There is a high general threat from domestic terrorism in Russia. On 5 July 2003, suicide bombers targeted a pop concert and a nearby open-air market in Moscow, killing 15 people and injuring many more. The bombers carried the explosives strapped to their bodies and detonated them when approached by police. In October last year, 40 Chechen extremists took control of a Moscow theatre and threatened to kill themselves and over 700 hostages. Further terrorist attacks (which could include suicide bombings) in major cities appear likely. Russia also shares with the rest of the world, including the UK, an increased threat from terrorist incidents of international origin. You should therefore remain vigilant in all public places, including tourist sites, and you should avoid crowded places, particularly where access is not controlled e.g. open-air events, markets, etc. Please also see Local Travel.

As in most countries, cities in Russia have their fair share of petty crime. You should be alert at all times to the possibility of mugging, pickpocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. Be particularly alert to groups of women and children who beg, and pickpockets around the main railway concourses.

Take care when drinking with or meeting casual or new acquaintances in bars, restaurants or night-clubs, as there have been incidents of robbery and violence involving foreigners, amongst them British citizens. Do not leave your drinks unattended as they may then be drugged.

Incidents of armed violence in major cities are usually linked to criminal/business activities and are not usually directed against foreigners.

Racially motivated attacks by "skinhead" groups do occur in Russia. If you are of Asian or Afro-Carribean descent, we advise you to take extra care.

All supporters travelling to Moscow to attend the Russia v Wales EURO 2004 play off match on 15 November must obtain a visa before travel. You must check that your visa is valid for the full duration of your journey before you travel. Please note that Russian visa applications normally take 15 working days to process. Faster processing of visas may be obtained at higher prices.

Supporters should ensure they take heed of the warning about the consequences of being caught in possession of drugs found under the heading Local Laws and Customs on this country advice.

The match is a sell out and there will be a strong police presence at the ground. Supporters will be subject to at least two searches before entering the stadium. You are advised to arrive at the ground at least 60 minutes before kick off.

No alcohol is permitted inside the stadium and the Russian police will deny access to the match to anyone they believe to be inebriated. The Russian police are intolerant of rowdy behaviour.

Further Embassy guidance for supporters can be found on the Football Association of Wales website and Dragon Supporters website.

We strongly advise against travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) and to eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai, particularly where it borders Chechnya and North Ossetia, due to the security situation. As well as the ongoing conflict in Chechnya, terrorist/criminal bombings have occurred throughout this region and further attacks are possible. Kidnapping in the region is common and Westerners are particularly vulnerable: four Western hostages including three Britons were murdered in Chechnya in December 1998 and a Dutch aid worker was kidnapped in Dagestan in August 2002. If you travel to these parts of Russia despite this advice you are taking a serious risk, and must accept that the ability of the FCO and the British Embassy in Moscow to help in the case of an emergency is severely limited.

Use officially marked taxis and do not share them with strangers.

Cross-border traffic with Georgia and Azerbaijan is subject to restrictions.

You may drive a car in Russia for a limited period if you hold an international driving license. For further information on driving restrictions, check with an international driving organisation.

You should comply with all local speed limits. The standard speed limit for built-up areas is 37mph (60 kph), outside built-up areas is 55 mph (90 kph) and 62 mph (100 kph) on motorways (Brest-Moscow). Visiting motorists who have held a driving licence for less than two years must not exceed 43 mph (70 kph).

If you are travelling by train, store valuables in the compartment under the bed/seat. Do not leave the compartment empty. Ensure the door is secure from the inside by tying it closed with wire or strong cord.

Safety on scheduled Russian internal and external flights is now broadly in compliance with international norms. This is not the case for some charter flights.

You should not become involved with drugs. Penalties are severe and the courts impose long sentences for those found in possession of even small quantities of drugs, regardless of whether they are "hard" or "soft"

There is a zero tolerance policy on drink driving

British nationals need a visa to enter Russia. During periods of high demand, for example during the summer holidays, you should apply for a visa well in advance. If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland you should apply to the Russian Embassy in London: Russian Federation representation in the UK. If you live in Scotland, you should apply to the Russian Consulate General in Edinburgh.

