Health & Safety Handout for Education Abroad Programs
Program Name:
Russia: Past and Present
Countries/Cities to be visited during program (overnight stays):
Moscow, Russian Federation
The EAO encourages students to take responsibility for their own safety and security by carefully
reading the information, advice, and resources provided, including the following websites:
CDC Website (Health Information for Travelers):
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/russia
State Department Website (International Travel Information):
Russian Federation: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/russia.html
Students Abroad: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/smarttravel.php
Traveling with Disabilities: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/disabilities.html
LGBT Travel Information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/lgbt.html
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some additional
vaccines may also be required for travel. Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your
yearly flu shot. The CDC may also recommend additional vaccines or medications depending on where
and when you are traveling. Please consult with your doctor/medical professional if you have
questions or concerns regarding which vaccines/medicines are right for you.
Country Specific Vaccinations/Medications:
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some
vaccines may also be required for travel. The CDC also recommends that most travelers get
vaccinated for Hepatitis A. Some travelers may elect to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, Japanese
Encephalitis, or Rabies depending upon what they will be doing in addition to planned program
activities.
For more information visit: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/russia
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Prescription Medication: Russia also has very strict rules on the importation of medication.
Russia prohibits certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs common in the United States.
Large quantities of any medicine will receive scrutiny.
The Embassy recommends all U.S. citizens carry a copy of their valid U.S. prescription(s) when
entering Russia with prescription medication(s). Russian authorities have arrested and detained
U.S. citizens in Russia because they were not able to prove they lawfully obtained their
prescription medication in the United States.
Should you have allergies to specific ingredients in cold medicines, over the counter pain
medications or other common medications please bring medicines for common illnesses with
you. Do not expect that the director and host institution will be able to locate exact replacements
for common or medications. Students travelling in a foreign country should report illnesses and
medications to the Education Abroad office on the appropriate forms. Students will need to
cooperate with local health authorities in the case of serious illness or risk of a medical
emergency.
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Familiarize yourself with attitudes, local laws, and customs of the countries to which you are
traveling.
Remember that no matter how safe you feel there is crime everywhere. Pick-pocketing and theft of
a purse or bag is most common. Use common sense; stay aware of your surroundings.
To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or expensive jewelry and do not
carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
Avoid traveling alone or at night. Always tell someone your travels plans including your
destination, hotel, dates of travel, and method of travel.
Avoid protest groups or other potentially volatile situations.
City/region specific safety information:
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens in Russia to avoid all public demonstrations,
whether properly authorized by local officials or not, and avoid any large crowds and public
gatherings that lack enhanced security measures. U.S. diplomatic facilities in Russia have been
the target of frequent demonstrations. Demonstrations related to the conflict may appear
anywhere throughout Russia, at any time. These demonstrations may increase the possibility of
confrontation and violence. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your
surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a
high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Russia enroll in the
Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at
https://step.state.gov/step. STEP enrollment allows you to receive the Department’s safety and
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security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate to contact
you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website at http://travel.state.gov, where you can find
current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution, and read the Country
Specific Information for the Russian Federation. For additional information, refer to the
"Traveler's Checklist" on the State Department's website. Current information on safety and
security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States
and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
LGBT RIGHTS: Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia.
Harassment, threats, and acts of violence targeting LGBT individuals have occurred. Government
officials have been known to make derogatory comments about LGBT persons.
In June 2013, the State Duma passed a law banning "the propaganda of nontraditional sexual
relations" to minors. Russian citizens found guilty of violating the law could face a fine of up to
100,000 rubles ($3,100). Foreign citizens face similar fines, up to 15 days in jail, and deportation.
The law is vague as to what Russia considers propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations. As a
result, commentators have suggested the law makes it a crime to promote LGBT equality in
public. Violence against the LGBT community has increased sharply since the law was passed,
including entrapment and torture of young gay men by neo-Nazi gangs and the murder of
multiple individuals due to their sexual orientation. Many view this legislation as encouraging
such violence, with the majority of attacks against members of the LGBT community going
unreported.
LGBT travelers may wish to review the LGBT Travel Information page.
Country specific advice/tips for local travel:
While travelling on the subway or on busses, always be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets
are common in the most crowded tourist areas as well as malls in the center of the city, souvenir
markets and the subway. Keep personal items under close watch. Travel only in official taxis.
Remember that the subway closes at 1 am and busses from the last station are not available after
11:30 pm.
Always use underground walkways and cross the street only in crosswalks. When pedestrian
signals are available always follow them. Do not cross except at intersections following all traffic
signals.
Bicycles are more and more common in Russia, however it is advisable to ride only on closed
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streets or in parks in designated bike lanes. Women should be advised to take special care if they
plan to jog in nearby parks. It is advisable to locate a running companion or run on a track open
to the public
Because of high levels of pollution in the water students are advised to buy drinking water.
