Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/russia.tvl

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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Russia
============================================================
Russia - Consular Information Sheet
 June 30, 1995

Country Description: Russia is a nation undergoing profound
political and economic change.  Travel to the Caucasus region in
southern Russia is considered dangerous due to the ongoing conflict
and political tension in the area.  While tourist facilities exist
in Moscow and some other large cities, they are not developed in
most of Russia and many of the goods and services taken for granted
in other countries are not yet available.  Travelers may need to
cross great distances, especially in Siberia and the Far East, to
obtain services from Russian government organizations or from the
U.S. Embassy or its consulates.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and Russian visa are required for
all U.S. citizens traveling to, or transiting through, Russia by any
means of transportation, including train, car or airplane.
Travelers who arrive without an entry visa may be subject to large
fines, days of processing requirements by Russian officials, and/or
immediate departure by route of entry (at traveler's expense).
Carrying a photocopy of passports and visas will facilitate
replacement should either be stolen.

Visas are issued on the basis of support from a Russian individual
or organization - the sponsor.  Transit visas, however, do not
require a sponsor.  It is important to know who your sponsor is and
how they can be contacted, as Russian law requires that the sponsor
apply for replacement, extension or changes to your visa.  The U.S.
Embassy cannot act as your sponsor.  Tourists should contact in
advance their tour company or hotel for information on visa
sponsorship.

All foreigners must have an exit visa to depart Russia.  For short
stays, the exit visa is issued along with the entry visa; for longer
stays, the exit visa must be obtained by the sponsor after the
traveler's arrival.  All travelers who spend more than three days in
Russia must register their visas through their hotel or sponsor.
Visitors who stay in Russia for weeks may be prevented from leaving
if they have not registered their visas.  Errors in dates or other
information on the visa can occur and it is helpful to have someone
who reads Russian check the visa before departing the U.S.  U.S.
citizens can contact the Russian Embassy Consular Division, 1825
Phelps Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone [phone],
or the Consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle for current
information on visa requirements.

Air Travel:  Air travel within Russia is often unreliable, with
unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions including
deterioration of airplane maintenance and quality of service.  The
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Russian Civil Air
Authorities recently concluded a joint safety evaluation of Russia's
civil aviation.  As a result of their findings, the U.S. Embassy in
Moscow removed restrictions on travel by U.S. government personnel
on certain airlines.  Travel by U.S. Government personnel is now
permitted on airlines certified for international air service by the
Russian Department of Air Transport.  It has provided a list,
available from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, of those airlines
certified by Russia for international operations.  Airlines
certified to operate internationally meet higher standards than
domestic-only air carriers yet also fly to most domestic
destinations.  Safety certification of the Airlines on this list is
provided solely by the Russian Department of Air Transport.  The
Federal Aviation Administration only provides safety certification
of U.S. airlines.

Areas of Instability:  Travel to the Caucasus region in southern
Russia (near the Georgian border) is considered dangerous due to
armed conflict and political tension in the area.  Chechen nationals
recently took hostages in the town of Budennovsk, to the north of
Chechnya.  Security forces remain in the neighboring republics of
Ingushetia, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Dagestan.

Security in Moscow has been tightened, particularly in the metro
system, at government facilities, and at entry and exit points from
the city.  U.S. citizens are advised to carry their passport and
visa with them at all times and to remain patient when delayed by
security checks.  While there have been no specific threats made
against U.S. citizens, travelers should exercise caution because of
the possibility of street demonstrations or acts of terrorism.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is usually far below Western
standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies.  Access
to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually
requires cash, dollar payment at Western rates upon admission.  The
U.S. Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and
English-speaking doctors.  Many resident Americans travel to the
West for virtually all their medical needs; such travel can be very
expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions.  Travelers may
wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental
coverage for medical evacuation.  Elderly travelers and those with
existing health problems may be at particular risk.

