State Department advises US citizens not to travel to Northern Caucasus

The US State Department classified Russia as a country not recommended for visiting, especially mentioning Chechnya, where US citizens may face terrorism and a risk of being kidnapped. The Department also did not recommend travelling to the vicinity of Mount Elbrus.

The State Department has divided all the countries into four categories: A – where it is recommended to exercise normal precautions; B – where it is recommended to exercise increased precautions; C – where it is recommended to reconsider travel plans; and D – where it is recommended not to travel.

Russia is included into category D. "Do not travel to Russia because of terrorism, persecution by Russian law enforcers, the Embassy's limited ability to provide assistance to US citizens in Russia and the arbitrary application of local laws," the Department said in its statement.

It is especially recommended not to plan trips to Northern Caucasus, "including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus due to terrorism, kidnappings and the danger of civil unrests," as well as the Crimea.

The State Department has noted that "US citizens, including former and current government and military officials, and private individuals associated with businesses, who have visited or resided in Russia, have been arbitrarily interrogated and threatened by Russian authorities and may be subject to harassment, ill-treatment and extortion."