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.
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.
Current safety advisory
High
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
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Do Not Travel / Level 4 (Highest)
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.
Advise Against All Travel
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.
Avoid All Travel
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.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
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
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Fake police document check
Individuals claiming to be plainclothes police officers demand to see your documents and inspect your wallet
How to avoid: Ask to see their badge (удостоверение), offer to go to the nearest police station (отделение полиции). Real police rarely approach tourists this way.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed drivers at airports and tourist areas charge inflated fares to foreign visitors
How to avoid: Always use Yandex Go app with metered pricing. Never accept rides from people approaching you at airports.
Currency exchange fraud
Street money changers offer good exchange rates but short-change or use sleight of hand
How to avoid: Only exchange money at banks or official exchange offices (обмен валюты) inside banks. Never use street exchangers.
Friendly stranger bar scam
New 'friends' invite you to a bar or restaurant and you receive an enormous bill you are pressured to pay
How to avoid: Be wary of overly friendly strangers, always choose your own venue, check menu prices before ordering
Costume photo overcharging
People dressed in costumes near Red Square and tourist attractions charge very high fees for photos
How to avoid: Agree on price before posing for any photo or decline politely
Gem or investment scam
Seemingly well-dressed individuals approach with investment opportunities involving gems, art, or business deals
How to avoid: Ignore all unsolicited investment approaches from strangers
Health considerations
Staying healthy on 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
- Tap water is chlorinated and technically safe to drink but heavily treated; bottled water widely available and recommended
- Food
- Food safety standards are generally good at established restaurants; avoid street food that has been sitting out
- 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.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
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 travellers
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+ travellers
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.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 102
- Medical
- 103
- Fire
- 101
- General Emergency
- 112
- Us Embassy
- +7-495-728-5577 (Moscow)
- Uk Embassy
- +7-495-956-7200 (Moscow)
- Tourist Info
- Moscow tourist helpline: +7-800-200-2222 (free, in Russian)