Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated warnings for travellers visiting Russia during the fifa World Cup Soccer tournament. The update which was posted on 15 June is still in effect as of today (Sunday 17 June), according to their official website. The USA has also issued updates through their US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.

The Foreign Office mentions there are some dangerous areas in Russia, so FIFA World Cup visitors should take these into consideration when travelling in the country.

Warnings against visiting certain places completely

Certain areas are being advised against all/any travel at all. These include:

  • "Within 10km of the border with the Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk Oblasts," and
  • "Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan and the districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kursky in Stavropol Krai."

Travel warnings for essential visits only

There are some areas where the FCO warns against anything but essential travel in Russia during the World Cup. These places include:

  • "Within 10km of the border with the Ukrainian Kharkiv Oblast," and
  • "North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area)."

Terror warning and calls to be vigilant during FIFA

The FCO site explains that there is still some tension between Russia and the UK over the spy poisoning case.

This means that people must remain vigilant and on the lookout. They strongly advise their citizens not to get involved in any local protests and to avoid engaging in political discussions or debates.

The UK is not suggesting that there are "increased difficulties for British people travelling in Russia at this time," but they do note that travellers should keep themselves informed on any political news.

Regarding the terror warning, the site does mention the possibility, especially in any public places such as the football stadiums. The main travel warning page for Russia does say that terror attacks are "likely." Their expanded Terrorism page notes that in the North Caucasus, there are Islamist and rebel groups.

There is also a threat to other major cities and towns in Russia that have experienced terror attacks in the past.

These include cities like St Petersburg and Moscow. The last terror attack in St Petersburg was in April last year. "A suicide attack on the St Petersburg metro resulted in 15 deaths and many injuries."

Crime warnings for FIFA World Cup visitors

There is a section on the FCO Website where travellers can find out more about what to expect in Russia during the World Cup. But they advise that travellers should also be aware of street crime such as pickpocketing and mugging. It is also essential to keep passports safe and avoid carrying or displaying any flashy items.

The USA travel alert was more about crime than terror, but Reuters did note that their travel warning has now included possible threats of terror to FIFA stadiums.
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