Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Russia Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1993 15:48:43 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Russia ============================================================ Russia - Consular Information Sheet October 19, 1993 Country Description: Russia is a nation unergoing profound political and economic change. Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to political events may occur without warning. Tourist facilities are not highly developed and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, can be erratic and may be disrupted by fuel shortages, overcrowding of flights and other problems. Entry Information: A passport and a visa are required. Without a visa, travelers cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. U.S. citizens can contact the Russian Embassy, Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-8907, 8911, 8913, 8918 or the Russian Consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle for current information on visa requirements. Areas of Instability: The situation in Moscow has returned to normal following the events of early October and people are going about their business as usual. Americans no longer need to defer travel to Moscow. The political situation remains unsettled in Russia's north Caucasus area, which is located in southern Russia along its border with Georgia. The regions of the Ingush Republic and the North Ossetian Republic have experienced sporadic armed violence and have a state of emergency and curfew in effect. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Russia is limited. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates maintain lists of English speaking physicians in the area. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Continued deterioration of Russia's economy has led to an increase in street crime. Pickpocketings and muggings occur both day and night, especially against conspicuously dressed Westerners. Most crimes occur in Moscow and St. Petersburg, in areas frequented by foreigners and at train and metro stations. Many victims have been seriously assaulted during the course of a robbery. Passengers on the train between Moscow and St. Petersburg are frequently targeted by thieves. Passengers in taxis have also been victims of armed robbery. An increase in burglary of foreigners' residences and hotel rooms has been reported. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: Travelers checks and credit cards are not widely accepted in Russia. In Moscow, American Express travelers checks may be cashed for dollars or rubles during regular business hours at the American Express office or at the Dialog Bank located in the Radisson Hotel. In St. Petersburg, American Express travelers checks may be cashed for rubles at the American Express office located in the Grand Hotel Europe or for dollars at the Promstroy Bank across the street. Customs Regulations: Russian customs law requires the payment of a 600 percent duty on all items which have a value greater than 300 rubles (currently about 50 cents). Items of cultural significance (e.g. antiques, art, rugs) may be taken out of Russia only with the prior written approval of the Ministry of Culture. It is illegal to take out of the country caviar, cocoa or coffee purchased in Russia. Failure to follow the customs regulations may result in the confiscation of the property in question. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulates may obtain updated information on travel and security within Russia. Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is located at Novinskiy Bul'var 19/23, telephone (7-095) 252-2450. After hours a duty officer may be reached by calling (7-095) 252-1898 or (7-095) 255-5123. The U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg is located at Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15, telephone (7-812) 275-1701. After hours a duty officer may be reached by calling (7-812) 274-8692. The U.S. Consulate General in Vladivostok is located at 12 Mordovtseva, telephone (7-4232) 258-458 or 266-734. No. 93-300 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 3, 1993, to reflect the cancellation of the curfew in Moscow and the removal of the notice for Americans to defer travel to Moscow.