On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.
This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…
At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.
Russia : Safety by City
Russia - safety as a country
Moscow is an enormous, fascinating metropolis at the heart of Russia, straddling the Moskva River in the western part of the country.
It’s a city of striking contrasts, from the fairytale domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral to the towering government buildings of the Kremlin, and the ornate underground palaces that make up the Metro system.
With a population of over 12 million, Moscow is rich in history, culture, world‑class museums, and a vibrant culinary and nightlife scene.
It’s a bucket‑list destination for many travelers, yet in recent years, safety concerns, ranging from petty crime to the broader geopolitical situation, have prompted serious questions about how safe the city is for international visitors.
In this article, I’m going to break down the risks, offer real insights, and help you make informed decisions if you’re planning a trip to this iconic capital.
Warnings & Dangers in Moscow
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Moscow can be an exciting and rewarding destination, but it also presents above-average safety challenges compared with many Western capitals. Petty crime and scams are common around tourist hubs, and current geopolitical tensions contribute to a higher perceived risk.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Public transport is generally efficient and safe, but crowded systems like the Metro can attract pickpockets. Taxi scams and overcharging remain concerns, especially with unlicensed cabs. Using app services like Yandex Go, Uber, or Gett is strongly recommended.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Pickpocketing, especially in busy areas such as Red Square, metro stations, and markets, is frequently reported. Always secure your belongings and avoid keeping valuables in easily accessible pockets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Moscow isn’t prone to major natural disasters, though heavy snowstorms in winter can disrupt travel and city life. Extreme weather is relatively rare.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Muggings are not widespread but can occur, especially at night in less populated districts. Staying in well-lit areas and traveling in groups helps reduce risk.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Current global assessments note an elevated terrorism threat. Recent events in the region contribute to a heightened alert level, especially during public gatherings or in crowded transport hubs.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Tourist scams, including fake guides, rigged taxi fares, and street cons, are common. Always book services through verified platforms and do not engage with unsolicited offers.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Solo female travelers can enjoy Moscow, but should exercise typical big-city caution, especially at night and in nightlife areas. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or remote zones.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water may be microbiologically safe, but it isn’t always recommended for tourists. Bottled water is widely available and is the safer choice to avoid stomach issues.
Safest Places to Visit in Moscow
Despite the safety concerns, many parts of Moscow remain lovely and safe for visitors who follow basic precautions.
The city center is generally well-policed and packed with world-renowned attractions.
Red Square is the beating heart of Moscow, surrounded by the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral.
These landmarks are major tourist draws and are usually secure, though vigilance against pickpockets is essential.
The Metro is not only a transportation marvel but also a stunning cultural experience.
Stations such as Komsomolskaya and Mayakovskaya are known for their architecture, and crowd-control measures are robust.
However, busy periods warrant extra attention to your possessions.
Gorky Park and VDNKh are excellent outdoor spaces where families and visitors stroll, bike, and relax.
They tend to be safe during the day and have a community atmosphere.
Museums like the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts also offer safe, enriching indoor experiences.
Modern areas such as Moscow City, with its skyscrapers and shopping complexes, blend international business with visitor amenities and maintain high security standards.
Enjoying local cuisine and coffee in central cafes is usually low risk as long as you’re aware of your surroundings.
Places to Avoid in Moscow
While central zones tend to be well-monitored, some districts and situations carry greater risk.
Peripheral neighborhoods, particularly those far from the metro line, can be more unpredictable at night.
Winding backstreets and alleys beyond major tourist areas often lack extensive lighting and police presence, making them less ideal for late-night wandering.
Areas near major transit hubs such as train stations can also attract petty criminals, especially after dark.
The underpasses around these terminals are specifically called out as hotspots for pickpockets and opportunistic theft.
Parts of well-known streets such as Old Arbat and Tverskaya are lively and popular by day but may feel less secure during late hours, especially when crowds thin out.
Some travelers have observed that nightlife hubs around these zones see increased reports of scams or drink-related incidents.
Finally, avoid political demonstrations or rallies.
They can be unpredictable, and authorities may respond harshly even to peaceful protests.
Foreign visitors have occasionally been caught up in such situations.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Moscow
- Carry Secure Copies of Your Documents and Keep Originals Safe. Always keep digital copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and hotel reservations in your phone or cloud storage, separate from physical copies. Carry your ID with you at all times, as Russian law requires you to be able to show identification. Store your passport in a hotel safe and use a hidden money belt or pouch for cash and cards when walking around the city to minimize the risk of theft.
- Use Licensed Transport and Trusted Ride Apps. Avoid unlicensed street cabs, which are prone to overcharging or unsafe driving. Stick to app-based services such as Yandex Go, Uber, or Gett. When using the Metro, keep your belongings in front of you, as crowded trains are hotspots for pickpockets. At night, prefer taxis over walking in poorly lit areas, and always check the license plate and driver details in the app before entering.
- Be Vigilant in Crowded Tourist Areas. Red Square, Arbat Street, and metro stations attract large crowds, making them prime locations for pickpocketing. Keep bags zipped, avoid backpacks on your back, and don’t leave wallets or phones in side pockets. Consider using RFID-blocking wallets to protect against electronic theft. Avoid distractions like stopping to check maps in the middle of a busy street.
