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Legal Matters
How to Avoid Legal Problems. While in a foreign country,
U.S. citizens are subject to that countrys laws and regulations.
In some instances, laws in Russia differ significantly from those
in the United States and do not afford the protections available
to the individual under U.S. law. Exercise caution and carefully
obey local laws. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
the law, even unknowingly, may have difficulties with the authorities
and may be expelled and forced to forfeit the unused part of a
pre-purchased tour. Serious transgressions of the law can lead
to arrest and imprisonment.
Under Article 12 of the U.S.-USSR Consular Convention of 1964
(which the U.S. considers to remain in force), government authorities
in Russia are required to inform the U.S. Embassy or consulate
of the arrest or detention of a U.S. citizen and to permit communication
with the detained citizen within two to four days of arrest. If
you are detained by authorities, ask that a U.S. consular officer
be informed and that you be allowed to meet with a consular officer
without delay.
Dual Nationality
Russian law may require naturalized U.S. citizens of Russian
origin to enter and depart Russia using a Russian passport. In
addition, a Russian visa may not be issued to U.S. citizens who
are still considered Russian citizens under Russian law. Dual
nationals who enter Russia on a Russian passport will be considered
Russian citizens. Dual nationals who enter Russia on a U.S. passport
and Russian visa will be considered U.S. citizens during their
stay. While recognizing that some Americans are also citizens
of other countries, the U.S. Government does not encourage its
citizens to become or remain dual nationals due to an array of
complications that may ensue from the obligations (payment of
taxes, military service, etc.) owed to the country of second nationality.
It may be necessary for such persons to "withdraw" or
renounce their former Russian or Soviet nationality before a Russian
consular official in the United States. Those who are unsure whether
they hold Russian citizenship are advised to contact the nearest
Russian consular office for information about citizenship requirements
and travel documentation.
The United States recognizes as an established principle of international
law that every sovereign state has the right to decide under the
provisions of its own laws who is and who is not its citizen.
The U.S. Department of State maintains the following:
· U.S. citizens, whether by birth
or naturalization, possess full American citizenship and its
accompanying benefits and responsibilities despite any additional
entitlement to other citizenship(s).
· U.S. citizens cannot lose their
U.S. citizenship because of automatic acquisition of foreign
citizenship. However, if a U.S. citizen contemplates voluntarily
accepting dual nationality in connection with assuming duties
as a government official in any country, he or she should first
consult with the Department of States Office of Overseas Citizens
Services at 202-647-5225 or with the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate.
Additional information about
the U.S. Governments policy with respect to dual nationality may
be found here
Legal Permanent U.S. Residents
The ability of U.S. authorities to assist legal permanent U.S.
residents is limited. These individuals should travel with appropriate
documentation of their legal status in the U.S. Those who are
citizens of Russia or any country should ensure that they have
the correct entry/exit permission from the appropriate embassy
in the United States before they travel.
Marriage Abroad
Americans contemplating marriage to a citizen of Russia or other
country should contact the Consular Section of the nearest American
embassy or consulate before the marriage takes place. Consular
officers cannot perform marriages, but can provide information
about local regulations concerning marriage.
Photography Restrictions
The majority of areas formerly closed to foreigners have been
opened. Use good judgment when photographing in museums, churches
and sensitive areas. Many museums do not permit photography near
the exhibits. At the time you are purchasing your tickets, inquire
as to whether or not photography is allowed in the museum, if
a permit is required, how much the permit will cost, and, if photos
taken with high-speed film and without a flash are allowed. When
in doubt, ask your tour guide or someone else in authority if
it is acceptable to take a photograph.
The following are general guidelines for photography in Russia:
· Photographs are permitted of architectural
monuments, cultural, educational and medical buildings, theaters,
museums, parks, stadiums, streets and squares, and living quarters
and landscape scenes.
· If prior permission is obtained
from officials of the institution concerned, photographs may
be taken of industrial enterprises that manufacture non-military
products, farms, railroad stations, airports, riverports, riverlocks,
dams, construction sites, and governmental, educational and
social organizations.
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