Russia 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Yekaterinburg

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Yekaterinburg. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in the Yekaterinburg Consular District of Russia, which includes the Republics of Bashkortostan and Udmurtiya; Chelyabinsk, Kurgan, Omsk, Orenburg, Sverdlovsk, and Tyumen Oblasts; the Khanty- Mansiyskiy and Yamalo-Nenetskiy Autonomous Okrugs; and the Permskiy Krai. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Russia country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Russia at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution. Do not travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping, and risk of civil unrest; or to Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory and abuses by its occupying authorities. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Yekaterinburg as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. With an estimated population of 1.5 million people, Yekaterinburg experiences moderate levels of crime, comparable to other major Russian metropolitan areas. No area of the city is immune from crime. The police can deter many serious crimes, but petty crimes still occur with some frequency and remain a common problem. Pickpockets are active, although to a lesser degree than in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Pickpocketing on public transportation, at shopping areas, and at tourist sites does occur. Thieves commonly target wallets, cell phones, cameras, and high-value items. Keep wallets in an inner front pocket, carry a purse securely under the arm with compartments zipped/closed, wear the shoulder strap of cameras/bags across the chest, walk away from the curb, and carry purses/bags out of reach from passing cars. The most vulnerable areas for crime include underground entrances to and within the subway system, overnight trains, train stations, the airport, open markets, and crowded tourist events. Make copies of your passport photo page and visa, as well as credit card numbers (including telephone contact information). Store these copies in your hotel or residence if the original items are stolen. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

As a general rule, lesser-developed areas in major cities have higher crime rates. Additionally, more crimes of opportunity occur during early-morning hours; individuals who frequent bars, nightclubs, and similar establishments are more likely to be involved in physical altercations after midnight. Foreigners who consume alcohol to excess are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in/around nightclubs/bars or on their way home. Some travelers report having been drugged at bars, while others have taken strangers back to their lodgings, where they were drugged, robbed, and/or assaulted. Review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Organized-crime groups and related violence have not targeted U.S. nationals or other foreigners. However, they could fall victim because of mistaken identity or by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Reports of financial-transaction fraud and identity theft are rare and not directly attributable to particular banking institutions. Instances of U.S. nationals having become victims of identity theft have occurred. The Regional Security Office encourages U.S. nationals to use ATMs inside banks when possible. Give preference to illuminated areas where attaching skimming devices is more difficult. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Cybersecurity Issues

The cybercrime threat is acute and ever-present. The risk of computer infection, compromise, and theft via malware, spam e-mail, sophisticated spear phishing, and social-engineering attacks is significant. A 2016 news release from Hyatt hotels specifically mentioned its Yekaterinburg hotel as the victim of a data breach that may have affected guests who stayed there during the previous six months. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, and Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road surfaces in need of repair are a constant concern. Asphalt quality varies, and roads outside of the city may be in worse condition. Due to poor road conditions, travel times, particularly to more remote locations, can be two to three times worse than those in the United States. Motorcyclists should be extremely careful of road hazards. Defensive driving increased following distances and remaining alert to changing conditions will greatly reduce the likelihood of motor-vehicle accidents.

Impatient drivers may use paths reserved for trolleys or streetcars with an expectation to merge back into traffic. Though driving along sidewalks is not common, drivers will often park on areas of the sidewalk that may restrict pedestrian movement. Exercise great care near traffic while walking and especially when crossing streets.

Have vehicles serviced and in optimum condition before you travel. Although all-wheel or four-wheel drive is not necessary, it has great advantages during the winter. Studded tires are mandatory during the winter. Carry an extra fan belt, fuses, and other spare parts. Some vehicles operate with right-side drive, even though Russia drives on the right side of the road; this can limit visibility.

When driving yourself, adhere to all local driving regulations, which authorities enforce strictly. Violators are subject to severe legal penalties, as well as to extortion of bribes by corrupt traffic police. Photo enforcement of traffic laws is common. Use increased caution when driving at night and in poorly illuminated areas outside of the larger cities.

Russia enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol; there are strict penalties for violations that exceed the allowable blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.03. Police conduct random traffic stops and can compel drivers to submit to a sobriety test. A driver’s refusal to submit to the test equates to an admission of having consumed alcohol. The maximum punishment for drinking and driving is a two-year suspension of a driver’s license. Authorities may detain an intoxicated driver until they are sober.

