Travel warnings issued for US citizens traveling to Sochi

The US Department of State has issued a travel alert for any US citizens traveling to Sochi, Russia, for the Winter Olympic Games, with medical care, terrorism, and gay rights all of concern. The alert stresses that US citizens pay utmost attention to their personal security at all times, and recommends that those traveling abroad enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program in order to receive up-to-date security information. If you’re headed to the Games, here are the most pertinent items to be aware of.

Terrorism

The most notable threat to those traveling to Russia is the possibility of a potential attack at a large-scale event such as the Olympics. “In early January 2014, media reports emerged about the possible presence of so-called “black widow’’ suicide bombers in Sochi,’’ the Department of State’s travel warning reads. These reports have not been corroborated, and the U.S. government continues to seek further information. Other bombings over the past 10-15 years occurred at Russian government buildings, airports, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools, and residential complexes. There have also been large-scale attacks on public transportation including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights, in the same time period.’’

Pictured: Police leaflets at a central Sochi hotel on with warnings about three potential suicide bombers. Police said that Ruzanna Ibragimova, depicted in a mug shot wearing a pink hijab, was at large in Sochi.

Medical care

The Department of State points out that the Olympics are the first grand-scale event to take place in Sochi, and it is not yet known how the region will handle the volume of visitors from around the globe. The department suggests purchasing “private medical evacuation and/or repatriation insurance.’’

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues

Russia’s antigay stance has been a big story of these Olympics. Sochi Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov recently came out and said, “We just say that it is your business, it’s your life. But it’s not accepted here in the Caucasus where we live. We do not have them in our city.” The could cause some tension for gay and lesbian visitors. According to the travel warning: “The law makes it a crime to promote LGBT equality in public, but lacks concrete legal definitions for key terms. Russian authorities have indicated a broad interpretation of what constitutes ‘LGBT propaganda,’ and provided vague guidance as to which actions will be interpreted by authorities as ‘LGBT propaganda.’ LGBT travelers should review the State Department’s LGBT Travel Information page.”

Lodging

If you haven’t booked a room for your stay yet, well, good luck. According to the Department of State, “advertised rates for standard rooms are currently $750-1,000 per night.”

Public demonstrations

Large crowds that lack proper security measures should be avoided according to the department. “Demonstrations intended to be peaceful can develop quickly and unpredictably, sometimes turning violent,” according to the warning.

Crime

US visitors to Sochi should be aware of their personal belongings at all times and should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables. “Purses, wallets, cellphones, and electronics should be secured while traveling on buses, trains, or other forms of public transportation,” according to the warning. “Travelers should only use marked taxi services and prearrange transportation through hotel concierge or other reputable services whenever possible. Photocopies of passports, visas, credit cards, and other important documents should be kept in a secure location so proper notifications can be made if original documents are lost or stolen.”

American citizen services

The Department of State lists the following websites and social media avenues for more information:

The US Embassy’s American Citizens Services unit

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

travel.state.gov

@travelgov

www.facebook.com/travelgov