Talking Points: Russia (April 4, 2017)
Talking Points – Russia
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The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients who have questions about travel to Russia, particularly St. Petersburg. (April 4, 2017)
1. On April 3, an attack on a subway train in St. Petersburg killed 14 people and wounded nearly 50 others. While the attack is still under investigation, no travel alerts or warnings for Russia have been issued by the U.S. State Department.
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.
1. On April 3, an attack on a subway train in St. Petersburg killed 14 people and wounded nearly 50 others. While the attack is still under investigation, no travel alerts or warnings for Russia have been issued by the U.S. State Department.
On April 3, a bomb exploded on a subway train in St. Petersburg, Russia. A second bomb was found and diffused by police.
o According to the BBC, “The head of Russia’s National Anti-Terrorist Committee said the blast hit a train between Sennaya Ploshchad and Tekhnologichesky Institut stations. The committee said an explosive device was later found and made safe at another station nearby.”
o The Associated Press reported, “Within two hours of the blast, authorities had found and deactivated another bomb at another busy station, Vosstaniya Square, the anti-terror agency said. That station is a major transfer point for passengers on two lines and serves the railway station to Moscow.”
o While there was no immediate claim of responsibility, “Russia’s top investigative body said in a statement that investigators have identified a man whose [body was] found on the train and who is suspected to be a suicide bomber. Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security identified one suspect as Kyrgyz-born Russian national Akbarzhon Dzhalilov,” reported the Associated Press.
o Also according to the Associated Press, “the entire subway system in St. Petersburg, a city of 5 million, was shut down and evacuated before partial service resumed six hours later. Typically crowded during the rush hour, the subway on Tuesday morning looked almost deserted as many residents opted for buses.”
Precautionary measures were also taken on April 4, due to potential security threats:
o Bomb threats were also investigated on Tuesday, April 4, at Sennaya Ploshchad station – which reopened after being shut for several hours – and the city’s university, according to the BBC.
o “Four stations on the subway were closed again Tuesday due to a bomb threat, but later reopened,” reported the Associated Press.
St. Petersburg is a major tourist destination for land-based and cruise vacations thanks to its imperial palaces and art museums such as the Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace.
The U.S. State Department issued a brief emergency message for U.S. citizens stating: “Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”
There are currently no Travel Warnings or Travel Alerts in place for Russia from the U.S. State Department, nevertheless, terrorism knows no boundaries.
According to the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), “There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks have occurred most frequently in the North Caucasus, but also in Moscow. In 2015, a Russian airliner returning from Sharm el-Sheikh crashed in North Sinai (Egypt). The Russian authorities have stated it was brought down by an explosive device placed on board the aircraft.”
The Government of Canada does not have nationwide advisory in effect for Russia, but states “You should exercise a high degree of caution due to crime.”
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.
We also strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.
While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:
o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.
o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.
o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.
o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.
o Ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the locations they plan to visit.
o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.
o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.
The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful Traveler’s Checklist that provides additional travel tips.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained through the Consular Information Program documents, by downloading the free Smart Traveler iPhone App, following the State Department on Twitter or the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook. Citizens can also call 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website, as well as other governmental sources, for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.