Review the Travel advisories from the US State Department regularly. Relevant sections on
Safety are:
Terrorism: Acts of terrorism, including bombings and hostage takings, continue to occur in
Russia, particularly in the North Caucasus region. However, in the past several years, Moscow
and St. Petersburg have also been the targets of terrorist attacks. Additionally, between October
15 – December 30, 2013 there were three suicide bombings targeting public transportation in the
city of Volgograd, two of which occurred during the same 24-hour period. Other bombings have
occurred at Russian government buildings, airports, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment
venues, schools, and residential complexes, and on public transportation including subways,
buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights. Extremist groups occasionally threaten to set off
bombs in market areas of major cities operated largely by migrant workers. Large-scale public
events also present an attractive target for terrorists. There is no indication that U.S. institutions
or citizens have been targets, but there is a general risk of U.S. citizens becoming victims of
indiscriminate terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens in Russia should be aware of their personal
surroundings and follow good security practices. U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant and
exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation. When
traveling, U.S. citizens may wish to provide a friend, family member, or coworker a copy of their
itinerary.
In the event the U.S. government receives information of any specific and credible threat, the
Embassy will immediately provide information to the public through a Security Message to U.S.
citizens.
Demonstrations: U.S. citizens should avoid public demonstrations, whether properly authorized
or not, and avoid any large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures.
Occasional peaceful demonstrations taking place near or in front of the U.S. Embassy or
Consulates General do not generally interfere with public services, but U.S. citizens should avoid
them when possible. Travelers should also exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert
when patronizing restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, bars, theaters, etc., especially during peak
hours of business. Ongoing regional tension associated with events in Ukraine could provoke
anti-American actions in an unpredictable location or manner.
CRIME: Incidents of unprovoked, violent harassment against racial and ethnic minorities
regularly occur throughout the Russian Federation. The U.S. Embassy Moscow and Consulates
General continue to receive reports of U.S. citizens victimized in violent attacks by "skinheads"
or other extremists. Travelers should exercise caution in areas frequented by such individuals and
wherever large crowds have gathered. U.S. citizens most at risk are those of African, South
Asian, or East Asian descent, or those who, because of their complexion, are perceived to be from
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the Caucasus region or the Middle East. These U.S. citizens are also at risk for harassment by
police authorities.
While visiting Russia, be alert to your surroundings. In large cities, take the same precautions
against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large U.S. city: keep wallets in
inner front pockets, carry purses tucked securely under arms, wear the shoulder strap of cameras
or bags across the chest, walk away from the curb, and carry purses and other bags away from the
street. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways, the subway, overnight trains,
train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, and restaurants. Foreigner travelers who have
been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or
bars, or on their way home. Criminals have drugged some travelers at bars, while others have
taken strangers back to their lodgings, where they drugged, robbed, and/or assaulted them.
Crimes Involving Public Transportation/Highway Crime: Travelers should be vigilant in bus
and train stations and when taking other public transportation. Bogus trolley inspectors, whose
aim is to extort a bribe from individuals while checking for trolley tickets, are also a threat.
Travelers have generally found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies.
We discourage the use of unmarked taxis, as passengers have been victims of robbery,
kidnapping, extortion, and theft. Criminals use these unmarked taxis to rob passengers, and often
wait outside bars or restaurants to find travelers who have been drinking and are more susceptible
to robbery. Robberies may also occur in taxis shared with strangers. Although there are few
registered taxi services in Russia, you should always use authorized services when arriving at a
major airport.
To avoid highway crime, try not to drive at night, especially when alone, and do not sleep in your
vehicle on the side of the road. Do not pick up hitchhikers; they pose a threat to your physical
safety and put you in danger of arrest for unwittingly transporting narcotics.
Personal Privacy: Travelers should be aware that in 1995, the Russian Federal Law on
Operational Search Activity passed, in conjunction with Order No. 130 by the Minister of
Information Technology and Communications (July 25, 2000), the "System for Operative
Investigative Activities." Commonly known as "SORM," this law permits the monitoring,
retention and analysis of all data that traverses Russian communications networks, including fax
transmissions, telephone calls, internet browsing, and e-mail messaging. U.S. citizens should be
cognizant of this law when using any of these means of communication.
Harassment: It is not uncommon for foreigners in general to become victims of harassment,
mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials. Police do not need to show
probable cause in order to stop, question, or detain individuals. If stopped, obtain the officer's
name, badge number, and 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 investigating such cases. U.S. citizens should always
report harassment or crimes to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow or the nearest U.S. Consulate
General.
For further information visit: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/russia.html
Emergency Information:
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There is a student clinic on the campus at the Grint Centre. Students needing medical attention
should contact the director who will have an English speaking faculty or staff member
accompany the student to the student clinic and to a specialist if required. Nearby facilities
include a clinic and doctor's office.
Alexander Ruchkin, Director, Grint Center 499-374-7430; 499-374-6951
The American Medical Center with English speaking doctors is at:
26/6 Mira Prospekt (495) 933-7700.
US Embassy Moscow Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
(Consular Section located at
Novinskiy Bulvar 21)
Moscow 121099, Russian Federation Telephone +(7) (495) 728-5000 or
+(7) (495) 728-5577; Emergency After-Hours Telephone +(7) (495) 728-5000
Nearest Police Station, 3-я Владимирская ул., 3А, Moscow, город Москва, Russia, 111123
Dial 102 Phone number: (495) 200 9305
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