Russian Federation Is the Largest Country in the World by Geographic Area and a Major World Power

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Country Travel Advice Report Russia

Overall Risk Rating: Moderate | 3.00

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Contents

Country Risk Rating Breakdown ...... 3 Country Overview ...... 4 Security Overview ...... 4 Political Overview ...... 4 Infrastructural Overview ...... 4 Environmental Overview ...... 5 Medical Overview ...... 5 Fact Box ...... 6 Travel Risk Advice ...... 7 Threat Scale Reference ...... 11

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Country Risk Rating Breakdown

Country Overall Risk Rating Moderate | 3.00

Security Environmental Infrastructural Political Medical

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Country Overview Moderate | 3.00

The Russian Federation is the largest country in the world by geographic area and a major world power. Its vast territory spans eleven time zones and both the European and Asian continents. It borders North Korea, China, and the Pacific Ocean in the east, the Caucasus to the south and the European countries of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, and Ukraine to the west. The country's climate varies dramatically depending on geographic location, although most of inner Russia is classified as subarctic tundra. It is an authoritarian democracy, which since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1993, has emerged with a newfound political and economic stability underpinned by considerable increases in global trade and oil revenues since 2000. Although the 2015 economic crisis led to concerns over national stability, structural reforms and heavy state investments have prevented any substantial impact. Nevertheless, Russia continues to face intermittently sluggish growth rates, which have been exacerbated by international sanctions. The country has retained a large sphere of influence in Eastern Europe and the Caucuses where it continues to project military and economic power to further its own interests.

Sunni extremist activity in the North Caucasus remains an enduring source of instability. The state has achieved some success in reducing the threat from the separatist insurgency, but insurgent organizations retain the capability and intent to carry out terrorist attacks in the volatile region as well as in major cities such as St Petersburg, Moscow and Volgograd. Rebel activity attacks and skirmishes with the military make travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan particularly hazardous. Islamist militants have, since the beginning of the Syrian conflict, called for attacks on Russia's major cities. Hostility between Russia and other former Soviet republics in eastern Europe have also caused temporary instability, particularly in western Ukraine where Moscow-backed dissidents have fought a separatist insurgency.

Conducting business in Russia is complicated by the close nexus between political and business elites which fosters pervasive corruption and can lead to sudden changes in the investment climate. Nonetheless, the country had enjoyed steady growth in foreign investment which has only been partially disrupted by the imposition of western sanctions. The primary threats faced by foreign travelers are state-orchestrated monitoring, petty criminal activity and road traffic accidents. While good infrastructure exists in most cities in western Russia, roads and telecommunication networks are often poorly developed in many rural areas in Siberia and the Caucasus.

Russia has been particularly impacted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The country has experienced some of the highest case numbers in the world and has closed its international borders to most travelers to prevent further spread of the disease. Restrictive measures have been relaxed in some areas as of early July 2020, but regulations vary by region. Travel permits and proper medical documents may be required to enter some regions or cities.

Security Moderate | 3.00

Overview

Russia faces a low-to-moderate security risk. Both violent and non-violent crime is a problem in many urban areas and westerners may be targeted by criminals in less-affluent locations due to their perceived wealth. The conflict risk generally is low, but separatist insurgencies in the North Caucasus continue to pose a localized threat. Most militant activity has been confined to the North Caucasus regions of Dagestan, Ingushetia, and Kabardino-Balkaria. Radical Islamist militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda also pose a moderate terrorism risk and Sunni extremists have demonstrated their capacity to attack major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. Unrest occurs periodically in major urban centers and is often linked to perceived state corruption and unpopular political and economic policies.

Political Moderate | 3.25

Overview

The Russian political system is relatively stable, however popular opposition to the ruling United Russia Party is widely suppressed through state institutions. Civil unrest occurs infrequently in major cities over various political and economic issues. Unsanctioned protests are generally met with a strong police response. Corruption and poor governance generate a moderate business risk. The country is subject to a range of international sanctions.

