Russia Travel Warning
Issued by Warden Message
Mar 29, 2010
This message regards the Moscow Metro Bombings that took place this morning, March 29, 2010.
Police confirm that at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time, explosions occurred within the Moscow Metro system. The first explosion occurred at Lubyanka Station, followed by another at Park Kultury Station. Embassy Moscow continues to seek information on any American citizens involved in the bombings; please contact us at (495) 728-5577 if you have information. American citizens are encouraged to stay tuned to local media outlets for further details regarding the bombings.
The U.S. Embassy asks Americans to exercise caution in light of today’s tragic events within the Moscow Metro system. While these events do not have an anti–American origin, the perpetrators obviously sought mass-murder, widespread panic and disruption of Moscow city transport. The Embassy has not received information pertaining to any additional threats; the investigation by Russian authorities is ongoing.
The Embassy understands that Moscow’s Metro system will return to full operations before the end of the day today (Monday), including the Lyubanka and Park Kultury stations. Americans are advised to pay careful attention to the announcements of Russian authorities; continuing difficulties in movement, either by Metro or on surface streets, should be expected as the investigation continues. Information on Metro can be found online (www.metro.ru) and traffic information for Moscow (http://maps.yandex.ru/ - Search for Moscow, Russia - Then click on the "??????" (Traffic) button.)
In the past, similar attacks have elicited a very strong reaction from Russian authorities, and may be followed by a marked increase in armed police foot patrols. The intent of these is to ensure that visibly-higher levels of security have been imposed; these patrols are likely to make routine stops of foreigners and minorities. All American citizens are strongly encouraged to carry identification with them at all times.
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The American Citizen Services Unit of the Embassy of the United States in Moscow, Russia, provides a broad range of statutorily-mandated services to American citizens residing in or visiting Russia. These services include routine passport, citizenship, notarial, Federal Benefits, and voting assistance functions. Appointments are required for all services; you can make an appointment by calling the ACS Unit at 7 (495) 728-5577, or on-line at https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=MOS&appcode=1. We also provide emergency services in the event of death, arrest, destitution, and illness of individual American citizens, and in disaster situations. For more information about these services, please visit our website at http://moscow.usembassy.gov, which has information for Americans living in or visiting Russia under the topic heading “Citizen Services.”
The Department of State recommends American travelers review the Russia information sheet at http://travel.state.gov/, our comprehensive information for travelers. Please pay particular attention to the section on entry/exit requirements for the Russian Federation. Travelers may also consult the website of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), www.cdc.gov, which provides country-specific health information.
We strongly recommend that Americans who travel to or reside in Russia visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_registration.html, to register your contact information on-line with the Embassy. By doing this, you will receive any emergency information sent by the Embassy. (Please note that registering with the Embassy does not satisfy the Russian government’s requirement that all visitors register their presence in Russia through their visa sponsors within three business days of arrival.)
Please do not hesitate to contact the American Citizen Services Unit if we can be of further assistance. You can reach us via telephone 7-495-728-5577, by fax 7-495-728-5084, or by e-mail at moscowwarden@state.gov.
