Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 25 January 2011, 14:25 NZDT
Still current at:
19 May 2013
There is extreme risk to your security in the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Karbadino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area), the south-east parts of the Stavropol region and Karachay-Cherkessia. Terrorism, kidnapping and military activity in these areas present a significant risk to security. We advise against all travel to these areas.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Russia due to the threat from terrorism and we advise caution. The Russian authorities have warned of the possibility of terrorist attacks, including in Moscow.
On 24 January 2011, an explosion occurred at Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport, killing over 35 people and injuring more than 100 others. The Russian authorities have described the incident as an act of terrorism and have increased security throughout Moscow, particularly around transport facilities.
New Zealanders in Russia are advised to be security conscious at all times and remain vigilant in public places including airports, other transport hubs and on public transport, especially in Moscow, St Petersburg and other large Russian cities.
A number of terrorist incidents have occurred in recent years including bombings and hostage takings. A suicide bomber attacked Domodedovo Airport in Moscow on 24 January 2011. In March 2010, two explosions occurred in two separate central Moscow Metro stations, Lubyanka and Park Kultury, killing 38 and injuring at least 65 people. In November 2009, 26 people died and 92 were injured when an express train travelling between Moscow and St Petersburg was bombed. In November 2008, a car bomb killed three people in St Petersburg. In August 2007, an explosion in the Novgorod region derailed and seriously damaged a train travelling from Moscow to St Petersburg, injuring around 60 people.
Racist attacks by skinhead or ultra-nationalist groups occur in Russia. People who are non European in appearance are more likely to be targeted, especially in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Protests, demonstrations, marches and rallies occur occasionally in Russia and have the potential to turn violent. We recommend you avoid such situations.
Some areas of Russia are closed to foreigners unless government permission has been obtained. Those planning to travel to eastern Russia and Siberia and off the usual tourist routes should check with local authorities whether permission is needed.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Russia should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Russia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Europe
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
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Contact details are
Street Address 44 Ulitsa Povarskaya, Moscow 121069, Russia
Telephone +7 495 956 3579 Facsimile +7 495 956 3583
Email nzembmoscow@mft.net.nz
Website New Zealand Embassy Moscow/russia [external link]
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0900 - 1230, 1330 - 1730 hrs
Contact details are
Street Address: 48/2 Stanukovitcha St, Cottage 10, Vladivostok, 690003, Russian Federation
Telephone: +7 4232 512 362/365
Facsimile: +7 4232 513 222
Email: martintate@xtra.co.nz
Contact details are
Street Address: Bagoutivska Street, 17/21 Kyiv 04107, Ukraine
Telephone: +38 044 537 7444
Facsimile: +38 044 537 7445
Email: mark@pulse.com.ua