Health Concerns:  Diphtheria outbreaks have been reported in
Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other parts of Russia.  The Centers for
Disease Control recommend diphtheria immunizations before traveling.
 Typhoid can be a concern for those planning to travel extensively.
Drinking only boiled or bottled water will help guard against
cholera, which has been reported, as well as other diseases.  More
complete information on health matters can be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel:
[phone].

Crime Information:  Crime against foreigners continues to increase,
especially in major cities.  Pickpocketings, assaults and robberies
occur day and night, most frequently on city streets, in underground
walkways and the subway; on intercity trains, especially the Moscow
- St. Petersburg overnight train; in train stations and airports; at
markets, tourist attractions and restaurants; and in hotel rooms and
residences, even when locked or occupied.  Members of religious and
missionary groups have been robbed by people pretending to be
interested in their beliefs.  Groups of children are known to
assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways.
Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable
to assault and robbery in or around night clubs or bars, or on their
way home.  Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers.
Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines" and
bandits prey on travelers on the highway between St. Petersburg and
Vyborg.  Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized
by reputable tour agencies as solo travelers are more vulnerable to
crime.

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.  If you receive a replacement for your lost or stolen
U.S. passport from the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in Russia, your
exit visa must also be replaced, with assistance from your sponsor,
so that the passport number written on the visa matches your new
passport.  This requires a Russian police report.  Useful
information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security,
and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the
Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which is
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Crime Against Foreign Businesses:  Extortion and corruption
permeate the business environment.  Organized criminal groups target
foreign businesses in many cities and reportedly demand protection
money under threat of serious violence.  Many Western firms hire
security services, but this has not always proven effective in
avoiding armed extortion attempts.

Currency Exchange:  Travelers checks and credit cards are not
widely accepted; credit cards are only accepted at establishments
catering to Westerners.  Old or very worn dollar bills are often not
accepted, even at banks.  Major hotels or the American Express
offices in Moscow or St. Petersburg may be able to suggest locations
for cashing travelers checks or obtaining cash advances on credit
cards.  Western Union has agents in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and some
other large cities which can disburse money wired from the U.S.

Customs Regulations:  Customs laws and regulations are in flux and
are not consistently enforced.  A 600 percent duty is required to
export any item with a value exceeding 300,000 rubles.  All items
which may appear to have historical or cultural value -- icons, art,
rugs, antiques, etc. -- may be taken out of Russia only with prior
written approval of the Ministry of Culture and payment of 100
percent duty.  Caviar may only be taken out with a receipt
indicating it was bought in a store licensed to sell to foreigners.
Failure to follow the customs regulations may result in 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 and Embassy Location:  All Americans who reside in
Russia for three months or longer are encouraged to register at the
U.S. Embassy or at one of the U.S. consulates.  Americans who will
remain for shorter periods may also register and inquire about
updated travel and security information.  Registration allows for
quicker replacement of a lost or stolen passport, as well as contact
in case of emergency.

U.S. Embassy and Consulate Locations:

Moscow:  Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23; tel. [phone].  After
hours emergencies: tel. [phone] or 255-5123.

U.S. Consulates General are located at:
St. Petersburg:  Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15; tel. [phone].
After hours emergencies: (7-812) 274-8692.

Vladivostok:  12 Mordovtseva; tel. [phone] or 267-117.

Yekaterinburg:  tel. [phone].  The Consulate General in
Yekaterinburg provides emergency services for American citizens.

Questions regarding U.S. visas should be directed to the Embassy in
Moscow.

 No. 95-076

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 16,
1994, to update information on the country description and areas of
instability, which include Chechnya and the surrounding republics,
and increased security in Moscow.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Russia
============================================================
Russia - Public Announcement
 December 16, 1994

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
 Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is issuing the following statement for
Americans traveling in Russia.

"As a result of heightened tensions over the Chechnya situation,
there is the possibility that demonstrations could take place in
Moscow.  Threats of possible terrorist acts have also been reported.
 There is also the potential for spontaneous gatherings near
government buildings or other gathering places throughout the city.
As a matter of routine, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid crowds
and exercise caution while traveling about the city to ensure that
you do not inadvertently become caught up in any demonstration.

