Russia Travel Advice - GOV.UK

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Foreign travel advice Russia ! Warning FCDO advises against all travel to Russia.

Contents

1. Warnings and insurance
2. Entry requirements
3. Safety and security
4. Health
5. Getting help

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Warnings and insurance Still current at: 4 January 2026 Updated: 10 December 2025 Latest update: New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including:

• security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity
• lack of flights to return to the UK
• limited ability for the UK government to provide support

There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia. See ‘Risk of arrest and detention’ on ‘Safety and security’.  

Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDO’s ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited.

There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities. See ‘Safety and security’.

Limited UK government support

The British Embassy in Moscow and British Consulate in Ekaterinburg are open, but the situation could change at short notice.

In-person UK government support in Russia is limited. It is very limited in parts of Russia because of the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus.

If you need support, call our 24-hour helpline +7 495 956 7200 and select the option for consular services for British nationals.

Contact the Russian emergency services on 112.

Dual nationals

If you hold both British and Russian nationality, Russian authorities will treat you as a Russian citizen. This limits the consular assistance the UK government can provide. If you are arrested or detained, Russian authorities are unlikely to allow UK consular staff to visit or assist you. 

Military Service 

Russia operates a conscription-based military system. Men aged 18 to 30 with Russian citizenship may be called up for two-year compulsory military service. Conscription campaigns take place twice a year. 

Russian law prevents eligible individuals from leaving Russia once their draft notice appears on the federal electronic draft register. 

If you receive a conscription notice via your account on the Russian State Services portal, you will be prohibited from leaving Russia. Failure to report to the conscription point within seven days of receiving the notice may result in penalties, restrictions on your rights, or detention. 

In addition to regular conscription, Russia has declared a partial mobilisation. Military recruitment is ongoing, and anyone with Russian citizenship may be drafted.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Next:Entry requirements View a printable version of the whole guide

Related content

• About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice
• Support for British nationals abroad
• Foreign travel checklist
• UK help and services in Russia

Invasion of Ukraine

• UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
• Move to the UK if you're coming from Ukraine
• Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
• Find out about the UK’s response

Explore the topic

• Living in Russia
• Travelling to Russia

Topical events

• Russian invasion of Ukraine: UK government response

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