Moscow Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Moscow trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Moscow is generally safe for tourists taking normal urban precautions. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded tourist areas and navigating bureaucratic requirements. However, the current geopolitical situation means many Western governments advise against travel to Russia entirely. Evaluate current travel advisories from your government before planning any trip.
Moscow is Russia's sprawling capital and largest city, a global metropolis blending centuries of history with modern dynamism. Home to iconic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow offers world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural scene.
Current Advisory
CRITICAL: Many Western governments (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) currently advise against all travel to Russia due to the war in Ukraine, risk of arbitrary detention of foreign nationals, severely limited consular assistance, and unpredictable legal environment. Citizens of some countries face heightened risks. Check your government's current travel advisory before any planning.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Do not travel to Russia due to the consequences of the war against Ukraine, the potential for harassment and wrongful detention of U.S. citizens by Russian security services, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide services to U.S. citizens, and the potential for terrorism.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia. If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial routes remain available. British-Russian dual nationals face particular risks.
Global Affairs Canada
Avoid all travel to Russia due to the unpredictable security situation resulting from the military conflict in Ukraine, risk of arbitrary detention, limited consular services.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Fake police document check
Individuals claiming to be plainclothes police officers demand to see your documents and inspect your wallet
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed drivers at airports and tourist areas charge inflated fares to foreign visitors
Currency exchange fraud
Street money changers offer good exchange rates but short-change or use sleight of hand
Friendly stranger bar scam
New 'friends' invite you to a bar or restaurant and you receive an enormous bill you are pressured to pay
Costume photo overcharging
People dressed in costumes near Red Square and tourist attractions charge very high fees for photos
Gem or investment scam
Seemingly well-dressed individuals approach with investment opportunities involving gems, art, or business deals
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Register with your country's embassy upon arrival in Moscow - essential for citizens of countries with limited consular presence
Keep photocopies of your passport, visa, and migration card stored separately from originals (hotel safe)
Use Yandex Go app rather than unmarked street taxis to avoid overcharging and safety risks
Be vigilant in crowded tourist areas like Red Square, metro stations, and markets for pickpockets
Avoid political demonstrations or protests - participation can lead to detention even for tourists
Do not photograph military installations, police officers, or government buildings without permission
Keep valuables in your hotel safe when not needed; don't display expensive jewelry or cameras
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls rather than standalone street ATMs
Be cautious with new acquaintances who seem overly friendly in bars - drink spiking has been reported
Learn to say 'No' firmly in Russian (Nyet/Нет) for use with persistent vendors or individuals
Be aware that LGBTQ+ rights are severely restricted in Russia - avoid public displays of affection
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for all visitors
Keep emergency numbers (police 102, ambulance 103) saved in your phone
Carry some cash (rubles) as international cards may not work at all establishments
Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, particularly around train stations
Be cautious of scams targeting tourists including fake police document checks
Tap water is technically treated but bottled water is widely recommended
Medical facilities in Moscow are good but can be expensive for foreign visitors without insurance
Keep a low profile regarding your nationality if from countries with political tensions with Russia
Do not carry large amounts of cash; use hotel safe for excess currency
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Moscow is generally manageable for solo travelers with normal precautions. Use metro rather than walking alone at night, keep someone informed of your plans, use Yandex Go for all taxi travel, and ensure your accommodation has your itinerary. Solo female travelers should exercise additional caution.
Female Travelers
Female travelers should exercise normal big-city precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, dress modestly especially near religious sites, and trust your instincts in uncomfortable situations. Harassment is not uncommon but rarely escalates. Metro is safe to use.
Families
Moscow is suitable for family travel with good transport, clean parks, and child-friendly attractions. Keep children close in crowded areas like Red Square. The metro's deep escalators require supervision for young children. Prepare children for very cold weather in winter.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Russia's 2023 'international LGBTQ movement' designation effectively criminalizes LGBTQ+ public identity. Same-sex relationships face severe social stigma and potential legal issues. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples can attract serious negative attention. Exercise extreme discretion and consider whether travel to Russia is appropriate given the current legal climate.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended. Tick-borne encephalitis if visiting forests May-July. Routine vaccines should be up to date (measles, tetanus, etc.)
Water Safety
Tap water is chlorinated and technically safe to drink but heavily treated; bottled water widely available and recommended
Food Safety
Food safety standards are generally good at established restaurants; avoid street food that has been sitting out
Medical Facilities
Moscow has excellent private hospitals including European Medical Center (EMC) on Orlovskiy Lane with English-speaking staff. Sklifosovsky Emergency Institute for trauma. Public hospitals are free but facilities vary.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Moscow
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide