Considering travel to Russia but wondering if Russia is safe? Here’s my honest advice, based on logic, reason, and weeks of independent solo female travel throughout Russia.
I’ll be honest with ya: I never considered Russia dangerous.
It wasn’t until conversations over beers in a Moscow hostel courtyard, as other backpackers told me of how nervous their family and friends were about their Russian travels, that I realized I underestimated Russia’s international reputation.
(To be fair, my perspectives were a bit skewed after adventures in actually dangerous countries like Afghanistan.)
“Isn’t Russia dangerous?!” “Americans can’t travel in Russia, they’ll die.” “Traveling to Russia… are you crazy?!” The other backpackers’ eyes were wide—and not just from drunken enthusiasm—as they relayed their families’ concern.
In the name of shedding a bit of light on the situation and/or reassuring concerned parents, here’s my perspective as an American solo female backpacker on whether Russia is safe to travel.
Index
- Is Russia safe?
- Is Russia safe for Americans?
- Dangerous parts of Russia for travel
- Actual dangers of traveling in Russia
- Is it safe to drink tap water in Russia?
- LGBTQ+ travel in Russia
- Safety tips for Russia travel
- Useful resources for travel in Russia
Sunset over the Ministry of Agriculture in Kazan, the Republic of Tatarstan
Is traveling Russia safe?
In short: yeah, I’d say so.
There are so many police and security cameras in city centers popular with tourists that you can rest assured your safety is in stable and practiced hands. Moscow even has its own tourist police force!
How do I know? Let’s be real: I don’t.
Nowhere is 100% safe, just as no country is 100% dangerous. Personally, it drives me nutty when people declare a country safe because “they never felt unsafe”. You can walk through Yemen and come out unscathed, just as you could walk through New York and be violently mugged.
I don’t mean to freak you out, I’m just saying everyone’s experience is different. I believe you should consider what’s logically likely when assessing safety, not what your neighbor from down the road says will happen. I’m here to help you sift through the facts and paint a reasonable picture of whether or not Russia is safe for you to travel.
Crime in Russia
No country is totally crime-free; Russia is no different. Major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg see their fair share of petty crime such as pickpocketing, theft, etc. As in any big city, you should be careful of your belongings when traveling, especially when in crowded places or touristy areas. On the bright side, let it be noted that Moscow saw its lowest crime rates in a decade in 2017.
Homicide rates were high in Russia up into the 1990s, but they have since plummeted. Why? Alcohol once fueled up to two thirds of Russia’s murders and violent crimes, but alcohol consumption in Russia dropped by more than 40% since 2003, and violent crime rates went with it.
Despite notions of Russians downing bottles of vodka as they cross Siberia by bear, according to the WHO Russians actually consume less alcohol than major European countries such as France, Germany, and Switzerland.
TL;DR Russians ain’t crazy drunk all the time, and Russia is safer for it.
Watch out for pickpockets on the Moscow metro!
Terrorism in Russia
Terrorism is always on the mind when planning travels these days. But are terror attacks common in Russia?
It’s true that Russia has seen a few terrorist attacks in major cities in the last decade. Some of the less-traveled regions along the country’s southern border with Georgia such as Dagestan reportedly see more terrorist activity.
That might sound intimidating, but consider this: plenty of countries considered “safe” such as France and the United Kingdom have also seen terrorist attacks in recent years.
It’s also important to consider the likelihood of a casual tourist being caught in a terrorist attack. Recent terrorist attacks in Russia were not targeted at any specific foreign groups; military and police are often the target. Though nothing is impossible, it’s safe to say it’s highly unlikely you will be hurt in a terrorist attack in Russia.
Is Russia safe for Americans?
The only thing that attacked me in Russia: bloodthirsty mosquitoes
Americans are a special breed, I know. I am one. Sometimes.
One of the most common questions I get from people at home is “But how was it to travel as an *AMERICAN* in Country X?”, expecting some kind of horror story involving kidnappings, armed assaults, or something appropriately Homeland-esque.
My answer usually disappoints. Traveling as an American doesn’t make much of a difference… if anything, people are sometimes excited to speak candidly with an actual American!
But I admit, despite having traveled through countries where you’d expect some America bashing like Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, I would venture to say Russia is where I encountered the most anti-American sentiment in my travels.
