From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Russia Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 16:55:19 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1834 Path: world!daemon Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Message-ID: <199807211257_MC2-53B9-7EBD@compuserve.com> Content-Disposition: inline Precedence: bulk Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mime-Version: 1.0 Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com X-List-Info: LN=travel-advisories WHOM=76702.1202@compuserve.com Lines: 286 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Russia ============================================================ Russia - Consular Information Sheet March 5, 1998 Country Description: Russia is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. While tourist facilities exist in Moscow and some other large cities, they are not developed in most of Russia, and many goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Travelers may need to cross great distances, especially in Siberia and the Far East, to obtain services from Russian government organizations, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow or one of the three U.S. consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok. Entry and Exit Requirements: All Americans traveling to or transiting through Russia must have a passport and visa. Travelers who arrive without a passport or entry visa may be subject to large fines, days of processing requirements imposed by Russian officials, and/or immediate departure by route of entry (at the traveler's expense). Visas, other than for transit purposes, are issued based on support from a Russian sponsor -- either a Russian individual or Russian organization. It is very important to know who the sponsor is (usually a tour agency or hotel) and how to contact the sponsor, because Russian law allows only the sponsor to apply for replacement, extension or changes to the traveler's visa. The U.S. Embassy cannot act as a sponsor. Travelers should verify their sponsor before departure from the United States. All foreigners must have an exit visa to depart Russia. For short stays, the exit visa is issued along with the entry visa and is only valid until the date listed on the visa. All travelers who spend more than three days in Russia must register their visa through their hotel or sponsor. Visitors who overstay their visa's validity, even for one day, or who neglect to register their visa, may be prevented from leaving. Errors in dates or other information on the visa can occur, and it is helpful to have someone who reads Russian check the visa before departing the United States. Travelers should have all points of entry and all itinerary points in the Russian Federation printed on their visa, in order to avoid potential difficulties in registering their visas and lengthy delays in travel. If travelers in Russia experience entry and exit visa problems, they and/or their sponsor must contact the nearest Russian Visa and Passport Office (OVIR) for assistance. Due to the possibility of random document checks by police, U.S. citizens should carry their original passports or photocopies of their passports and registered visas. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in detention and/or heavy fines. HIV Testing Requirement: Any person applying for a visa for a stay of more than three months must present a certificate showing that the individual is HIV negative. The certificate must contain the applicant's passport data, proposed length of stay in Russia, blood test results for HIV infection, including date of the test, signature of the doctor conducting the test, medical examination results, diagnostic series, and seal of the hospital/medical organization. The certificate must be in both Russian and English and valid for three months from the date of medical examination and blood test. For information concerning entry, exit, and HIV requirements, travelers can contact the Russian Embassy, Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20008; telephone (202) 939-8918, or the Russian consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle. Global Positioning Equipment: The importation and use of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices are subject to special rules and regulations. Recently, there have been several incidents in which foreigners, including U.S. citizens, using such devices were detained by Russian authorities and faced various charges, including espionage. No traveler should seek to import or use GPS equipment in any manner unless it has been properly and fully documented before arrival and is declared in full on a customs declaration at the point of entry to the Russian Federation. Further information on the importation and use of GPS equipment and Russian customs regulations may be obtained from the special Information Sheet available on the Internet (http://travel.state.gov), or from the Department of State automated telefax at 202-647-3000, or from the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow or U.S. consulates in Russia. Permission for radio electronic devices, including cellular phones, may be required from the State Customs Committee of the Russian Federation. The Committee has stated that there are no restrictions on bringing laptop computers into the country for personal use. The software, however, may be inspected upon departure; and some equipment and software have been confiscated because of the data contained or due to software encryption, which is standard in many programs. Areas of Instability: Travel to Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and the areas surrounding Chechnya is extremely dangerous due to political instability and frequent kidnappings. Two U.S. citizens have disappeared in Chechnya and remain unaccounted for. In addition, public gatherings and demonstrations occur frequently in Russia, particularly in Moscow. Although such demonstrations are usually peaceful, travelers are urged to exercise caution when in areas where large groups are gathered. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Russia's civil aviation authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at telephone 703-697-7288. Air Travel: Air travel within Russia is often unreliable, with unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions, including deterioration of the quality of service. Russian based airlines certified to operate internationally meet higher standards than domestic-only air carriers and fly to most domestic destinations. Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: Inclement weather and lack of routine maintenance of roads and vehicles make road conditions throughout Russia highly variable. