OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. Canadians in the specified region(s) should leave. (IDW4)
You are advised against all travel to the Chechen Republic or the neighbouring North Caucasus region, including North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol Krai, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Kabardino-Balkaria. Canadians in Chechnya should leave. The security situation is unstable and dangerous.
Heavy military activity, terrorist bombings, kidnappings, and unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Canadians contemplating travel to Chechnya despite this warning are taking serious and unwarranted risks. The ability of the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (see Section 7 below) or Foreign Affairs Canada to render assistance is severely limited or non-existent.
A resurgence of terrorist incidents has recently occurred in Russia. On September 1, 2004, at least 17 armed assailants seized a school in Beslan, in North Ossetia, taking several hundred hostages. On August 31, 2004, a female suicide bomber detonated a large explosive device near a subway station in northeastern Moscow, killing approximately 10 people and injuring several more. Two Russian aircraft on internal flights crashed on August 24, 2004, killing all 89 passengers aboard. Investigations have confirmed that the aircraft were destroyed by suicide bombers. The government has intensified its internal security measures in response to these incidents, and several planned terrorist attempts in Moscow and St-Petersburg have been foiled by State Security Services. There is a possibility of further terrorist activity in Russia, particularly in areas of the North Caucasus bordering Chechnya.
A terrorist attack occurred in Ingushetia on June 21, 2004, killing at least 46 people, including acting Interior Minister Abukar Koshtoyev, and injuring many more. On February 6, 2004, a blast caused by a suspected suicide bomb destroyed a subway car during morning rush hour in Moscow, killing at least 39 and wounding 129 others. On December 9, 2003, another explosion near an upscale hotel in central Moscow killed at least six people and injured 13. On July 5, 2003, suicide bombers targeted a pop concert and a nearby open-air market in Moscow, killing 15 people and injuring many more.
As these attacks demonstrate, security incidents can occur without warning. Bombings have occurred at government buildings, hotels, residential buildings, tourist sites, in crowded public places, and on public transportation. These attacks have yet to target tourists or foreigners, but the danger of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is always present. Canadians should exercise extreme caution, particularly in public places and at events where large numbers of people gather.
There has been a significant increase in the number of Canadians fined or detained for failing to provide proper documentation to Russian authorities. Canadians should carry their original passport, entry/exit visa, and registered migration card at all times, due to the growing frequency of identity checks by Russian authorities. For further information, see Sections 3 and 8 below.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
Russia has issued a new customs declaration form for travellers coming into the country. Old declaration forms, as well as forms issued from airlines, are no longer accepted. The new form requires travellers to declare a long list of items, including medicine, mobile phones, jewellery, printed matter and other information materials, plants, animals, radioactive materials, drugs, weapons, works of art, and cash.
Russia has very strict rules on the importation of medication: certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are common in Canada may be prohibited in Russia, and large quantities of any medicine will receive scrutiny. Travellers taking prescription medicine should only carry enough for personal use, and should have their prescriptions with them when they leave the country.
The import and use of electronic equipment are strictly controlled. Foreigners have faced charges of espionage for possessing improperly certified GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, such as those used for geological mapping. Visitors may bring in regular cellular telephones; however, satellite telephones and other transmitting and receiving equipment (aside from consumer AM/FM radios) must be certified by the State Supervision of Communications (Glavgossvyaznadzor), Second Spasnailovkovsky 6, Moscow, Russia 117909 (country and area codes: 7-095/ tel.: 238-6331/ fax: 238-5102). These procedures are subject to change without notice. We recommend contacting the Russian Embassy or one of Russia’s consulates (see section 8 below) for specific information regarding this or other customs regulations.
