Urgent travel warning: Dangers for Germans in Russia are increasing!

Urgent travel warning: Dangers for Germans in Russia are increasing!

The German Foreign Office has issued a strong warning for travel to Russia. The background to this recommendation is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the increasing arrests of foreigners in Russia. Of particular concern are the Belgorod and Kursk regions bordering Ukraine, where German nationals face a high risk of arbitrary arrest. In this context, it should be noted that freedom of the press and freedom of expression in Russia have been severely restricted since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict.

The Foreign Office's travel advice for the Russian Federation is clear: The new censorship laws mean that arrests and convictions based on fabricated allegations are the order of the day. Furthermore, German travelers are not safe from penalties, even if they comply with all applicable rules. Personal records could be used for surveillance, increasing the risk of being targeted by authorities.

Security situation and recommendations

In addition to the general warning, the Federal Foreign Office urges travelers to exercise caution, particularly regarding political statements on social media. This not only affects German citizens, but also German-Russian dual nationals. The latter are viewed by Russia as exclusively Russian, which may result in them being drafted into the army.

The current security situation is described as extremely tense, with a need to avoid political statements and crowds. Travelers are advised to always have their identification documents handy and to contact local security forces in crisis situations. Entry in the crisis preparedness list is also strongly recommended, as is reference to the travel advice on the website Foreign Office.

Logistical challenges and risks

Another point that should be noted is logistical challenges in Russia. German credit cards are not accepted, so cash in rubles is essential. The entry requirements are also complicated, as most direct flight connections between Russia and the EU have been suspended and German travelers have to enter via countries such as Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.

Travelers staying in the country also face the risk of drone attacks in Moscow and other cities. Airports could be closed for several hours, which could lead to significant delays. There is also a warning against petty crime, especially in tourist centers, as well as when using taxis and during crowds.

In view of the geopolitical instability and the unclear legal framework in Russia, the appeal to the population remains urgent: travel to the Russian Federation must be severely restricted and all security precautions must be taken into account.