Infrastructural Moderate | 3.00

Overview

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No major concerns exist over air travel to and from Russia, however civil aviation agencies have been accused of proving inadequate safety measures and domestic air crashes have occured in recent years. Road conditions are generally adequate in major cities, although driving can be hazardous in rural regions due to poorly-maintained infrastructure, inclement weather and poor local driving standards. Cyber-crime is a significant concern and foreigners may be specifically targeted by hackers and state actors.

Environmental Low - Moderate | 2.75

Overview

Extremes of cold are found across much of the north and east, which can pose a risk to travelers who are not prepared for the local climate. Inclement weather conditions may lead to travel and service disruptions. Severe rain and wind storms can periodically result in major power outages and localized threats to life. Conversely, extreme heat also periodically leads to wildfires during the summer months. Landmines and unexploded ordnance are widespread in rural areas of the North Caucasus.

Medical Moderate - High | 3.75

Overview

There are no major health hazards for travelers in central and western Russia, although food and water should be treated with caution and standard vaccinations are recommended for travel. Outside of major cities, medical facilities are considered significantly poorer than in urban centers. Travelers in remote and rural areas should plan for potential medical evacuation.

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Fact Box

Government Semi-Presidential Federation Type

Population 142,355,415 (2016)

Currency Russian Ruble

Languages Russian (official) 85.7%, Tatar 3.2%, Chechen 1%, other 10.1%

Time Zone UTC +3 (Moscow)

Religions Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.)

Traffic Drives on the right

Plug Types Type C and Type F

Ethnicities Russian 77.7%, Tatar 3.7%, other 18.6%

Drinking Not Safe to Drink Water

2020 Significant Dates:

January 1 - New Year's Day January 2-5 - New Year's Day Holiday January 7 - Orthodox Additional Christmas January 8 - Orthodox Christmas Holiday February 23 - Defender of the Information Fatherland Day March 8 - Women's Day April 17 - Good Friday (Orthodox) April 19 - Easter Day (Orthodox) May 1 - Labour Day May 9 - Victory Day June 12 - Russia Day November 4 - Unity Day

International Country +7 Code

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Travel Risk Advice

Vaccinations and Key Health Risks

You should visit a health care professional at least four to six weeks prior to the trip. Travellers should ensure that they have routine vaccination courses and boosters. Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and annual flu vaccine.

Most travellers will require vaccines from:

Hepatitis A

Dependent on work, reason for travel, or underlying health conditions, some travellers visiting Russia may require vaccines from:

Hepatitis B Japanese Encephalitis Rabies

Pre-departure

Travellers should undertake a pre-travel security brief on the associated threats in their operating environment, and are recommended to have undertaken annual travel security training. Business travellers should have undertaken bribery and corruption training as this represents a key challenge when operating in the Russian Federation.

Travellers should identify potential sources of medical support such as a hotel-provided doctor for minor ailments, particularly when operating in rural eastern areas. Travellers should always have adequate travel insurance in place to enable rapid medical treatment or emergency extraction from Russia, and should review contingency options, business continuity and crisis management plans.

Travellers should conduct research into the current political situation in the country. If the travel dates coincide with planned elections, anniversaries or significant dates, additional precautionary measures may need to be taken. Political rallies may occur in most major cities across Russia, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Sochi, Kazan and Vladivostok.

Travellers should provide friends and family with a copy of their travel itinerary, make a second copy of important travel and identification documents, and insure to obtain a valid Russian visa prior to arrival. They should also have easy access to information on their host, accommodation, relevant embassies and trusted local contacts.

Travellers should have implement additional risk mitigation measures for travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan and the districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kursky in Stavropol Krai. These regions represent high-risk environments due to separatist conflicts and poor infrastructural development.

Travellers should implement a comprehensive suite of IT security measures for electronic devices, such as travelling with “clean” devices, ensuring that all personal identity information and sensitive files is sanitised, and implementing a Full Disk Encryption (FDE). They should also avoid checking-in business or personal electronic devices with luggage at the airport.

On Arrival

Russia's main international airports in Moscow (Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Domodedovo International Airport (DME) and Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) and St. Petersburg (Pulkovo International Airport (LED) are well-developed and feature sufficient security measures. However, provincial airports, particularly in the central Siberia and the caucuses may be less secure.

