Demonstrations in Russia (February 22, 2012)

In light of reports of upcoming planned demonstrations, we ask all Americans to review the message sent by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Russia in December 2011, which states:

A number of large-scale demonstrations are planned in Russian cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg… While these events are not expected to be violent, U.S. citizens should be aware of the possibility for counter-demonstrations and spontaneous protests, as well as a larger-than-usual police presence to monitor all activities.

Please note the following guidance from the U.S. Department of State’s Country-Specific Information Sheet for the Russian Federation: “U.S. citizens should 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.”

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The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow assists American citizens in Russia. We can help you with passport issuance and renewal, voter assistance, notarials, and registering a child born abroad. We also provide emergency services for American citizens in case of a disaster or in case of illness, arrest, death or destitution while in Russia. Appointments are required for all non-emergency services; you can make an appointment by calling the ACS Unit at 7 (495) 728-5577, or you may click here to schedule an appointment online. To contact us with questions, please write to moscowwarden@state.gov.

The Embassy offers information about travel to Russia on our website, and we also encourage you to read the Country-Specific Information Sheet for the Russian Federation provided by the Department of State. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).