Laptop computers do not have to be certified but are subject to confiscation upon departure if customs authorities feel that the contents compromise national security or if the contents have been encoded (which is standard in many programs). Information may be obtained from the State Customs Committee of the Russian Federation, 1A Komsomolskaya Place, Moscow, Russia 107842. Inquiries concerning items for personal use should be directed to 7-095-975-4095. Inquiries regarding other items (e.g., items for commercial or scientific purposes) should be directed to 7-095-975-4070.
Russia does not recognize dual citizenship. This policy may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. For more information, see our publication Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know. Canadians with dual Canadian-Russian citizenship must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport that is valid for travel abroad. Russian authorities will not issue entry or exit visas to dual nationals travelling with a Canadian passport.
Persons entering Russia with a "repatriation certificate" issued by Russian authorities in Canada or elsewhere may not be allowed to leave by simply showing a Canadian passport. This certificate is valid only for one-way travel, i.e., when returning to Russia. If the Russian passport of a Canadian with dual citizenship expires while that person is in Russia, he or she will have to wait until a new Russian passport is issued to leave Russia. Canadians with dual citizenship should also be aware that the Russian Embassy and Consulates in Canada can extend expired Russian passports for entry purposes only; a new Russian passport is required to exit Russia. Canadians with dual citizenship can enter Russia using their old USSR passport, but it does not allow them to leave. Canadians holding such passports are not allowed to depart until a new Russian passport is issued. This process may take several months.
Russia - MOSCOW, Embassy of Canada Address: 23 Starokonyushenny Pereulok, Moscow, 119002 Russia Tel.: 7 (495) 105-6000 Fax: 7 (495) 105-6004 E-mail:mosco@international.gc.ca Internet:http://www.moscow.gc.ca
Russia - ST. PETERSBURG, Consulate General of Canada Address: 32B Malodetskoselski Prospekt, St. Petersburg, 198013 Russia Tel.: 7 (812) 325-8448 Fax: 7 (812) 325-8393 E-mail:spurg@international.gc.ca
Russia - VLADIVOSTOK, Consulate of Canada Address: 306-46 Verhneportovaya, Vladivostok 600003, Russia Tel.: 7 (4232) 49-11-88 Fax: 7 (4232) 49-11-88 E-mail:cbcrfe@rambler.ru
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Moscow and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 810-800-201-41012 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Russia is 8 (dial tone) 10-800-110-1012, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1-800-561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Russia. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. An exit visa is also required and is issued along with the entry visa. In addition, Canadians must fill out a migration card upon arrival in Russia. While it is helpful to carry photocopies of travel documents, foreigners are required to have originals of their passport, entry/exit visas, and registered migration card at all times while in Russia and in order to leave the country.
Tourist visas require sponsorship through a travel agent. Travel agents work with local travel agencies/companies in Russia, who act as sponsors for tourist visas. Tourist visas cannot be extended within Russia, except in rare cases, such as the loss or theft of a visa or passport. Otherwise, the traveller must leave and secure a new visa abroad in order to return to Russia. Holders of expired visas face heavy fines upon departure. In cases of expired tourist visas, lost or stolen Canadian passports, only the visa-sponsoring travel agency is authorised to apply for a new tourist visa on your behalf. The issuance of a new tourist visa may take from 7 to 15 working days.
Canadians visiting Russia on a tourist visa must stay at a hotel. The hotel will register the visa for the tourist (generally for a fee). Individuals visiting Russia on tourist visas are forbidden from staying in private accommodations and will not be able to register their visas if they do so. Registering the tourist visa is a legal requirement, and failing to do so can lead to serious problems with local authorities.
Tourists who wish to stay in private accommodations must obtain a "guest visa". The host must obtain an official invitation (Izveshchenie) from the local OVIR (Russian visa and passport office) and send it to the guest in Canada. The guest must bring the invitation and his or her passport to a Russian Embassy or Consulate, where the visa will be issued. Upon arrival in Russia, the guest must go to the OVIR, accompanied by the host, and register the visa.