Don’t go cancel your dreams of Russian adventures just yet! It’s true that Russians as a whole don’t think much of Americans or our government; the feeling is, statistically, mutual. Anti-American sentiment stems from the Cold War era when the US and Russia were enemies. Some has continued into the modern era thanks to negative portrayals of the United States in Russian media… not that the US media’s portrayal of Russia is any better.
Does that mean Russians are going to be mean to you or resent you for being American?
No. It’s far more likely they won’t care much at all.
Short of getting into a fight with the wrong drunken Russian nationalist at a bar, being American isn’t an actual threat to your safety. Sure, I encountered some wrinkled noses when I said I had a US passport, and plenty of people I spoke with dislike Trump (yo, same), but it’s one thing to think poorly of a country, and another thing to harm someone because of it.
To summarize: Americans, y’all gonna be fine.
Kazan’s famous Bauman Street
Are parts of Russia dangerous to travel to?
Though I would not advise against visiting any of the following areas, they have more turbulent recent histories than other parts of Russia. Do your research before visiting so you know what you’re getting into; I link to several sources you can get firsthand information from at the end of this blog post.
Along the Ukrainian border and Donestk and Luhansk
An active conflict area for several years, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out on what’s happening here.
Russia technically controls Donestk and Luhansk, but entering those areas means officially leaving Russia. You can travel to the territories, but if you don’t speak Russian and don’t have a double entry visa for Russia it’s not recommended, as you’re technically crossing into Ukraine illegally.
The North Caucasus region including Dagestan and Chechnya
Many view the Caucasus region in the south of Russia as a hotbed of terrorism to be avoided at all costs… but plenty of travelers with a passion for off the beaten track places visit this Muslim-majority area near the Georgian border every year, and many have raved to me about the region.
Abkhazia
Though Abkhazia declared independence—and is officially still part of Georgia—Russia still exerts control over the state. You can travel there if you manage to get an Abkhazia visa, but let it be known that it counts as exiting Russia. If you want to enter Abkhazia from Russia then return you’ll need a multi-entry Russian visa. You cannot enter Abkhazia from Russia and exit to Georgia; Georgia considers entering Abkhazia from Russia an illegal border crossing.
A craft beer bar in Moscow. Dangerous? Nah.
Actual dangers of travel in Russia
Getting hacked/having your information stolen over WiFi
Russian hackers are one stereotype with a lot of truth.
Staying secure is important everywhere, but you should be extra careful when connecting to WiFi networks in Russia. Public WiFi networks—wifi networks with no password—are extra risky; there’s a good chance someone is using it as bait. WiFi is easier to hack than phones or computers themselves, and important information like your banking login details can easily be stolen this way. Ain’t nobody likes their bank account getting hacked on their vacation.
To protect your devices and your information, always, always use a VPN when connecting to WiFi networks in Russia. If you don’t know already, VPNs are a kind of program/app that you can run on your phones and computers to protect them when you connect to WiFi. They also prevent people from being able to track your activity; good if you’re concerned about your online privacy.
I personally use and recommend Express VPN for travelers– you can buy Express VPN here.
Still don’t understand what a VPN is? Here’s a post explaining what VPNs are and why all travelers should use them.
Driving
Bumpy but blissfully empty roads in the southern Altai region
Caution is not common on Russian roads. Russian drivers combine driving at high speeds, bold attitudes, and aggressive last-minute maneuvers; a dangerous combination. Add to the mix a large number of drivers from neighboring Central Asian and Caucasian countries with very relaxed road rules, and you can begin to understand why driving in Russia can be a hair-raising experience. I never felt as threatened in Russia as I did driving down the single-lane sans-barrier Chuysky Tract in Altai. Sweaty armpits for days, y’all.
Luckily, most tourists visiting Russia will have all their needs met by Russia’s extensive rail, metro, bus, and marshrutka minibus networks. No need to get behind the wheel unless you’re heading out to more remote areas and/or like living on the edge (… like me!). Just make sure to be careful and expect the unexpected when crossing the street.
Drunk driving in Russia: The Russian government is cracking down on drunk driving in Russia with more strict police checks and breathalyzer tests. Nevertheless, drunk driving still happens, especially in more rural areas where there’s less accountability. Be wary of cars driving strangely, and be careful when driving or walking around roads at night.
Pickpockets
Like every major city, Russia has its share of pickpockets roaming about the centers. Watch your belongings, especially in busy touristy areas like Red Square where someone could poke into your pocket while you’re preoccupied with taking pictures.
