Travelling to Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg): what official advice says and why we list no venues

This guide does not promote any destination or venue: it collects what official advice says about travelling to Russia, including Moscow and St Petersburg, and explains why BarSwinger does not publish venues, events or resorts there.

The official warning

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO), in advice last updated on 18 September 2026 (consulted in November 2026), advises against all travel to Russia. Travelling against that advice may invalidate your travel insurance. Also check your own government's advice.

Consular support and detention

The British Embassy in Moscow and the Consulate in Ekaterinburg are open, but this could change at short notice; in-person support is very limited. According to the FCDO there is an increased risk of detention, including over activities Russian authorities consider against their law even if they took place outside Russia, and Russia has a track record of holding foreign nationals as leverage over other countries. FCDO's ability to help is "extremely limited". Dual nationals are treated as Russian citizens and consular access after detention is unlikely.

Terrorism and aviation

The FCDO says terrorist attacks are highly likely, including in major cities, and warns that drone attacks and air-defence activity can cause short-notice airspace and airport restrictions, and that there may be a lack of flights back to the UK.

Military service

Men aged 18 to 30 with Russian citizenship may be called up for two-year compulsory service, and a draft notice on the federal register prevents leaving the country.

Our editorial decision

Given this context, we do not publish lifestyle venues, resorts or events in Russia. If you travel, do so informed and not for this kind of reason. We read and quote official advice only; we claim nothing beyond it.