U.S. Adds Russia to Level 4: Do Not Travel List

On Monday, the U.S. Department of State added Russia to its Level 4: Do Not Travel list, warning American citizens against traveling to Russia due to last week’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19, and related entry restrictions, terrorism, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law,” the warning reads.

Despite being one of the few new moves to the Do Not Travel list not related to COVID-19, the move is unsurprising given the current geopolitical environment in Russia and in Ukraine, which was also added to the Level 4 list. 

“U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or privately available transportation options,” the Ukraine warning reads.

“U.S. citizens remaining in Ukraine should carefully monitor government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Those remaining in Ukraine should exercise increased caution due to the potential for active combat, crime, and civil unrest.”

Other additions include Belarus and Moldova, both added because of their proximity to Ukraine, and Jamaica, which was added because of its COVID-19 levels.

Travel suppliers have already begun altering plans because of the invasion. Viking Cruises was one of the first, telling Travel Market Report last week that it was canceling its entire season of Kyiv, Black Sea & Bucharest itinerary. Shortly after, Windstar announced that it was doing the same. Others, like AmaWaterways, are remaining agile but haven't yet made any changes.