Other

Enhanced questioning upon arrival in Russia from EU countries is not standard. Factors increasing the likelihood of additional screening include Ukrainian citizenship, place of birth in Ukraine, or affiliation with sanctioned entities. For regular tourists, entry usually proceeds without incident.

Travelers entering Russia from Germany report normal border procedures. Key recommendations: 1) Ensure no prohibited substances (cannabis-infused products) are in luggage. 2) Clean mobile devices of sensitive content/opinions if concerned about potential inspection, though checks are infrequent. 3) Expect restricted internet access (VPN required for many sites). 4) Travelers born in Ukraine may face longer questioning. 5) No direct correlation between origin country (Germany) and detention.

Russian citizens may face exit restrictions if they have outstanding military service obligations or have received official notifications from military enlistment offices. Such restrictions can be imposed even if no direct travel ban was initially communicated. It is crucial to comply with all military service requirements and check your travel eligibility before departure to avoid issues at the border.

Strict security screenings, including detailed mobile phone inspections, are being reported at Moscow airports (Domodedovo, Vnukovo) for incoming international flights. Authorities may access private messages and contact lists. Maintaining digital hygiene or clearing sensitive data before travel is recommended.

Theft from hotel rooms, safes, and luggage is a known issue in tourist destinations, including the Maldives. Standard hotel safes and luggage locks (including TSA locks) may not offer full security against determined thieves, as universal keys exist, and common zipper luggage can be opened with a pen. A reported incident at Lily Beach Maldives involved theft from a room, with the hotel declining responsibility and referring guests to local police, resulting in no recovery of items. It is advised to distribute valuables, avoid leaving them unattended, or carry them on your person, especially during travel. Some travelers opt for luggage with double zippers or rigid, zipper-less designs for enhanced security.

Embassies and consulates are considered sovereign territory of the represented state and possess diplomatic inviolability. This principle, enshrined in international law (e.g., Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations), means that local authorities, including emergency services (firefighters, police), cannot enter the premises without the explicit permission of the head of the diplomatic mission (e.g., the Ambassador or Consul General). This can sometimes lead to delays in emergency response, as illustrated by an incident involving smoke at the Israeli Embassy in Moscow.

In Russia, it's common to film interactions with police, often for content related to administrative disputes or corruption. In Belarus, such videos are rare. One user suggested this could be due to fewer such incidents or prohibitions on filming. Another user reported receiving a fine after filming traffic police, though the exact reason for the fine was debated. A humorous anecdote described being stopped on March 8th by traffic police solely to be congratulated, causing initial alarm but ending amicably. This contrasts with the Russian context where filming police might be used to document perceived misconduct or corruption. The difference in prevalence of such videos suggests potential disparities in law enforcement-citizen interactions or public willingness to document them.

Belarus is unlikely to extradite Russian citizens avoiding mobilization based solely on Russian domestic laws, especially since Belarus does not officially recognize the annexed territories of Russia. However, absolute guarantees are not provided, and in scenarios involving widespread instability or specific agreements, extradition or deportation might theoretically occur through other legal avenues (e.g., migration laws). While direct extradition for draft evasion is not expected, potential risks related to personal security and changing legal frameworks should be considered, particularly given Belarus's proximity to Russia.

According to official reports for Moscow over 10 months in 2025, the following crime statistics were recorded: 666 robberies (-8.4% change), 37,592 frauds (-10.2%), 25,756 thefts (-17.4%) including 128 apartment thefts (-28.9%) and 146 car thefts (-38.1%). Additionally, there were 195 vehicle hijackings (-5.8%) and 46,663 crimes committed using information and telecommunication technologies (-11.6%).

Travel to Crimea is currently advised against due to potential issues with fuel availability, electricity disruptions, and geopolitical instability. Unlike other regions (e.g., Sochi), Crimea's primary connection is the Crimean Bridge, posing a risk of being trapped. Damage to the Kerch ferry further complicates potential evacuation. While Crimea holds historical significance for extended stays, safety concerns outweigh nostalgic appeal, especially when safer alternatives like Mauritius are available.