Acting like a spy
No, I don’t just mean looking really shifty in a trench coat and sunglasses.
When traveling in Russia, avoid taking photos of anything related to the active military, power plants and big industry, or sensitive areas such as borders. Authorities are very concerned about potential spies; an innocent vacation photo could land you in an interrogation room for questioning. It’s best to avoid photographing anything potentially sensitive.
Criticizing the government
Is speaking out against the Russian government going to get you thrown in jail? As a tourist, probably not. Still, people have been jailed for criticizing the current government, and Putin’s followers can be passionate. By all means discuss politics with interested parties, but it’s always prudent to be careful with what you say when.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Russia?
Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink!
The consensus is that it is not safe to drink tap water in Russia. Most Russians do not drink tap water straight. Those who do boil water from the tap when they use it.
Opinions on whether or not you can officially drink tap water in Russia vary from place to place. St. Petersburg’s water is officially not drinkable, and Moscow’s water is reportedly polluted with metals and other substances. I drank the tap water without filtering for a time because #rebel… and often had stomach cramps. Once locals convinced me I was an idiot, I started filtering my water and the cramps went away.
To stay safe, it’s best to only drink filtered water in Russia. Bottled water is the easiest solution, but single use plastic ain’t cool! I highly recommend bringing a LifeStraw water bottle (or LifeStraw filter with a normal bottle) to Russia; it will filter any and all water so that it’s safe to drink, even if it’s from the tap. Buy a LifeStraw bottle on Amazon now.
Is Russia safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Though homosexuality is officially legal in Russia, Russians as a whole are very intolerant of LGBTQs. In 2021, Russia officially banned same-sex marriage.
It’s best to exercise caution if you’re an LGBTQ traveler. As with everywhere in the world, people in bigger cities will generally be more progressive in their perspectives than people in more rural/remote areas.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t travel to Russia! For more firsthand information on gay travel in Russia, check out this awesome gay travel guide to Russia from Nomadic Boys.
A little village in the Altai region of Siberia
Safety tips for traveling in Russia
USE. A. VPN.
I already explained this earlier in the post, but in case you were spacing, are skimming, or just didn’t give f@cks earlier on: VPNS ARE EVERYTHING, especially in Russia. If you want to protect your devices and your private information, get a VPN to use in Russia. I use and highly recommend Express VPN to all travelers. Get Express VPN now, unless you really like it when your bank account is hacked on vacation.
Carry your passport with you at all times.
You never know when you’ll be asked for it by officials. I personally use and swear by money belts for carrying your money, cards, and important documents in a secret and secure way. Get a money belt on Amazon now.
Get a local SIM card.
It’s always wise to stay in touch with people and let them know where you’re going and that you’re okay. MTS (МТС on signs using the Cyrillic alphabet) has the best coverage in big cities, while Megafon and BeeLine have the most widespread coverage across the country. I used both MTS and Megafon SIM cards while traveling in Russia.
Call 112 if there’s an emergency.
112 is Russia’s national emergency number. You should be able to call the number at any time of day and speak to someone in Russian or English, even if your phone doesn’t have a working SIM card or you’re out of balance.
Download the offline version of Russian Google Translate.
It’ll help you in a pinch if you need to ask a question or explain something to someone who doesn’t speak English.
One of many epic stations in the Moscow metro
Useful resources for planning safe travels in Russia
The following websites are handy for trip planning and getting recent information about how safe Russia is:
- United Kingdom travel advisory for Russia – Official travel information and recommendations
- Russia Trip Advisor forums – Good for basic information, recommendations, and questions
- /r/Russia on Reddit – Discussing anything and everything about life in Russia
- Travel to Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the former USSR Facebook group – Group of travelers interested in traveling the ex-Soviet countries
- Russia Beyond – A comprehensive website about Russian culture, life, news, and travel
Have more questions about safety and traveling in Russia? Ask them in the comments!
Yay transparency! There are a few affiliate links in this post. If you buy something using one of my links, I’ll make a bit of money at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry, I only recommend things I use myself.
Awesome. Thank you Alex!
I’m Irish. I visited Moscow & St Petersburg last year. Best country I ever visited. (I’m an Engineer and I have lived all over the world). My God, its soooo cheap, even in the tourist areas. Friendly, kind and helpful people, beautiful city and soooo much to do and see. You have not lived until you go on the Moscow metro.
