Americans Must Exit Russia ‘Immediately’; Embassy Has ‘Severe Limitations’: State Department

Refugees, mostly women with children, arrive at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland, on March 5, 2022. AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu

The U.S. State Department has asked Americans residing in Russia to leave the country as soon as possible, issuing a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” alert, warning U.S. citizens against traveling to Russia.

U.S. citizens in Russia face the threat of potential harassment by Russian government security officials, according to a travel advisory issued on March 5 by the State Department. The U.S. Embassy in Russia has “limited ability” to assist U.S. citizens in the country. The department also cited COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, limited flights into and out of the country, terrorism, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws to call on U.S. citizens to “immediately” exit Russia.

Traveling to regions such as Chechnya, Mount Elbrus, and North Caucasus should be avoided because of the risk of civil unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism. In Crimea, there’s a risk of being abused by occupying Russian authorities, the department stated, leading it to issue a Do Not Travel instruction.

“If you wish to depart Russia, you should make arrangements on your own as soon as possible. If you plan to stay in Russia, understand the U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options, may change suddenly,” the travel advisory reads. “U.S. citizens who are able to depart Russia for another country and are in need of emergency assistance upon arrival may contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in that country.”

Washington’s sanctions on Russia have made it difficult to procure cash for everyday transaction purposes. The advisory warns Americans that their credit and debit cards might be declined, owing to economic restrictions. It advises U.S. citizens to make an “alternative plan for access to money and finances” in case they choose to remain in Russia.

Limited commercial flights are still available for exiting the country, while overland routes by bus and car continue to remain open, according to the State Department. Numerous international airlines are continuing to cancel flights to and from Russia. Americans living in Russian regions close to Ukraine are warned that the situation along the border is unpredictable and dangerous.

“Given the ongoing armed conflict, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling by land from Russia to Ukraine. In addition, there is the potential throughout Russia of harassment of foreigners, including through regulations targeted specifically against foreigners,” the advisory reads.

Some U.S. citizens have been arrested on “spurious charges” and were denied fair and transparent treatment by Russian security services, according to the department. Some Americans have been convicted in secret trials with little to no credible evidence.

Former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed was sentenced to a nine-year prison term in Russia in 2020 on charges of assaulting a police officer, which Washington believes is wrongful imprisonment.

Russian authorities may delay consular access to Americans. Moscow can also refuse to acknowledge dual citizenship, allowing authorities to prevent Americans with citizenship in both nations from leaving Russia.