Russian law requires that vehicles involved in an accident not move until police arrive. Moving a vehicle will result in that driver assuming full responsibility for damages. The only exception is a situation in which vehicles block traffic; in this case, the parties involved must take photographs from different angles and move the vehicles to a nearby location that does not block traffic.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

To mitigate highway crime, avoid driving at night or alone. Do not sleep in your vehicle on the side of the road. Do not pick up hitchhikers, as they may pose a threat to your physical safety and put you in danger of arrest for unwittingly transporting narcotics.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and generally observe this requirement. It is dangerous to cross where there is not a crosswalk present.

Staged vehicle accidents are a problem in Russia. Perpetrators usually attempt to extort money through intimidation. There have been cases in which accomplices have arrived at the scene posing as officials. A true State Inspection for Traffic Safety (GIBDD) inspector wears a black uniform (never camouflage) and a silver-red badge. Traffic police assigned to foot duty carry black and white batons. Legitimate police should always provide their name and rank. A real traffic inspector should never show up alone or without a police car.

Public Transportation Conditions

Yekaterinburg’s public transportation system consists of a subway (Metro), bus, trolley, tram, and streetcar lines. Taxis are common, although best practice is to arrange services in advance by calling a dispatch service or using a mobile application (e.g. Uber, Gett, Yandex.). Taxi services from reputable hotels have also proven safe and reliable. The Consulate discourages the use of unmarked taxis (sometimes referred to as “gypsy cabs”), as passengers can become victims of robbery, kidnapping, extortion, or theft. The criminals using these taxis to rob passengers often wait outside bars or restaurants to find passengers who have been drinking and are therefore more susceptible to robbery or fare dispute scams. Robberies may also occur in taxis shared with strangers. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Russia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Russia’s air carrier operations. Several Russian carriers have participated in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program, an industry- sponsored safety audit program.

Airport security procedures in Yekaterinburg involve pre-inspection/screening of passengers and luggage near the main entrance and a secondary detailed inspection after passport control. Authorities have evacuated Koltsovo International Airport (SVX), restricting access for up to two hours due to telephonic bomb threats, subsequently determined to have been hoaxes.

Other Travel Conditions

Rapid weather changes and associated road hazards are quite common in the Ural region. From October through April, rapid accumulations of snow/ice may develop before authorities can clean road surfaces. As a result, visibility diminishes, and roads become narrower due to snow removal challenges. Pedestrians should be cautious while walking on the icy streets, and be mindful that snow and ice commonly slide off the tops of buildings.

There are several closed cities and regions in Russia. One of the larger closed areas is north of Yekaterinburg, near the city of Serov in Sverdlovsk Oblast. Those attempting to enter closed areas without prior authorization may be subject to arrest, fines, and/or deportation. You must list on the visa application all areas you will visit, and subsequently register with authorities upon arrival at each destination. There is no centralized list or database of the restricted areas; check with your sponsor, hotel, or the nearest office of the Russian Federal Migration Service before traveling to unfamiliar cities and towns.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Yekaterinburg as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. No area of the city is immune from the threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups, transnational and local terrorist organizations, and lone actors inspired by extremist ideology and messaging continue plotting possible attacks in Russia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

In January 2020, a local blogger posted an article inciting violence against the U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg, in response to a U.S. military strike in Iraq. The blogger violated a Russian criminal code by calling for terrorist activities, and is currently under investigation by Russian authorities.

In September 2019, the Sverdlovsk Region Education Minister confirmed that security forces arrested two 16-year old students for planning a Columbine-style attack on a local school. The students revealed their plan through their social media networks dedicated to the Columbine shooting. The investigation revealed no link to terrorist groups or organizations. The Minister appealed to school leadership, teachers, and parents to communicate more often with children in need of support and understanding.

Over the past few years, Yekaterinburg has experienced wide-spread bomb threats throughout the city. On one occasion, more than 150 buildings evacuated in a single day because of telephonic bomb threats. Authorities discounted each threat as a hoax, following police sweeps. The bomb threats did not target U.S. or foreign establishments.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Yekaterinburg as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

Russian law provides for freedom of assembly, but local authorities are placing increased restrictions on this right. The law requires that organizers of public meetings, demonstrations, or marches by more than one person formally notify the government of their intent to assemble. Failure to obtain official permission to hold a protest frequently results in the dispersal of such protests. While numerous public demonstrations do take place, local officials selectively deny permission to assemble or offer alternate venues that are inconveniently or remotely located. Visitors should avoid public demonstrations. Authorities have arrested U.S. nationals who have participated in or been in the vicinity of demonstrations. Review the Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 for additional information on this issue. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

