Is Moscow safe for American tourists?

Russia - Level 4: Do Not Travel. Updated to remove COVID-specific information and the kidnapping risk indicator as well as updates to security risks.



As of early 2026, the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4: "Do Not Travel" advisory for Russia, including Moscow. While the city itself remains functional and generally free of common street crime, the "safety" risk for Americans is primarily political and legal. The U.S. government warns that U.S. citizens may be singled out and detained by Russian security officials without due process, and the ability of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to provide consular assistance is extremely limited due to diplomatic staffing restrictions. There is also the risk of "arbitrary enforcement of local laws" and the potential for civil unrest or drone-related security incidents related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While some individual travelers still visit and report a "normal" city atmosphere, the official peer-to-peer advice is that the risk of wrongful detention or being caught in unpredictable geopolitical escalations makes Moscow an unsafe destination for Americans. If you choose to go, you are effectively traveling at your own risk with no guaranteed government protection or evacuation support.

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