While we do not have any information about specific threats to the
American community, U.S. citizens should be aware of the potential
for provacative incidents aimed at Russian targets and should
maintain an appropriate security profile."

The Department of State notes that travel to the Caucasus Region of
Russia, namely the Ingush Republic, the North Ossetian Republic, and
particularly the Chechen Republic (Chechnya) is considered dangerous
due to ongoing armed conflict between Russian military forces and
Chechen nationalists in Chechnya.  U.S. citizens requiring further
information should contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

 No. 94-rus


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories



-----


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Russia
============================================================
Russia - Consular Information Sheet
 June 30, 1995

Country Description: Russia is a nation undergoing profound
political and economic change.  Travel to the Caucasus region in
southern Russia is considered dangerous due to the ongoing conflict
and political tension in the area.  While tourist facilities exist
in Moscow and some other large cities, they are not developed in
most of Russia and many of the goods and services taken for granted
in other countries are not yet available.  Travelers may need to
cross great distances, especially in Siberia and the Far East, to
obtain services from Russian government organizations or from the
U.S. Embassy or its consulates.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and Russian visa are required for
all U.S. citizens traveling to, or transiting through, Russia by any
means of transportation, including train, car or airplane.
Travelers who arrive without an entry visa may be subject to large
fines, days of processing requirements by Russian officials, and/or
immediate departure by route of entry (at traveler's expense).
Carrying a photocopy of passports and visas will facilitate
replacement should either be stolen.

Visas are issued on the basis of support from a Russian individual
or organization - the sponsor.  Transit visas, however, do not
require a sponsor.  It is important to know who your sponsor is and
how they can be contacted, as Russian law requires that the sponsor
apply for replacement, extension or changes to your visa.  The U.S.
Embassy cannot act as your sponsor.  Tourists should contact in
advance their tour company or hotel for information on visa
sponsorship.

All foreigners must have an exit visa to depart Russia.  For short
stays, the exit visa is issued along with the entry visa; for longer
stays, the exit visa must be obtained by the sponsor after the
traveler's arrival.  All travelers who spend more than three days in
Russia must register their visas through their hotel or sponsor.
Visitors who stay in Russia for weeks may be prevented from leaving
if they have not registered their visas.  Errors in dates or other
information on the visa can occur and it is helpful to have someone
who reads Russian check the visa before departing the U.S.  U.S.
citizens can contact the Russian Embassy Consular Division, 1825
Phelps Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone [phone],
or the Consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle for current
information on visa requirements.

Air Travel:  Air travel within Russia is often unreliable, with
unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions including
deterioration of airplane maintenance and quality of service.  The
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Russian Civil Air
Authorities recently concluded a joint safety evaluation of Russia's
civil aviation.  As a result of their findings, the U.S. Embassy in
Moscow removed restrictions on travel by U.S. government personnel
on certain airlines.  Travel by U.S. Government personnel is now
permitted on airlines certified for international air service by the
Russian Department of Air Transport.  It has provided a list,
available from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, of those airlines
certified by Russia for international operations.  Airlines
certified to operate internationally meet higher standards than
domestic-only air carriers yet also fly to most domestic
destinations.  Safety certification of the Airlines on this list is
provided solely by the Russian Department of Air Transport.  The
Federal Aviation Administration only provides safety certification
of U.S. airlines.

Areas of Instability:  Travel to the Caucasus region in southern
Russia (near the Georgian border) is considered dangerous due to
armed conflict and political tension in the area.  Chechen nationals
recently took hostages in the town of Budennovsk, to the north of
Chechnya.  Security forces remain in the neighboring republics of
Ingushetia, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Dagestan.

Security in Moscow has been tightened, particularly in the metro
system, at government facilities, and at entry and exit points from
the city.  U.S. citizens are advised to carry their passport and
visa with them at all times and to remain patient when delayed by
security checks.  While there have been no specific threats made
against U.S. citizens, travelers should exercise caution because of
the possibility of street demonstrations or acts of terrorism.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is usually far below Western
standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies.  Access
to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually
requires cash, dollar payment at Western rates upon admission.  The
U.S. Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and
English-speaking doctors.  Many resident Americans travel to the
West for virtually all their medical needs; such travel can be very
expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions.  Travelers may
wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental
coverage for medical evacuation.  Elderly travelers and those with
existing health problems may be at particular risk.