In May 2019, approximately 2,000 people gathered near Yekaterinburg’s Sverdlovsk Academic Drama Theater for a three-day rally to protest the building of a church on a park square. The protest was not anti- religion in nature, but focused on the process used to decide the proposed site.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Since the 2017 Supreme Court ruling that the religion is “extremist,” Jehovah’s Witnesses have reported beatings and arson attacks on their homes. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, adherents have increasingly faced harassment at their workplaces and, in some cases, dismissal or forced resignation when their coworkers became aware of their religious beliefs. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Tensions between the Russian Federation and the United States have increased as a result of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, sanctions and counter-sanctions between the two countries, and Russia’s human- rights abuses and poor performance in fighting trafficking in persons. U.S. government accusations of Russian-led hacking during the 2016 U.S. presidential election have also received wide coverage in Russia. As a result of these events and pervasive anti-U.S. propaganda on Russian state media, anti-U.S. and anti- Western sentiment has grown throughout Russia.

Small anti-U.S. demonstrations in front of Yekaterinburg’s Consulate occurred periodically throughout 2019. All protests were non-violent, monitored by police, and concluded peacefully. Extreme nationalist and anti-Western groups also periodically demonstrate in Yekaterinburg’s center. The most common venue for such gatherings is the corner of Lenina Street and Pushkina Street. Some of these demonstrations caused temporary street closures.

Members of the ultra-nationalist groups “National Liberation Movement (NOD)” and “Patriots” periodically demonstrate outside of the U.S. Consulate General. Given current bilateral relations and varying propaganda from various media, U.S. nationals should be mindful of nationalist extremists who may act on their own accord to inflict harm.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

The Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Station is located less than 60km east of Yekaterinburg, and the Mayak nuclear weapons production plant is located 150km southeast of Yekaterinburg. These local nuclear facilities pose unique and grave concerns. In 1957, a poorly maintained storage tank at Mayak’s Kyshtum site exploded, releasing nearly 100 tons of high-level radioactive waste that contaminated more than 750 km2 (290 mi2). The subsequent radioactive cloud resulted in large-scale sickness and death from radiation poisoning, despite evacuation efforts. The Kyshtym disaster ranks third, behind Ukraine’s Chornobyl and Japan’s Fukushima, in severity of nuclear accidents. Today, Mayak is a reprocessing site for spent nuclear fuel.

In September 2018, Russia's meteorological service confirmed extremely high concentrations of the radioactive isotope Ruthenium-106 (Ru-106), in several parts of the country, including at monitoring stations in Argayash and Novogorny. The highest concentration was in Argayash, a village in the Chelyabinsk region in the southern Urals, whose Ru-106 levels exceeded natural background pollution by 986 times. The isotope detectable in Tatarstan, and then in southern Russia, eventually reaching all European countries within a few days. Although the data did not point to any specific source of the pollution, the Argayash station is about 30 km from the Mayak nuclear facility. Ru-106 is a product of splitting atoms in a reactor, and is also used in certain medical treatments. It does not occur naturally. According to U.S. Embassy Moscow subject-matter experts, exposure risk during that period was minimum, due to the length of exposure and reported concentration levels, though it is still unclear how soon the population could or would receive notification in the event of a major nuclear catastrophe.

Russia suffers from extensive land and groundwater pollution due to the lax environmental protections during the Soviet era.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Russia continues to experience industrial accidents directly associated with inadequate enforcement of safety and health standards in the workplace. Aging infrastructure and rampant corruption in regulatory bodies have contributed to several well-publicized disasters. Authorities normally enforce fines and facility closures only after an accident has occurred.

Economic Concerns/Intellectual Property Theft

U.S. businesses are susceptible to economic and industrial espionage. Information theft, especially from insufficiently protected computer networks, is common. Businesses should employ a wide array of techniques to counter corporate espionage, such as video monitoring devices, alarm systems, and computer network protection programs.

Certain activities that would be normal business practices in the United States either violate the Russian legal code or are suspicious to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). There are risks involved in any commercial activity with the Russian military-industrial complex, including research institutes, design bureaus, production facilities, or other high-technology, government-related institutions. Any misunderstanding or dispute in such transactions can attract the involvement of the security services and lead to investigation or prosecution for espionage. Rules governing the treatment of information remain poorly defined.

