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Travel in Russia
Areas of Instability. Due to continued civil and political
unrest throughout most of the Caucasus region of Russia, the Department
of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to the areas of Chechnya,
all areas bordering Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan,
Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya and Kabardino-Balkariya. United
States Government personnel are prohibited from traveling to these
areas and American citizens residing in these areas should depart
immediately as the safety of Americans and other foreigners cannot
be effectively guaranteed. Throughout the region, local criminal
gangs routinely kidnap foreigners, including Americans, for ransom.
U.S. citizens have disappeared in Chechnya and remain unaccounted
for. In December 1998, four foreign hostages were decapitated
by their captors. Close contacts with the local population do
not guarantee safety. The U.S. Government’s ability to assist
Americans who travel to the Northern Caucasus is extremely limited.
Air Travel Within Russia. After extensive joint reviews
with the State Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded under its International
Aviation (IASA) Program that the SCAA oversees and licenses Russia’s
air carriers in accordance with international safety oversight
provisions. For further information, travelers may contact the
Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873,
or visit
the FAA web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. Travelers
should note that air travel within Russia, particularly in remote
regions, can be unreliable at times. Small local airlines do not
have advance reservation systems but sell tickets for cash at
the airport. Flights often get cancelled if more than 30% of the
seats remain unsold.
Overland Travel. When traveling by train or automobile
in Russia, it is advisable to bring food and water with you. You
cannot rely on the availability or quality of these goods throughout
the region. When traveling overland between Central European countries
and Russia, be sure that you have visas for all countries through
which you will pass. For example, you will need a Belarusian transit
visa if you take the train from Warsaw, Poland to Vilnius, Lithuania
because the train passes through Grodno, Belarus. Most transit
problems can be avoided if you research your routes well.
Travel By Car. Driving conditions in Russia and the region
are drastically different from those in Western Europe. In some
areas, roads are practically non-existent. Throughout the region,
service stations are few and far between and the lines are often
quite long for the scarce amount of available fuel. Avoid excessive
speed and, if at all possible, do not drive at night. Loose livestock
can appear at any time. Construction sites or stranded vehicles
are often unmarked by flares or other warning signals. Sometimes
cars have only one headlight. Many cars lack brake lights. Bicycles
seldom have lights or reflectors. This makes for very dangerous
driving conditions at night. Be prepared for sudden stops at any
time.
If you plan to drive, travelers should adhere to all local driving
regulations. These are strictly enforced and violators are subject
to severe legal penalties. Learn about your route from an auto
club, guide book or a government tourist office. Some routes have
heavy truck and bus traffic, others have poor or nonexistent shoulders
and many have animals on the loose. Also, some of the newer roads
have very few restaurants, motels, gas stations or auto repair
shops. You may not be able to avoid all problems, but at least
you will know what to expect if you have done some research. For
your safety, have your vehicle serviced and in optimum condition
before you travel. It is wise to bring an extra fan belt, fuses
and other spare parts.
To avoid highway crime, try not to drive at night and never drive
alone during this time. Never sleep in vehicles along the road.
Do not, under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers, who not
only pose a threat to your physical safety, but also put you in
danger of being arrested for unwittingly transporting narcotics
or narcotics traffickers in your vehicle. Your vehicle can be
confiscated if you are transporting marijuana or other narcotics.
A valid U.S. driver’s license, a valid international driver’s
license or a valid license from the country in which you are traveling
are necessary to drive a vehicle in Russia. International driver’s
licenses, good for one year, are available through the American
Automobile Association. Foreigners who plan to drive in the region
for more than six months must have a Russian driver’s license.
If you will be there for less than six months, you can
use your American driver’s license but need to carry an official
translation, into Russian. Moreover, legal residents of Russia
are required to obtain a Russian driver’s license. In order to
do that one has to take an appropriate exam. An American drivers’
license cannot be exchanged for a Russian license. Travelers without
a valid license are often subject to prolonged stops by highway
police.
Insurance. Your automobile should be fully insured under
a policy valid for the country in which you are traveling. U.S.
automobile liability insurance is not valid nor are most collision
and comprehensive coverage policies issued by U.S. companies.
A good rule of thumb is to buy coverage equivalent to that which
you carry in the United States.
Checkpoints. Law enforcement checkpoints aimed at detecting
narcotics, alien smuggling and firearms traffic are located at
various places throughout the region. Many checkpoints are operated
by uniformed officials; however, others will not be marked and
are manned by police or military officers not in uniform.
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