Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 13 July 2009, 14:25 NZDT
Still current at:
22 March 2010
There is extreme risk to your security in the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Karbadino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area), Abkhazia, the south-east parts of the Stavropol region and Karachay-Cherkessia. Terrorism, kidnapping and military activity in these areas present a significant risk to security. We advise against all travel to these areas.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Russia due to the threat from terrorism and we advise caution. The Russian authorities have warned of the possibility of terrorist attacks, including in Moscow.
A number of terrorist incidents have occurred in recent years including bombings and hostage takings. In November 2008, a car bomb killed three people in St Petersburg. In August 2007, an explosion in the Novgorod region derailed and seriously damaged a train travelling from Moscow to St Petersburg, injuring around 60 people. New Zealanders are advised to be security conscious at all times and remain vigilant in public places, especially in Moscow, St Petersburg and other large Russian cities.
Racist attacks by skinhead or ultra-nationalist groups occur in Russia. People who are non European in appearance are more likely to be targeted, especially in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Protests, demonstrations, marches and rallies occur occasionally in Russia and have the potential to turn violent. We recommend you avoid such situations.
Some areas of Russia are closed to foreigners unless government permission has been obtained. Those planning to travel to eastern Russia and Siberia and off the usual tourist routes should check with local authorities whether permission is needed.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Russia should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Russia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Europe
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
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Britain - United States - Canada - Australia
Abolition of border controls in Europe
Contact details are
Street Address 44 Ulitsa Povarskaya, Moscow 121069, Russia
Telephone +7 495 956 3579 Facsimile +7 495 956 3583
Email nzembmos@umail.ru
Website New Zealand Embassy Moscow [external link]
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0900 - 1230, 1330 - 1730 hrs
Contact details are
Street Address: 48/2 Stanukovitcha St, Cottage 10, Vladivostok, 690003, Russian Federation
Telephone: +7 4232 512 362/365
Facsimile: +7 4232 513 222
Email: martin@gin.ru
Contact details are
Street Address: Bagoutivska Street, 17/21 Kyiv 04107, Ukraine
Telephone: +38 044 537 7444
Facsimile: +38 044 537 7445
Email: mark@pulse.com.ua