The United States imposes sanctions on Russian persons (i.e. individuals, entities, vessels) in response to malign Russian conduct, including its illegal annexation of Crimea, invasion of eastern Ukraine, election interference, malicious cyber-enabled activities, human rights abuses, use of a chemical weapon, weapons proliferation, illicit trade with North Korea, and support to Syria. While U.S. organizations and individuals can lawfully engage in a broad range of business activities involving Russia that are not subject to sanction, penalties for violating U.S. sanctions can be severe. Therefore, U.S. organizations should familiarize themselves with potentially applicable sanctions and to conduct thorough due diligence to ascertain whether a particular type of business activity or particular customers, clients, suppliers or partners may be subject to sanctions. More information on the U.S. sanctions program is available at the U.S. Treasury website. U.S. investors can also use the “Consolidated Screening List” search tool on the U.S. International Trade Administration’s website to check sanctions and control lists from the Departments of Treasury, State, and Commerce as a part of comprehensive due diligence in the Russian market.

The Russian Federation continued to implement regulatory reforms in 2018, allowing Russia to climb four notches to 31st place out of 190 economies in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 Report. However, fundamental structural problems in its governance of the economy, in addition to Western sanctions, continue to stifle foreign direct investment throughout Russia. Russia’s judicial system remains heavily biased in favor of the state, leaving investors with little recourse in legal disputes with the government. Despite ongoing anticorruption efforts, high levels of corruption among government officials compound this risk. In February 2019, authorities jailed a prominent U.S. investor over a commercial dispute. Moreover, Russia’s import substitution program gives local producers advantages over foreign competitors that do not meet localization requirements. Russia’s malign activities have also resulted in European Union and U.S. sanctions, restricting business activities and increasing costs.

Further information is available in the Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Investment Climate Statements for 2019 and the U.S. Commercial Service’s Country Commercial Guide.

Privacy Concerns

When traveling in Russia, maintain no expectation of privacy. Assume the Russian government monitors all communications. Telephone and electronic communications are subject to surveillance, which can potentially compromise sensitive information. The Russian System for Operational-Investigative Activities (SORM) permits authorities to monitor and record all data lawfully that traverses Russia’s networks. Review OSAC’s Russian SORM Factsheet.

When patronizing local services for banking, security, and medical treatment, ensure that the providers are reputable. Be cautious in the amount of information that you make available to these institutions. It is not uncommon for employees of some organizations to pass sensitive personal medical, financial, and banking information to criminal elements.

Personal Identity Concerns

Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia; acts of violence and harassment targeting the LGBTI+ community occur regularly. Russian law bans providing “the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” to minors. The law is vague as to what Russia considers propaganda, but foreign citizens can face fines, up to 15 days in jail, and deportation if authorities deem that their actions violate the law. Violence against the LGBTI+ community has increased sharply since the passage of the law banning propaganda, including entrapment and torture of young gay men by neo-Nazi gangs. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Getting around in Russia is often difficult for persons with mobility issues. In general, public transportation is not accommodating to people with disabilities. Mobility is usually easier in major cities. Sidewalks are narrow and uneven. Crossing streets in large cities can be difficult, since it usually requires the use of a pedestrian underpass, which includes stairs, steep ramps, and no elevators. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crimes

Drug-related crimes are increasing. Russia is both a transit and consumer country for various drugs. The most popular drugs used in this area are marijuana, heroin, and “spice” (a type of synthetic cannabis, also known as “bath salts”).

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnappings occur infrequently and generally involve organized crime. Motives range from ransom to political issues. There is no information to suggest kidnappers are specifically targeting U.S. nationals. As ISIS continues to expand its global presence, remain cognizant of the threats and vulnerabilities associated with kidnappings and abductions. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

You must have advance approval to bring in satellite telephones. Global Positioning System (GPS) and other radio electronic devices, and their use, are subject to special rules and regulations in Russia. Contact the Russian Customs Service for required permissions. Review OSAC’s report, Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Rigorous searches of baggage and strict enforcement of customs regulations against the exportation of items of “cultural value” can occur. Authorities have arrested U.S. visitors for attempting to leave with antique items they believed they had purchased legally from licensed vendors. Any article that could appear old or as having cultural value, including artwork, icons, samovars, rugs, military medals, and antiques, must have a certificate indicating that it has no historical or cultural value. Authorities may not grant certificates for certain articles, either due to their cultural value or antiquity. Obtain and retain receipts for all high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia. Obtain export certificates from the Culture Ministry. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

The emergency lines in Russia are 102 from a landline or 020 or 112 from a mobile phone. As of the end of 2015, 112 was not active in all regions of Russia, although it is in effect in Yekaterinburg. Although the emergency call system (especially outside of large cities) may not have English-language capabilities, the unified emergency-call system is expanding the use of the European standard and will have greater foreign-language capacity. You can also traffic police at 002.