I laughed at the comments about being careful to not say anything about Putin, the government etc. I took a tour bus with an English speaking tour guide….if you heard what he said about Putin and the government, on the loud speaker, on the bus, with a lot of Russians on the bus as well…..he was NOT a fan of the Government…………..to say the very least!!
Go to Russia. Its a wonderful country.
RE: STAN
“I never realized how much racism there was in the US until I moved out of it and found how little such variables influence Russians.”
What a load of nonsense. Russia has little racial diversity so little racial tension, that’s why so comparing them to the USA is absurd. If almost everyone is the same race,well
no problem. The Soviet Union fell apart because of ethnic difference.
” Russia did not need special laws for rights for protected classes, it is assumed that all rights are conveyed to all humans, and mean it, not even questioned. So there are no rules for the number of minorities or women on boards of directors or in political positions. That is only needed in countries who do not ignore differences.
Not true, countries have special laws to make sure that discrimination doesn’t occur. Nordic countries for examples have quotas for women.
“In the US when a woman is named to a high position there is always an assumption it was via extra credit or pressure to have a quota. ”
Not true at all.
“The crime that people are more afraid of, personal threats of harm are VERY rare so overall, living in a big city I am much less concerned about walking home from a dance club at 5am here than just walking down the street in any city in the US”
Not true and if the US had the same demographics as Russia crime would be hugely lower.
“It is definitely safer from loss or violence than any region of the US, mostly due to the extreme differences in wealth in cities in the US. ”
No, it has less crime due to demographics.
The cost of living and number of services that are very expensive means being poor in the US is a very constrained difficult life with almost no economic mobility.
That’s funny because far more poor people go to the usa to make it than Russia and the USA takes in far more poor people and their are plenty of people who came here poor and become successful.
I disagree with many of Stan’s comments and with Aleksandr’s comment. I have been to Russia many times since 2002 and have close friends in Russia.
* Hacking of English computers IS widespread in Russia – Russian hackers usually leave alone computers whose base language is Russian, which is why the computers of Russians are not usually hacked by Russian hackers. But Americans traveling in Russia need to be VERY cautious.
* Racism is rampant in Russia. My son (a white guy who could pass as a Russian) studied math in Moscow for a semester – one of his fellow students was a Korean-American. My son said that every time he went out without this Korean-American student, he and his group were never stopped by the police and checked for documents, but when they went out with him, they were always stopped. If I were Black, I would be somewhat concerned about traveling to Russia.
* Russia is NOT friendly to gay people, but as long as people are not openly gay (e.g., showing affection for a same-sex partner) in public, it shouldn’t be an issue.
* I have experienced some anti-American sentiment over the years – it seems to wax and wane. But it is waxing right now, for sure. It is helpful to try to learn some Russian – that goes a long way toward making friends.
* The large approval rating of Putin is due partially to people who are resigned to Putin because he routinely outlaws the parties of rivals or they end up dead or imprisoned or they are afraid to vote against him. Of course, this isn’t everyone, but many many people. The history of Russia makes people extremely reluctant to speak honestly, especially to foreigners. I would say that freedom of speech is on the ropes in Russia.
* I don’t know about St. Petersburg – I haven’t been there since 2004 – but no one I know in Russia drinks the tap water unless it has been boiled (such as for tea).
* Many people are struggling in Russia financially – it’s ridiculous to say that “Here, any money at all is enough to get by.” The government has raised the retirement age and reduced pensions so that older Russians are struggling. Young people often live with parents until they get married and sometimes even beyond that because of the lack of affordable housing in the cities and the lack of decent jobs in rural areas.
I have traveled all around the Moscow area – including many cities on the Golden Ring (Suzdal is my absolute favorite), and have been to Tula, and Ryazan. I have been to St. Petersburg, and to Nizhny Novgorod a couple of times and the rural area around it. And I have taken a train from Mongolia through Siberia, stopping in Ulan Ude, and spending time on Olkhon Island in Lake Baikal before going on to Moscow after stopping in Irkutsk, Tomsk, Yekaterinburg, and Kazan. It’s an amazing country and I hope people who really want to visit, do it. But I recommend a high level of caution, especially these days as relations between the US and Russia are deteriorating.
My daughter want to travel with a friend to Russia from Africa I need an advise.
Verry good advice o want to come and visit iv had 2 shots for covis i am australian met nice dr and want to meet her 250 m south moscow is safe their small towns