Health Concerns:  Diphtheria outbreaks have been reported in
Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other parts of Russia.  The Centers for
Disease Control recommend diphtheria immunizations before traveling.
 Typhoid can be a concern for those planning to travel extensively.
Drinking only boiled or bottled water will help guard against
cholera, which has been reported, as well as other diseases.  More
complete information on health matters can be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel:
[phone].

Crime Information:  Crime against foreigners continues to increase,
especially in major cities.  Pickpocketings, assaults and robberies
occur day and night, most frequently on city streets, in underground
walkways and the subway; on intercity trains, especially the Moscow
- St. Petersburg overnight train; in train stations and airports; at
markets, tourist attractions and restaurants; and in hotel rooms and
residences, even when locked or occupied.  Members of religious and
missionary groups have been robbed by people pretending to be
interested in their beliefs.  Groups of children are known to
assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways.
Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable
to assault and robbery in or around night clubs or bars, or on their
way home.  Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers.
Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines" and
bandits prey on travelers on the highway between St. Petersburg and
Vyborg.  Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized
by reputable tour agencies as solo travelers are more vulnerable to
crime.

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.  If you receive a replacement for your lost or stolen
U.S. passport from the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in Russia, your
exit visa must also be replaced, with assistance from your sponsor,
so that the passport number written on the visa matches your new
passport.  This requires a Russian police report.  Useful
information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security,
and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the
Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which is
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Crime Against Foreign Businesses:  Extortion and corruption
permeate the business environment.  Organized criminal groups target
foreign businesses in many cities and reportedly demand protection
money under threat of serious violence.  Many Western firms hire
security services, but this has not always proven effective in
avoiding armed extortion attempts.

Currency Exchange:  Travelers checks and credit cards are not
widely accepted; credit cards are only accepted at establishments
catering to Westerners.  Old or very worn dollar bills are often not
accepted, even at banks.  Major hotels or the American Express
offices in Moscow or St. Petersburg may be able to suggest locations
for cashing travelers checks or obtaining cash advances on credit
cards.  Western Union has agents in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and some
other large cities which can disburse money wired from the U.S.

Customs Regulations:  Customs laws and regulations are in flux and
are not consistently enforced.  A 600 percent duty is required to
export any item with a value exceeding 300,000 rubles.  All items
which may appear to have historical or cultural value -- icons, art,
rugs, antiques, etc. -- may be taken out of Russia only with prior
written approval of the Ministry of Culture and payment of 100
percent duty.  Caviar may only be taken out with a receipt
indicating it was bought in a store licensed to sell to foreigners.
Failure to follow the customs regulations may result in 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 and Embassy Location:  All Americans who reside in
Russia for three months or longer are encouraged to register at the
U.S. Embassy or at one of the U.S. consulates.  Americans who will
remain for shorter periods may also register and inquire about
updated travel and security information.  Registration allows for
quicker replacement of a lost or stolen passport, as well as contact
in case of emergency.

U.S. Embassy and Consulate Locations:

Moscow:  Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23; tel. [phone].  After
hours emergencies: tel. [phone] or 255-5123.

U.S. Consulates General are located at:
St. Petersburg:  Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15; tel. [phone].
After hours emergencies: (7-812) 274-8692.

Vladivostok:  12 Mordovtseva; tel. [phone] or 267-117.

Yekaterinburg:  tel. [phone].  The Consulate General in
Yekaterinburg provides emergency services for American citizens.

Questions regarding U.S. visas should be directed to the Embassy in
Moscow.

 No. 95-076

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 16,
1994, to update information on the country description and areas of
instability, which include Chechnya and the surrounding republics,
and increased security in Moscow.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories
.