- Learn Basic Russian Phrases and Emergency Terms. Knowing a few essential phrases like “help,” “police,” “I am lost,” and numbers can help in emergencies. Download an offline Russian language app to communicate if your phone loses connectivity. Taxi drivers, market vendors, and local authorities often speak limited English, so a little Russian goes a long way in avoiding misunderstandings or being scammed.
- Stay in Well-Lit and Well-Monitored Areas at Night. Stick to central neighborhoods such as Tverskoy, Kitay-Gorod, and Arbat, where streets are patrolled and well-lit. Avoid walking alone on backstreets, near train station underpasses, or in industrial districts after dark. If exploring nightlife, travel with companions and agree on meeting points in case someone gets separated.
- Pre-Book Tours, Tickets, and Experiences. Do not engage with street promoters selling tours, tickets, or “guides.” They often provide poor service and may overcharge. Pre-book museums, theater shows, and excursions online or through your hotel. This ensures authentic experiences, reduces the risk of scams, and often allows you to skip long lines, improving safety by avoiding crowded waiting areas.
- Dress Appropriately for Weather and Urban Conditions. Moscow winters are harsh, with temperatures often below -10°C and icy sidewalks. Wear thermal layers, sturdy boots with grip, gloves, and a hat. Summers are warm and humid, so lightweight breathable clothing is ideal. During transitional months, pack a raincoat and sturdy shoes, as snow melting in spring can make streets slippery.
- Blend In and Avoid Drawing Attention. Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewelry, or designer goods, which can make you a target for theft. Keep your phone and wallet discreetly stored. Using a small, secure daypack instead of a large flashy bag can help you move through crowds without drawing attention. Pay attention to local dress norms, particularly in religious sites, where modest clothing is expected.
- Know Local Emergency Contacts and Procedures. Save the all-purpose emergency number 112, the police line 102, and your country’s embassy or consulate contacts in your phone. Know the nearest police station, hospital, or metro exit. Consider installing a safety app that shares your location with friends or family if needed. Familiarize yourself with the layout of your hotel and its emergency exits.
- Avoid Political Demonstrations and Respect Local Laws. Do not participate in rallies or protests, as law enforcement may respond quickly, and foreign visitors can be detained. Pay attention to local news and social media for safety updates. Follow traffic rules, do not jaywalk, and be mindful of surveillance cameras, which are prevalent in public spaces. Respect cultural norms, especially when photographing religious or government buildings, to avoid unwanted attention or fines.
These city-specific tips ensure you are not only prepared for everyday urban risks but also for the unique environment that Moscow presents, from winter hazards to metro pickpocketing and navigating areas with heightened political sensitivity.
So... How Safe Is Moscow Really?
Moscow sits at an intersection of rich cultural heritage and complex geopolitical realities, and its safety profile reflects that duality.
Everyday life in the city’s center can be quite safe if you follow standard urban precautions, similar to what you would use in major European capitals.
Many visitors enjoy iconic sites, use public transport, and dine or socialize without incident.
On the other hand, the city faces above-average risks of petty crime and scams, and ongoing geopolitical tensions shape the broader security environment.
Official advisories caution against protests and highlight potential risks associated with regional conflicts.
That does not mean every trip will encounter danger, but it means you should approach travel plans with heightened awareness and robust preparation.
Ultimately, Moscow is neither the most dangerous city in the world nor a risk-free destination.
If you educate yourself, stay alert, and plan carefully, you can explore its treasures and enjoy a memorable visit.
Treat safety as part of the adventure, not an afterthought.
How Does Moscow Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Moscow |
45 |
| Sochi |
66 |
| Nizhny Novgorod |
71 |
| Novosibirsk |
76 |
| Saint Petersburg |
56 |
| Yekaterinburg |
72 |
| Kazan |
66 |
 Mexicali | 40 |
 Plano | 86 |
| Cottonwood Falls | 78 |
| East St Louis | 32 |
| Kentucky | 64 |
| Santa Ana | 71 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. and many Western visitors must obtain a Russian visa before arrival. The process typically involves an application, supporting documents, and fees. Requirements vary by nationality and purpose of stay, so check consulate guidance well before your trip.
Currency
The ruble (RUB) is the currency in Moscow. Exchanging money at official banks or ATMs inside secure lobbies yields better rates and reduces the risk of counterfeit notes or scams.
Weather
Moscow has cold, snowy winters and warm, sometimes hot summers. Pack layered clothing for winter trips and comfortable, breathable clothes for summer. The weather can change quickly, so check forecasts ahead of packing.
Airports
Moscow’s main airports include Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), and Vnukovo (VKO). All have train and shuttle connections into the city, but flights can occasionally be disrupted by broader regional tensions, so plan extra time for arrivals and departures.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for international trips to Moscow. It should cover medical emergencies, theft or loss of belongings, and unexpected travel cancellations or delays.