Business visas are issued on the basis of support from a Russian individual or organization, known as a sponsor. It may take up to three months for the host to obtain approval for sponsorship from the Ministry of the Interior. Any subsequent changes (i.e., replacement or extension) to the original visa must be done by the sponsor on your behalf. Canadians wishing to leave or re-enter Russia during an extended stay require an entry-exit visa, which must be obtained by the sponsor after your arrival. The Canadian Embassy cannot act as a sponsor.
All foreigners, including Canadian citizens, must complete a migration card upon arrival in Russia. Migration cards are usually distributed on flights and trains entering Russia or at points of entry. The cards sometimes run out, even at major international airports. It is the traveller's responsibility to obtain a migration card and fill it out. Holders of multiple-entry visas must fill out a new card every time they enter the country. Part "A" of the card is deposited with immigration officials upon arrival. Part "B" is held throughout the stay and should be shown to the police, together with the passport and registered visa, upon request and must be submitted to border officials upon departure. The migration card is also necessary to register at hotels. Loss of cards can result in fines or departure delays.
Upon arrival in Russia, travellers must fill out a customs declaration form, go through the red customs line, and have the form stamped by a customs official. Without the stamp, any undeclared currency and valuables, including items that could be considered antique, may be confiscated upon departure. Furthermore, currency exceeding the amount stated on the declaration form will be confiscated if the traveller has not obtained an official bank receipt authorizing the clearance of these sums. The declaration form must be kept until departure. Upon departure, a second customs declaration form must be filled out and the two forms must be presented to a customs official. Individuals who fail to declare in writing any amount of currency in their possession may be detained and face criminal charges leading to incarceration, in addition to the confiscation of undeclared currency and valuables.
Foreigners spending more than three days in Russia must register their visa and migration card through their sponsor. However, travellers spending less than three days are also advised to register their visa and migration card since they may encounter problems finding lodging without proper registration. Travellers staying at a hotel must register their visa and migration card with their hotel within one day. Failure to register will result in a fine, and travellers could experience problems when trying to re-enter Russia at a future date.
All foreigners planning to travel or reside in the Russian Federation for longer than three months must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The certificate must: a) contain passport particulars (full name, date of birth, passport number, and country of residence) and HIV test information (date of test, test results, signatures of the doctor who performed the test and the person examined); b) indicate the length of the intended stay in Russia; and c) be valid for three months from the date of testing.
Foreigners who wish to travel to the Chechen Republic must obtain special permission from the Ministry of the Interior of Russia.
Some cities such as Vladivostok and Yakutsk must be specifically mentioned in the visa if a traveller intends to visit them. Include your itinerary with your visa application to avoid delays. An extra fee may be charged to have them included.
An individual leaving Russia may carry the equivalent of US$3,000 in any hard currency without a customs declaration. Any amount between US$3,000 and US$10,000 must be declared to customs officials, but no other supporting documentation (e.g., entry customs declaration or bank receipt) is required. Any amount over US$10,000 must either be declared on arrival or the traveller must be able to show proof that it was received while in Russia, either by bank transfer, purchase or payment. However, travellers are encouraged to declare all items that should be declared, including the money the traveller is bringing into the country, regardless of the amount.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
There has been an increased incidence of rabies in the Moscow region. Taking personal precautions to avoid close contact with unfamiliar wild or domestic animals, especially dogs, is the best means of preventing exposure to the rabies virus. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease. Given the unpredictable nature of a potential rabies exposure, it is advisable to consider all stray animals to be infected with rabies and to avoid contact.
Domestic pets may also be at risk for rabies exposure. If travelling with a pet, ensure rabies vaccinations are up-to-date and avoid contact with wild and/or other animals. If travellers encounter any difficulty in obtaining a post-exposure vaccine, they should contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or consulate.
Medical facilities are below Western standards. Carry a sufficient supply of medications, as shortages of basic medical supplies are common outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg. A few quality facilities exist in major cities and usually require cash payment upon admission.
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.