Travellers should have a meet and greet procedure in place, and minimise the time spent in common areas of the airport where they are vulnerable to petty crime.They should proceed through arrivals in a timely manner, and depart as soon as practicably possible.

Travellers should begin to routinely reassess the security and threat environment on arrival through a range of multi-source intelligence advisories including government organisations and relevant embassy websites.

Travellers should carry a copy of their travel documents hidden on their person at all times.

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In Transit

Travellers should avoid using street taxis in Russia and utilise low-profile hotel booked taxis or locally vetted transport providers. Public transport networks in most major cities are relatively safe, although users should be alert to the risk of organised crime. Licensed taxis will generally display a yellow or orange lamp on the roof. There are mobile app ride-sharing services available in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and these are assessed to be comparable with the services in other international cities.

Travel routes in urban environments should avoid isolated areas and potential choke points where practical. Travellers should establish the formal identification of their driver before commencing any trip. They should only travel with minimal non-essential valuable items which should not be displayed publicly.

The distances between cities in most or Russia are vast, and air travel offers the quickest way to reach multiple destinations. However, many domestic Russian airlines have a poor safety record and thorough research should be conducted into these services prior to booking a ticket. When utilising vehicular travel outside of urban centres, travellers should ensure that the vehicle has emergency equipment appropriate to the local geography and climatic conditions. Fuel levels in the vehicles should be at least half-full.

Additional measures, including close protection services, may be required for travel close to the border with the Ukrainian Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and near to the border with Ukrainian Kharkiv Oblast. These regions have been involved in armed conflict and the risk of violent incidents, kidnappings and seizure of property is greatly increased.

At Your Hotel

There are a number of factors to consider when sourcing a hotel for business travelers in Russia and these include features relating to the location, staff, and reputation, as well as the building itself. Travelers should consult this basic checklist when choosing their accommodation and be mindful that this process is an important risk mitigation procedure:

When sourcing a hotel, travelers should avoid areas of the city that are known to have a high crime rate, or are associated with protests. There areas are identified in the preceding sections of this document.

If possible, the hotel should be situated away from potential high-profile locations such as government buildings, diplomatic missions, tourist sites and transport hubs which may be targeted by terrorist groups or protesters. These locations are also identified in the preceding sections.

The hotel should have multi-lingual staff who are easily reachable, on shift at all times.

It should have card access control in the lobby and/or in elevators.

Ideally, hotels should have a clearly defined perimeter that features some form of restrictive vehicle/pedestrian access control and monitored surveillance systems to prevent criminals from entering the premises.

Hotels should have security personnel on site at all times and guests should have a means of contacting them in the event of an emergency.

The hotel should meet basic fire safety standards and include a building-wide alarm system, fire doors and extinguishers, a clearly displayed evacuation plan, emergency exits and safe muster points for guests.

Rooms should also be fitted with carbon monoxide detectors as standard.

On arrival at the hotel, ensure the driver stays on site until check-in has been confirmed. Similarly before departing to the airport and when leaving the hotel, ensure your driver waits until flight check-in is confirmed.

Travellers should favour rooms on floors between 2 and 6, and as far as possible from the main entrance and principal public areas. Rooms with access from a side balcony or fire escape should be avoided.

Travellers should always lock the door (and any connecting doors) to their room, and use the chain or spy hole when receiving a visitor. Do not open the door to your hotel room, especially late at night, until you have confirmed the visitor’s identity. If necessary, strangers should be met in the lobby.

In the Street

Travellers should avoid walking alone after dark in all urban areas in Russia.

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Travellers should keep a low profile, and avoid discussing political issues and sensitive topics in public. They should also avoid any demonstrations, protests and rallies, which in Russia are likely to attract security forces and law enforcement officers and present a safety risk. Political rallies can occur in most major Russian cities and are often motivated by domestic issues including corruption scandals and access to local amenities. During periods of heightened tension, travellers should avoid sensitive areas and symbolic places, such as police stations, government buildings,and locations of previous protests.

Travellers should be aware of the national culture and behavioural expectations in Russia. Travellers of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent may attract unwanted attention in rural locations. Likewise, Russia is a traditionally conservative country, and most of the population espouses conformist attitudes towards Eastern Orthodox culture.

