Do Not Travel
“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Mon, 29 Dec 2025
Full advisory →Is Russia safe? 🇷🇺
Europe · Updated
As of September 2026, Russia scores 18/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. The U.S. State Department rates Russia Level 4: Do Not Travel. Of the 9 Russia destinations assessed, Charkov scores highest (18/100), while St Petersburg scores lowest (18/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Russia 🇷🇺
Russia · Assessed 24 September 2026
18
/ 100
Elevated risk — reconsider
Safer than ~6% of countries
Score capped at 18 — Level 4 advisory — "Do Not Travel". No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
Crime50/100CautionCrime index 38.1 / 100
Sentiment51/100CautionExtremely Negative
Advisories0Elevated
Stability56Fair
Health82Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Elevated
Advises against all travel
“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.”
Updated 2026-09-18T10:01:11Z
Full advisory →Avoid all travel
“Canada's official risk level for Russia: avoid all travel.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:36.1325016-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
20 / 100 (Extremely Negative)
20
City SignalCity Web Research
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging is uncommon but can occur in isolated areas; avoid poorly lit underpasses and overnight trains.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is common in crowded tourist areas, public transport, and markets.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Caution
Traveller sentiment score
Extremely Negative
51/100
Reported feel20Extremely Negative
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Official government advisories and safety indices consistently rate Russia as a high-risk destination, with multiple governments advising against all travel.
No, Russia is not safe for travelers, and travel is strongly advised against.
Multiple governments have issued 'Do Not Travel' advisories for Russia due to ongoing conflict, security risks, and the potential for wrongful detention. While some sources suggest daily life continues normally for residents, the overarching risks to foreign nationals are severe.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026Russia lodges protest with Japan over US Typhoon missile deployment.— AP News
- Sep 2026Finland supported the establishment of a special tribunal regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine.— UA.NEWS
- Jul 2026Tourism in an active warzone: Russia's plans for occupied Luhansk raise questions.— eTurboNews
- Jun 2026Huge mosquito swarm overtakes popular destination in Russia, tourists rush to safety.— The Indian Express
Common scams
- Airport Gypsy Cab (offering rides from airports)
- The Beautiful Stranger Bar (soliciting drinks and then charging inflated prices or worse)
- Last-minute tours, fake hotels, and fraudulent messages posing as government officials
Full briefing
Russia is currently assessed as a high-risk destination, and travel is strongly advised against by multiple governments. The U.S. Department of State, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO), and the Government of Canada all maintain 'Do Not Travel' or 'Avoid All Travel' advisories. These advisories cite significant risks including the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, security incidents like drone attacks, Russian air defense activity, and a lack of flights for repatriation. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of foreign nationals being detained.
While some traveler-maintained sources suggest that daily life in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg continues with busy cafes and museums, this should not be interpreted as an indication of safety for visitors. The overarching geopolitical situation and the potential for arbitrary detention create an environment of severe risk. The composite safety index for Russia is very low, reflecting these substantial dangers.
Travelers should be aware of potential scams, including the 'Airport Gypsy Cab,' 'Beautiful Stranger Bar,' and fraudulent offers for tours and accommodation. Pickpocketing is a moderate risk in crowded areas, and while mugging is less common, it can occur in isolated or poorly lit locations. Extreme caution is advised, and adherence to official government advisories is paramount. Given the current advisories, it is highly recommended to reconsider any travel plans to Russia.
06 · Destinations
Russia destinations by safety score
#1🇷🇺CharkovHigh Risk · updated 30 September 202618#2🇷🇺MoscowHigh Risk · updated 12 September 202618#3🇷🇺VladivostokHigh Risk · updated 12 September 202618#4🇷🇺PermHigh Risk · updated 3 September 202618#5🇷🇺YekaterinburgHigh Risk · updated 29 July 202618#6🇷🇺NovosibirskHigh Risk · updated 29 July 202618#7🇷🇺SochiHigh Risk · updated 29 July 202618#8🇷🇺Kazan’High Risk · updated 29 July 202618#9🇷🇺St PetersburgHigh Risk · updated 28 July 202618
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07 · Questions
Russia safety FAQ
Is Russia safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Russia Level 4 of 4 — Do Not Travel. On our composite index Russia scores 18/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 30 September 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Russia?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Charkov currently scores highest at 18/100 (High Risk). St Petersburg scores lowest at 18/100.
Where does this Russia safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.