The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued an interim final rule to religious organizations and their communities allowing thousands of religious workers—including priests, nuns, and rabbis—that previously were required to remain outside the United States before returning, to resume their essential services.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided critical assistance leading to the indictment of two Pakistani nationals for illegally voting in a federal election and making false statements while applying for United States citizenship.
Do not travel
to Russia for any reason due to terrorism, unrest, wrongful detention and other risks.
U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately
The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has reduced its staff. The Russian government has also restricted travel for embassy personnel. All U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.
Do not travel to Russia for any reason
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has limited ability to assist in the case of a detention of a U.S. citizen. There is no guarantee that the Russian government will grant the U.S. Embassy consular access to detained U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens may serve their entire prison sentence without release. The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens remains high. Even if a case is determined wrongful, there is no guarantee of release.
Russian officials often question and threaten U.S. citizens without reason. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges. They have denied them fair treatment and convicted them without credible evidence. Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens for their religious activities.
There have been drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine, and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities. In 2024, ISIS Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack at Crocus Music Hall in Moscow. This attack killed 130 people. They also targeted places of worship in Dagestan. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.
Dual citizenship
Russia will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship.
- Russia has blocked U.S. consular officers from visiting detained dual U.S.-Russian citizens.
- The Russian government has forced dual citizens to join the military. They also have stopped them from leaving the country.
- In 2022, Russia started drafting citizens for the war in Ukraine. The military draft is ongoing.
- Failure to adhere to Russian laws and regulations on dual citizenship can result in arrest.
Demonstrations
In Russia, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected rights. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and taking photos of security staff at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have joined protests. Russians and U.S. citizens have been detained for posts on social media.
Electronic devices
Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Russia. U.S. citizens should assume all electronic communications and devices in Russia are monitored by Russian security services. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals based on information found on electronic devices. This includes information that was created, transmitted, or stored while in another country.
Debit and credit cards
U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia. Due to sanctions, sending electronic money transfers from the United States to Russia is nearly impossible. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist with transferring money to circumvent sanctions.
Air travel
There are few commercial air travel options available. It may not be easy to book flights on short notice. If you wish to leave Russia, you should make your own travel plans. The U.S. Embassy can only offer limited help to U.S. citizens trying to leave. Transportation options could become even more limited at any time.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded Russia's air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2 due to safety concerns. U.S. government personnel are generally not allowed to fly on Russian airlines due to safety concerns.
Additionally, the FAA banned U.S. flights within certain areas of Russian airspace, by issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of these certain areas. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Laws and special circumstances
Russian officials have questioned, threatened, and detained U.S. citizens without reason. This includes both former and current U.S. government and military personnel, as well as private U.S. citizens. Russian authorities have a history of wrongfully detaining U.S. nationals and using them as bargaining chips.
- U.S. citizens may become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.
- Russian authorities do not always notify the U.S. embassy about the detention of a U.S. citizen. They may delay or deny U.S. consular help.
- Russian security services target foreign nationals and international organizations considered “undesirable.”
- Russian law allows authorities to punish foreigners for treason. This includes working for organizations that Russia perceives as acting against Russian interests. Former and current U.S. government employees and contractors should pay special attention to this part of Russian law.
Security
Drone attacks and explosions have taken place near the border with Ukraine and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.
Russia's war in Ukraine has destabilized security in southwestern Russia. In October 2022, the Russian government declared martial law in the following border areas with Ukraine: Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar.
Under martial law, authorities can:
- Set curfews
- Seize property
- Restrict movement
- Detain foreigners
- Forcibly relocate residents
- Limit public gatherings
Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia's interests.” Local authorities have targeted people for posting on social media or supporting "anti-Russian" groups. They have punished people for criticizing the government or military.
Gay and lesbian travelers
The Russian government's "propaganda" law bans discussion of gay and lesbian topics. The community has been labeled as “extremist,” and it is considered a crime to support the human rights of gay and lesbian people in Russia. Displaying certain symbols, including the rainbow flag, is a crime. Foreigners found guilty of violating this law may be arrested and detained for up to 15 days and then deported.