Travellers should be aware that photographing government buildings or military facilities may result in detention by authorities.

Travellers should avoid overt displays of wealth and dress discreetly and appropriately to environment. This is particularly important in Russia's majority-Islamic southern Caucus regions where men and women are expected to dress conservatively in public and near religious sites. Do not display money, jewellery or valuables and keep a low profile.

Travellers should settle small bills with cash, and have a spare credit card available. They should use only small denominations of the local currency, and keep large amounts of cash and cards in a separate place on your person. Reduce the contents of your wallet or purse contents, particularly cards which may denote affiliations, memberships and accounts. Do not use credit or debit cards unless absolutely necessary and then only at respected, well-known retail and service establishments.

Travellers should ensure that their mobile phone is carried with hem at all times, and that it has sufficient battery life and is programmed with appropriate emergency numbers. Travellers should also carry an ID card or passport and emergency medical information.

Travellers should be aware of their location and surroundings. They should know routes and carry a map if necessary, but keep it concealed.

In crowded situations, travellers should be aware of jostling as this may be a ploy for pick-pockets. They should also be aware of people loitering, and also that attackers may first pass their victim to attack from behind.

Travellers should ignore verbal ‘bait’ from passers-by, do not get into an argument and avoid prolonged eye contact with strangers.

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Russia and transsexuals are officially recognised under Russian law. However, there is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and public attitudes towards LGBT+ rights are very conservative. Recent polls show that a majority of Russians believe homosexuality should be re-criminalised. LGBT+ travellers face a significant risk of discrimination and even violence in most of the country. A controversial law was passed in 2013 criminalized the distribution of materials among minors in support of non-traditional sexual relationships. This has provided a legal framework under which numerous Russian citizens have been arrested for promoting LGBT rights. Despite these challenges, Moscow and St Petersburg have large LGBT+ communities. In the past Pride events have been held in both cities although organisers have faced legal restrictions, as such travellers should carefully weigh the risks of taking part in public demonstrations on LGBT+ issues to avoid being exposed to police crowd dispersal measures.

Travel in the Chechnya region of Russia presents increased risks for LGBT+ individuals due to the very conservative cultural and religious attitudes of the predominantly Muslim population. The Chechen government have been accused of encouraging the torture and killing of those suspected of homosexuality by their families. Some monitors have also reported the existence of concentration camps for homosexuals. Therefore LGBT+ individuals travelling to Chechnya should exercise a high degree of caution.

COVID-19 Information

Total Cases (ECDC) (Updated on Monday): 6,149,780

Weekly percentage increase in cases:2.79%

Travel Restrictions: Internal Restrictions Authorities in Moscow and Saint Petersburg have introduced additional measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 June 24 amid a surge in cases. In Moscow and the wider Moscow Region, authorities have extended the mandatory vaccination program. Businesses and sectors required to ensure that at least 60 percent of employees are vaccinated by Aug. 15 include the public service, retailers, catering companies, delivery services, health and fitness clubs, public transport, education, and social services. Contact businesses, such as beauty salons, entertainment venues, theaters, and museums should also ensure their staff are vaccinated. Employers are obliged to suspend workers who refuse vaccination without a valid medical reason.

In Saint Petersburg and the wider Leningrad Region, authorities require staff in education, social services, healthcare, retail, public transport, daycare, museums, libraries, theaters, and the civil service to reach an 80 percent vaccination rate by Sept. 1. Restrictions on public events, catering establishments, contact businesses, and cultural venues in the Leningrad Region can be lifted provided all employees and participants can present vaccination certificates or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than 72 hours.

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Authorities in Moscow previously announced tightened COVID-19 countermeasures starting June 28. Authorities will require residents to present a government-provided QR code displaying their COVID-19 status in order to access certain public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and other catering establishments. Only residents who have been fully vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months, or received a negative result in a COVID-19 test in the previous 72 hours will be permitted entry. Paper certificates will not be accepted. QR codes can be obtained from the official website of the Mayor of Moscow, the Public Services Portal, or the Public Services' Stop Coronavirus app. Nonresident foreign nationals may present a paper certificate proving they have received a negative result in a COVID-19 test in the past 72 hours. The measure will not be implemented in summer cafes and public outdoor verandas until July 12.