Moscow Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
-4 | -4 | 1 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 21 | 15 | 7 | 0 | -3 |
| Low °C |
-9 | -9 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 11 | 6 | 1 | -4 | -7 |
| High °F |
25 | 25 | 34 | 50 | 61 | 68 | 73 | 70 | 59 | 45 | 32 | 27 |
| Low °F |
16 | 16 | 25 | 34 | 43 | 50 | 55 | 52 | 43 | 34 | 25 | 19 |
Russia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Kazan | 66 |
| Moscow | 45 |
| Nizhny Novgorod | 71 |
| Novosibirsk | 76 |
| Saint Petersburg | 56 |
| Sochi | 66 |
| Yekaterinburg | 72 |
that's just not true
The person who wrote the text obviously have never been in Moscow and in Russia at all. This is ridiculous. Even about pickpocketing, the risk at most is medium, mugging is zero in historical places but is pretty high in sleeping quarters
Your rating is only two stars for safety though? So I am confused. Are you rating the article to be in poor taste?
I went to Moscow in 2021. I enjoyed the trip. I felt there were “unsafe areas” so I avoided them. So long as you know where you are going and don’t insult the locals, you should be fine.
51% safe?! Is this out of date?
Moscow and Russia in general are MUCH SAFER than Paris or London, yet those latter are more than 15 points ahead?!
Hell, it’s even admitted in the above text: “Moscow isn’t more dangerous than any other European city, IT’S EVEN LESS SO.” Yeah, you bet! And then: “the crime rate in Moscow is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.” So why the low rating? I don’t get it.
Also, the latest terrorist attack in Moscow happened in 2010… so how can you honestly say that the risk is still “high”? Especially for the fact Russia is very much on the edge when it comes to fighting terrorism domestically and over the world.
Sure, it might not be ideal everywhere in Moscow, but it’s WAY SAFER than in Paris, especially at night. You just can’t go out in Paris after the evening anymore, in most areas (I got assaulted for no reason at Châtelet-les-Halles and taking the RER train at dark is becoming more and more risky)… while in Moscow, chances are that you’ll see girls in miniskirts walking home while quietly singing. Or maybe you’ll stumble upon some gorgeous lady asking you for a lighter and then giving you her number for a coffee the next day. So very dangerous!
I sense a serious bias, here. Is it because of that LGBT thing? Could you pick a more extreme case?
Yeah, you can totally be gay in Russia, just be so in private. There even are transsexuals, but this is a traditional and respectable country, so you should respect their choice of not publicizing various sexual lifestyles.
Moscow and Saint Petersburg are safe
Moscow and Saint Petersburg are very safe in my opinion! I’ve been to both cities visiting family! There are so many people out on the streets and on public transportation- I felt very safe! You need to change your ratings!!
Any update on Covid-19 to visit Moscow
I visited 118 country and Moscow one of the safest city I have been, st Petersburg as well, I read this article hoping to find any update on covid-19 restrictions upon arrival, so if anyone can update I’m planning to visit Moscow again but I need to know if quarentain is required or mandatory, anyone can share, cheers.
In Russia nobody cares, masks off. I dont know if fiew thousands of infected per day are high for you though. I was never arrested for not wearing mask, but you have to have it on you. Sometimes cops ask to put mask, you just do that and everything ok, some shops can refuse to do service if you dont have mask. I assume they pressured by boss, so just put on mask, they can give you gloves and dont cause any problems.
Written by someone who never visited Russia
A veer biased review. Moscow or St. Petersburg for being such brilliant truly cosmopolitan cities are extremely safe. Pickpocketing in Russia?! By children?! Who wrote this? Clearly by someone who has never been to the great country of Russia.
Have never been there. But wish me well
Bias review, Moscow is much safer than that!
This review is so bias and just wrong! First of all apart from being a political, scientific and etc center, it is an absolutely beautiful city and a very culturally rich city. For tourists there’s a huge range of delicious food, amazing shopping, a lot of cultural activities, and all sorts of entertainment. I’ve travelled there in December 2019, and most of the time I spent walking around and exploring by myself, be it during day time or night, nothing happened to me once. I mostly used subways and sometimes taxi, both safe. Just have a common sense when it comes to safety and you’ll be fine. You need to travel there at least once in a lifetime, it’s a completely different experience and it’s a beautiful one, NOT a communistic terrorist epicenter as some describe it to be.
Strolling through the Garden of Fallen Monuments was such a trip, seeing those old-school Communist statues hanging out with contemporary art felt like a wild time warp!
Strolling through the Garden of Fallen Monuments really hits you with that mix of history and modern art; it’s like the past and present are having this wild conversation right in front of you.
Seeing the mix of modern art and those massive Communist monuments in the Garden of Fallen Monuments is just wild; it really makes you think about how history shapes the present.
Did you actually feel the weight of history just walking through those parks, or is it just me?
Been here a few times and the Metro really is like stepping into palaces, but one night walking along the Moskva River I felt a knot in my stomach when a couple of men kept circling and I had to check my bag three times.
The Metro stations really are like palaces, but I felt uneasy walking past the Kremlin at midnight and kept my phone in my front pocket the whole time.