English
TRAVEL ADVISORY: RUSSIA
London
Timur Baiguzhinov, regional security expert based in Russia at International SOS and Control Risks comments, “With the current global tensions around Russia, business travellers planning to visit the region need to be aware of the potential impacts and plan accordingly.”
“Visa application processing times will take longer from some countries and consular services may become more restricted. For instance, the Russian Consulate in London has already announced the increase of regular visa processing time to 20 business days. While there could potentially be restrictions on visiting dignitaries to Russia, general business travel can continue with standard security precautions.”
“We also recommend that travellers refrain from political postings on social media as well as racial, ethnic and religious views which may be deemed unacceptable and could result in fines or other penalties from government agencies.”
“As tensions are ongoing, we urge travellers to ensure they check arrangements well in advance of travel and continue to monitor any further restrictions or developments that may arise prior to travel to the region.”
- The travel risk rating for the majority of Russia, including Moscow, is MEDIUM. Normal travel can continue with standard security precautions. Due to ongoing insurgency, the travel risk rating for North Caucasus republics, including Karachaevo-Cherkessia, is HIGH.
- Foreign nationals should maintain a low profile while in Russia.
- Business travellers should refrain from discussing political topics and remove any sensitive content on social media feeds.
- Foreign nationals planning travel for the 2018 FIFA World Cup should continue to monitor the situation closely, as well as announcements by their regional authorities regarding the event.
- Monitor our Russia alerts for more up-to-date information.
For the latest information and advice, members are advised to register for email alerts and review the travel security updates on Travel Security Online and through the International SOS Membership Portal.
We also advise clients and members to download the International SOS Assistance App, here.
For additional information and advice, members are advised to call their local International SOS Assistance Centre.
Notes to Editors
About International SOS and Control Risks
Our alliance brings together two of the world’s leading medical and security specialists, International SOS and Control Risks. Our combined resources and expertise are well placed to meet the customers’ growing need for integrated travel security risk services. Our solutions ensure that mobile employees are safe and productive and help employers with their duty of care obligations. 50 dedicated experts, located across the globe with access to over 200 dedicated travel security experts through 26 regional Assistance Centres and a partner network of over 700 accredited providers, produce global travel security information and analysis 24/7. We also provide travel security training, preventative travel assessment, support with the development of travel security risk policies, evacuation plans and the latest technology to enable clients to track and communicate with their mobile employees.