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents, which are commonplace. Many accidents involve drunk drivers. Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines," and bandits occasionally prey on travelers. Medical Facilities: Medical care is usually far below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually requires cash payment at Western rates upon admission. The U.S. Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and English-speaking doctors. Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually all of their medical needs; such travel can be very expensive, if undertaken under emergency conditions. Therefore, travelers may wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental coverage for medical evacuation. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk. The cost of a medical evacuation from the Russian Far East can be as high as $50,000. It is helpful to carry a letter, in Russian, from your health care provider, describing the nature of any personal medication that you carry into Russia. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559, or via the CDC home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov. Crime Information: Crime against foreigners is a problem, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults, and robberies can occur frequently and at any time or place. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and residences, even when locked or occupied. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you receive a replacement for your lost or stolen U.S. passport in Russia, your exit visa must also be replaced, with assistance from your sponsor, so that the passport number written on the visa matches your new passport. This requires a Russian police report. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Crime Against Foreign Businesses: Extortion and corruption are common in the business environment. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities and have been known to demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Many Western firms hire security services which have improved their overall security, although this is no guarantee. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable. Over the past several years, several American business people have been attacked, kidnapped, and even killed. U.S. citizens are encouraged to report all extortion attempts to the Russian authorities and to inform consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate. Currency Exchange: The ruble is the only legal tender. It is illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars. Old or very worn dollar bills are often not accepted at banks and exchange offices, even though this is also a violation of currency laws. Traveler's checks and credit cards are not widely accepted outside Moscow and St. Petersburg. Major hotels or the American Express offices in Moscow or St. Petersburg may be able to suggest locations for cashing traveler's checks or obtaining cash advances on credit cards. Western Union has agents in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and some other large cities, which disburse money wired from the United States. Customs Regulations: Russian customs laws and regulations are in a state of flux and are not consistently enforced. Travelers to Russia should declare all items of value on a customs form upon arrival and keep this form until their departure from Russia. Currently, travelers carrying more than $500 (U.S.) must declare the amount of cash they are carrying on their customs declaration. Lost or stolen customs forms should be reported to the Russian police, and a police report (spravka) should be obtained to present to customs officials upon departure. Travelers without stamped customs forms may take only $500 (U.S.) or less out of Russia. Those with stamped declaration forms may take out a sum no greater than the sum declared upon entry. Travelers should obtain receipts for all high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia. Any article which could appear old to the Customs Service, including icons, samovars, rugs, and other antiques, must have a certificate indicating that it has no historical value. It is illegal to remove such items from Russia, without this certificate. These certificates may be obtained either from the vendor of the item or from the Russian Ministry of Culture. For further information, Russian speakers may call the Customs Service of the Russian Federation in Moscow at telephone (7) (095) 265-6629 or 208-2808. Russia has very strict rules on the importation of large quantities of medication. Travelers should check with the Russian Embassy or Consulate in their area about the requirements for importation of large quantities of medications before attempting to bring them into Russia. Adoption: Russia's adoption law allows U.S. citizens and other foreigners to adopt Russian orphans, if no Russian family applies to adopt them. Russia was the leading source country for international adoptions by U.S. citizens in 1997, with over 4,700 Russian orphans adopted. For more information on international adoptions from Russia, please contact the Department of State's Office of Children's Issues at telephone 202-736-7000, ext. 01. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Russia are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Embassy Location/Registration: All American citizens who reside in Russia for three months or longer are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or at one of the U.S. consulates. Americans who will remain for shorter periods may also register and inquire about updated travel and security information. Registration allows for quicker replacement of a lost or stolen passport, as well as contact in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in Moscow at Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23; telephone (7)(095) 252-2451; fax (7) (095) 956-4261. After hours emergencies: telephone (7-095) 956-4422. U.S. consulates are located in: St. Petersburg: Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15; telephone (7-812) 275-1701; fax (7-812) 110-7022. After hours emergencies: telephone (7-812) 274-8692. Vladivostok: Ulitsa Pushkinskaya 32, telephone (7-4232) 268-458 or 300-070; fax (7-4232) 300-091. After hours emergencies: (7) (4232) 471-644 and (7) (4232) 287-290. Yekaterinburg: Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor; telephone (7-3432) 564-619; fax (7-3432) 564-515. No. 98-020 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 2, 1997, to update information on entry and exit requirements, air travel, areas of instability, crime, crime against foreign businesses, currency exchange, customs regulations, and GPS restrictions. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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