Wayzata World Factbook 1994/World Factbook - 1994 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1994).iso/pc/text/txtfiles/russia.tvl

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#CARD:Russia:Travel\Consular Information
Russia - Consular Information Sheet
October 19, 1993

Country Description:  Russia is a nation undergoing 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 [phone], 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: [phone].

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 [phone].  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 [phone].  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 [phone] 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.

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