Foreign Office issues no travel warning amid 'risks and threats'

The Foreign Office has urged Brits against “all travel” to a specific country amid “risks and threats”. People are warned not to go to any part of Russia due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

In an update made to its website on May 5 and re-confirmed on May 14, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it “advises against all travel to Russia”.

It said: “FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine.” These include:

• Security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity
• Lack of flights to return to the UK
• Limited ability for the UK government to provide support

The FCDO added: “There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia.

“Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDO’s ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited.

“There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities.”

On its safety and security page it noted that terrorist attacks have taken place in Moscow and St Petersburg and other Russian cities in recent years.

This includes an attack at Crocus City Concert Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow in 2024 in which 145 people were killed.

While the British Embassy in Moscow and British Consulate in Ekaterinburg are open, the FCDO warned that the situation “could change at short notice”.

“In-person UK government support in Russia is limited,” it said. “It is very limited in parts of Russia because of the security situation and the size of the country, particularly in the North Caucasus.”

If you are in Russia and need support, you can call the FCDO’s 24-hour helpline +7 495 956 7200 and select the option for consular services for British nationals. Or you can contact the Russian emergency services on 112.

It is also important to note that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO. For more information, visit the FCDO website here.