible, start from scratch: official advisory for your nationality, visa, valid insurance, air connectivity, payment methods and exit conditions. The signal to resume planning will not be a cheap offer or the reopening of a particular route, but a sustained and verifiable improvement in the security situation and available assistance. Until then, the responsible decision is to leave Russia off the tourism calendar.

Advisories and requirements change. Check the current version of these sources on the very day you reconsider the trip: - Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation: recommendation for Russia current on September 17, 2026; information on connectivity, payment methods, controls and local rules. - US Department of State: Level 4 advisory issued on December 29, 2025, with an instruction not to travel and limited capacity to provide assistance. - Government of Canada: “avoid all travel” level, updated on September 9, 2026, because of the armed conflict and security risks. - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: recommendation against all travel, current on September 18, 2026; includes information on security incidents and exit options. - The competent Russian consular authorities: confirm directly any visa, biometric requirement, migration registration and border crossing applicable to your passport before purchasing services.