Authorities previously extended tightened COVID-19 countermeasures in Moscow until June 29. Public events with more than 500 attendees are prohibited, and fan zones for the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship will be closed. Food courts and children's play areas in shopping centers will remain closed. Where possible, businesses that continue to operate should have 30 percent of their staff working remotely. Catering facilities will only be permitted to operate takeout services 23:00-06:00. In addition, nonessential businesses that do not normally operate on weekends will also remain closed.

Authorities in Russia have been using a largely localized approach, with each region responsible for its own measures, several COVID-19 restrictions apply nationwide. Facemasks are compulsory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces. Mass events and public gatherings remain suspended. Citizens over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic diseases are strongly advised to avoid public places and temporarily suspend personal contact with any persons outside their immediate households. Residents are encouraged to work from home whenever possible. However, nonessential businesses, retailers, theaters and cinemas, leisure facilities, educational institutions, and cultural venues have resumed operations in many regions, subject to social distancing mandates. Public transportation is also operating in most cities, though with reduced services. Public sector offices are open.

Authorities in Moscow have installed more than 400 thermal cameras at metro stations; passengers presenting high temperatures are denied entry. Cinemas, theaters, museums, and other cultural and leisure venues are limited to 50 percent capacity.

International Travel Restrictions Authorities in Russia will implement a number of changes to the nation's existing COVID-19-related international travel policies over the coming days. Effective July 24, Russia will resume direct flights with France and the Czech Republic. At the same time, the government will increase the frequency of regular flights serving Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Ethiopia, Greece, Hungary, and Lebanon. Moreover, Arkhangelsk Talagi (ARH), Novokuznetsk Spichenkovo (NOZ), and Orsk (OSW) airports will be allowed to resume international flights.

Beginning July 25, citizens of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member nations - i.e. Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan - arriving in Russia will be required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination certificates and/or test results to authorities using the ""I Travel without COVID-19"" mobile application; the same requirement will go into force for citizens of other Commonwealth of Independent States nations starting Sept. 1.

Russia has resumed international flights with more than 50 countries, including the US, Turkey, Belgium, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, Finland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Switzerland, the UAE, and the UK. However, the availability of flights is still dependent on COVID-19 restrictions in destination countries. Additionally, flights with low demand could be canceled or merged with other scheduled services.

Foreign air passengers, including those that have been vaccinated, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival in Russia. Foreign travelers must also fill out an arrival application form provided by their airline or upon arrival in Russia. Russian citizens must submit two negative COVID-19 test results or self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. The first COVID-19 test result must be uploaded to the Public Services website within three days after arrival and the second within five days of the first test. Russian citizens must also complete a COVID-19 declaration form on the Public Services website. Foreigners are not allowed entry for tourism purposes.

All travelers from India must self-isolate upon arrival until they test negative for the virus, at which point they may exit quarantine. All travelers will be tested immediately upon arrival.

Additional Information: http://government.ru/en/news/

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Threat Scale Reference

Threat Rating Implication

The operating environment is benign and there are only isolated threats to business 1 - Negligible and/or travel.

The operating environment is generally permissive, although there are a limited 2 – Low number of threats to business and/or travel that requires basic mitigations.

The operating environment is challenging and there are serious threats to business 3 – Moderate and/or travel that requires some mitigations.

The operating environment is hostile and there are significant threats to business, 4 – High personal safety and/or travel, requiring comprehensive mitigations and planning.

The operating environment is characterised by pervasive direct threats to business, 5 – Extreme personal safety and/or travel, requiring strict risk management procedures.

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Disclaimer

Drum Cussac Group Ltd makes no representation, warranties or assurance against risk with respect to the contents or use of this document, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties or usefulness for any particular purpose of this publication. Recommendations made are based on information available at the time of writing. No express or implied warranty is given in respect of any judgment made or to changes, or any unforeseen escalation of any factors affecting any such judgment.

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