Terrorism
Terrorists continue to plan and carry out attacks in Russia. The March 2024 Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow proved terrorists can strike without warning.
U.S. government employees working in Russia are prohibited from traveling to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus.
Russian annexation of territories
The international community does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya.
Russia staged its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea. There is a heavy Russian military presence in these areas and intense fighting across these regions.
Russian authorities have abused foreigners and locals. In particular, they have targeted people who they see as opposing Russia’s authority.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine offers consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. However, the ongoing war limits the embassy's ability to help U.S. citizens in these areas.
Do not travel
to Belarus for any reason due to unrest and other risks.
The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to help detained U.S. citizens. You may not receive consular access. You could also face arbitrary detention with no contact with the outside world.
Ordered departure
On February 28, 2022, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. government employees. It also suspended operations at U.S. Embassy Minsk.
There are no consular services, routine or emergency, until further notice. The U.S. government has severely limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Belarus. U.S. citizens in Belarus who require consular services should leave the country immediately. Please contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.
Dual citizenship
Belarus does not recognize dual nationality. Belarus will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Belarusian citizen or have a claim to Belarusian citizenship.
- Belarus repeatedly has blocked U.S. consular officers from visiting detained dual U.S.-Belarusian citizens.
- The Belarusian government has prevented dual U.S.-Belarusian citizens from departing the country. In some cases, it has forced dual citizens into mandatory military service.
Demonstrations
In Belarus, freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are not protected rights.
- U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations.
- Belarusian authorities have used excessive force to disperse demonstrators, including people peacefully demonstrating. Bystanders, including foreign nationals, face the possibility of arbitrary arrest or detention.
- U.S. citizens near demonstrations have been arrested. Some have been victims of harassment or mistreatment by Belarusian officials.
- Belarusian officials unevenly enforce laws and regulations. Belarusian authorities have targeted people linked to independent and foreign media.
- Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of people, including many imprisoned for political activities that may not be considered crimes in the United States. This includes U.S. citizens tied to opposition parties or political protests, even if they happened outside Belarus.
Detention conditions
Belarusian detention facilities are extremely poor. There are credible reports that authorities mistreat and abuse prisoners while in custody.
- The Belarusian authorities have denied prisoners access to their embassy and lawyers. They have restricted communication with family outside prison.
Electronic devices
Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Belarus.
U.S. citizens should assume all electronic communications and devices in Belarus are monitored.
- Belarusian security services have arrested U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals based on information found on electronic devices. This includes data created, sent, or stored while in another country.
Air travel
There are few commercial air travel options available to and from Belarus.
- Flights could be unavailable on short notice. The availability of other transportation options could change at any time.
- Those wishing to leave Belarus should make their own travel plans. The U.S. government cannot help U.S. citizens trying to leave.
- Border crossings with neighboring states sometimes close with little notice. U.S. citizens should regularly reevaluate departure plans in the event of an emergency.
On May 23, 2021, Belarusian authorities made a commercial plane land improperly. They did this to arrest an opposition journalist on board. EU airlines now avoid Belarusian airspace.
On February 24, 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an ongoing Advisory Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). It bans U.S. air carriers and commercial operators, U.S. pilots, and U.S. registered aircraft from operating in the Minsk Flight Information Region (UMMV). This is due to safety-of-flight risks from ongoing hostilities in Belarus.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices includes more information.
Exercise normal precaution
in Palau. Some areas have increased risk.
Palau is generally a safe destination for travelers. U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use the travel guidance here to stay safe.
Exercise normal precaution
in Czechia.
Czechia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Travelers should remain vigilant against petty crime, such as pickpocketing and other minor theft, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation. Follow local laws and guidance from Czech authorities during your stay.
Review our travel guidance for the Czech Republic to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Despite the obstacles they face, including record numbers of violent anti-ICE rioters assaulting law enforcement, terrorist attacks, and bounties placed on their heads, our courageous officers have proven their commitment to upholding the rule of law in the United States and making America safe again.
ICE announced Jan. 3 that its unprecedented nationwide recruitment campaign has shattered expectations, hiring more than 12,000 officers and employees in less than a year.