The quality of assistance from local law enforcement varies. The Consulate has received reports from U.S. nationals that some police officers were polite and professional, while others were unprofessional or unwilling to deal with incidents of crime. In some cases, local law-enforcement officers failed to act even when they witnessed crimes in progress. The Internal Affairs Ministry (MVD) has enacted reforms to professionalize the law-enforcement service. As a result of the preparation and training for the FIFA World Cup, the police exhibited a high level of flexibility and tolerance towards foreigners.

Police do not need to show probable cause in order to stop, question, or detain individuals.

There have been public campaigns initiated to punish endemic bribery and corruption among the police services. However, random document checks and other official actions still provide opportunity for “on- the-spot” payment of fines. Foreigners are commonly victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials. If stopped, politely obtain the officer’s name, badge number, patrol car number, and note where the stop happened, as this information assists local officials in identifying the perpetrators. Authorities are concerned about these incidents, and have cooperated in investigations. The Consulate recommends against the payment of bribes in any circumstance. If you find yourself in a situation where an officer solicits a bribe, immediately inform the police that you wish to contact your Consulate.

Report all crimes immediately to the police and to the American Citizen Services section of the Consulate. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Police/Security Agencies

The Internal Affairs Ministry (MVD) is the central law-enforcement body. State Inspection for Traffic Security (GIBDD) is the MVD entity responsible for the regulation of traffic and investigating traffic accidents.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) is the main domestic security agency. The FSB combines functions and powers like those exercised by the U.S. FBI, CIA, and the Department of Homeland Security.

Medical Emergencies

The emergency number for an ambulance (“Skoraya Pomosh”) is 03 from a landline or 103 from a cell phone. Private medical care in major metropolitan cities and tourism centers in Russia is often equal to Western standards. Medical care in most Yekaterinburg facilities often involves shortages of medical supplies, differing practice standards, and the lack of comprehensive primary care. Most facilities require cash or credit-card payment at the time of service. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk. Medical care is generally below Western standards in non- metropolitan areas. Those traveling to more remote areas should consider bringing more extensive medical supplies, to include a supply of sterile, disposable syringes, and corresponding IV supplies. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on Consulate General Yekaterinburg’s Medical Assistance page

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

Approximately one million Russians are living with HIV, and there are 100,000 new infections each year, according to UNAIDS. The Yekaterinburg Health Department reported in 2016 that the city was experiencing an HIV epidemic; approximately 2% of the city’s adults is HIV-positive. The Sverdlovsk Oblast has the highest rate of HIV infections of Russia’s regions, with 1.8% of adults HIV-positive. The spread of HIV, and subsequently AIDS, has links to the use of illegal narcotics. While the growth in HIV infections is not new to the region, the mode of transmission is changing from drug-use-associated needle sharing to heterosexual intercourse. As a result, incidence of HIV infection among women of childbearing age is on the rise, as is mother-to-child transmission. Changes in the types of drugs used, from heroin to synthetic cannabinoids and cathinone exacerbate the problem as drug rehabilitation efforts in the region are limited to detoxification alone, while authorities wage an all-out war on drugs, drug traffickers, and users.

Carry a copy of valid U.S. prescriptions, including a notarized translation into Russian of each prescription, when entering Russia with prescription medications. Prescription medication should be in its original packaging. Certain classes of over-the-counter cold medicines, such as those containing pseudoephedrine, are illegal in Russia. Do not bring cold medication with you to Russia. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

From time to time, reports of measles outbreaks occur.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Russia.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

The OSAC Country Council in Yekaterinburg was established in 2018 and continues to develop. Contact OSAC’s Europe team for more information or to join.

U.S. Consulate Contact Information

Ulitsa Gogolya 15A, Yekaterinburg 620151

Hours of Operation: 0830 – 1730, Monday – Friday, except on U.S. and Russian holidays.

Tel: +7 (343) 379-3001 (after-hours: +7 (917) 569-3549)

Website: https://ru.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/yekaterinburg/

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts in Russia

U.S. Embassy Moscow, Bolshoy Deviatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, Moscow 121099. +7-495-728-5000. U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok, 32 Pushkinskaya Street Vladivostok, 690001. +7 (4232) 30-00-70. Emergencies: +7 (914) 791-00-67, +7 (495) 728-5000.

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)