The Embassy in London can normally process visas in 15 working days, and you can submit an application by post or in person. If you want to get a visa more quickly it is possible to queue in person and pay an extra fee, though the numbers processed in this way per day are limited. You must have an exit visa to leave Russia. Most entry visas include an exit visa. However, some entry visas i.e. certain types of student visas, do not include an exit visa. If this is the case your sponsor, not the Embassy or Consulates, will need to obtain the exit visa for you before you can leave the country. Ensure that you are aware of the terms and conditions attached to your visa before travelling to Russia.

Visitors must register their visas within three working days of arrival in Russia with the local branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Most major hotels will do this automatically. You need not register a visa if the visit is for under three days.

If your passport has less than six months to run, you may be refused entry to Russia. You are advised to get a replacement passport before travelling.

Under international law, the British Embassy or Consulates cannot formally intervene with the Russian authorities on behalf of dual Russian/British citizens who enter Russia on a Russian travel document.

If you come to Russia to renew your Russian international passport, you should be aware that it may take up to four months for a new passport to be issued. You will have to remain in Russia throughout this period. If this happens, the British Embassy or Consulates cannot obtain an exit visa for your British passport.

Parents should note that children born overseas and added to their Russian passports by Russian Embassies may now have to obtain their own passport to exit Russia. There have been instances where a parent has renewed their own passport but the authorities have refused to add the child to it until the child's claim to Russian citizenship is properly substantiated. Parents should check the Russian Nationality Act and contact their nearest Russian Embassy or Consulate to ensure that their child has a claim to Russian citizenship, and that they have the necessary paperwork to prove this before travelling to Russia to renew passports.

From 10 February 2003, all foreign nationals entering Russia must fill in a Migration card. The card is in two parts, "A" and "B". Give part "A" to the Immigration Officer on arrival. Keep part "B" with your passport and show it, along with your passport, to the police if they stop you for an identity check during your stay. Give part "B" to the Immigration Officer on your departure from Russia.

You must complete a new migration card each time you enter Russia, even if you have a multiple entry visa.

If you lose part "B" of the card you will be fined, and your departure from the country could be delayed.

You may import into the country up to 10,000 American dollars (or equivalent) without declaring it. You may export from the country up to 3,000 American dollars without declaring it. If you export from the country a sum of money over 3,000 American dollars and up to 10,000 American dollars, it must be declared on departure.

If you import into the country a sum of money over 10,000 American dollars or certain categories of goods such as more costly electrical items, jewellery or antiques and valuable musical instruments you must complete a customs declaration form (available at all ports of entry) on arrival.

If you are exporting from the country a sum of over 10,000 American dollars you must provide documentary proof that you either imported it into the country or have legally obtained it whilst in the country.

If you wish to import certain sophisticated electronic items (e.g. Global Positioning System instruments), you must get an operating licence from the Russian authorities before you travel. If you are unsure whether you should declare an item or need an operating license you should check with the Russian Embassy before your departure. http://www.russialink.org.uk/embassy/

If you complete a declaration form you must ensure that it is stamped by a Customs official at your port of entry or it will not be valid. If you fail to complete a declaration form on arrival or to get it validated by Customs officials your foreign currency and non-declared items may be confiscated when you leave Russia and you may be fined.

A Reciprocal Health Care Agreement is in operation between the UK and Russia. This entitles British nationals to free treatment in a Russian hospital. However, we advise that you also take out full insurance cover for medical treatment and accidents.

For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at: http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/

You should carry ID at all times: either your passport or a copy of it.

It is hard to get Russian currency (roubles) in the UK. We advise that you take American dollars to change once you arrive in Russia (it is illegal to pay directly with dollars). All dollar notes should be in good condition. You should only change money at banks and recognised exchange kiosks. It is an offence to change money from street traders.

Most hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept credit cards, but smaller shops do not.

As well as full insurance cover for medical treatment and accidents, we recommend that you have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passport or luggage.

We advise all British visitors and residents, particularly those visiting remote parts of Russia, to register with the Consular Sections of the British Embassy, Moscow or the British Consulates-General in Ekaterinburg and St Petersburg. British Embassy Moscow