Crime

Please keep in mind the following crime prevention tips:

• Be alert to the possibility of mugging, pickpocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms.
• Be wary of groups of women and children who beg.
• Be aware of drink-spiking leading to robbery, violence and/or abuse. Unconscious victims are often left outside, which can be life-threatening in the winter months. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times.
• Be aware of pickpockets in the main tourist areas and around the main railway concourses.
• Don’t accept any suspicious items from strangers even if they assure you that it is a present.
• Look after your passport at all times, especially in major transport hubs and busy areas.

Rail Travel

Since Russia is a very large country, you may want to travel somewhere by train. In this case, it is highly recommended that you should bear in mind the following information:

• If you are travelling by overnight train in a sleeping compartment, store valuables in the container under the bed or seat.
• Don’t leave your sleeping compartment unoccupied as some compartments only have a simple lock on the sliding door. If the carriage is equipped with additional security locks or chains make sure to use them at nighttime.
• Don’t agree to look after the luggage of a fellow traveller or allow it to be stored in your compartment.

Political situation 

Political rallies may occur in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other places across Russia. For safety reasons:

• Check media for the latest information, be vigilant, and avoid any demonstrations.
• If you are arrested for participation in such events, do not hesitate to contact your Embassy. It is highly recommended to have a list of emergency numbers.

Terrorism

To ensure your personal security, it is highly recommended that you take the following steps:

• Remain vigilant in all public places, particularly those where access is not controlled (e.g. open-air events and markets) and in major transport hubs.
• If you have noticed a suspicious-looking person/ unwatched personal belongings, you should call the police and inform them of your concern.
• If an evacuation is ordered, go to a designated place. Make sure all staff and others in your facility are accounted for. Help challenged people who may need your help in exiting.

An explosion, terrorist attack, or other random act of violence can be followed by a second event that may cause as much damage as the first one, so please make sure to take the following steps:

• Be aware of your surroundings and find your safest escape route.
• Personal safety of yourself and those around you should be the first concern.
• Since one event can be followed by another, stay alert. There may be more danger yet to come.
• For protection, consider crawling under a table or desk and remain there for at least 60 seconds.
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, overhead fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases, and electrical equipment.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in obvious, immediate danger (building collapse, fire, etc.). Avoid known problem areas (where there are gas lines, fire hazards, etc.). Once out, keep as far away from the building as possible.
• Open doors carefully. Watch for falling objects.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not use matches or lighters. Sparks might trigger explosions.
• Avoid using telephones and hand radios. Electrical sparks or signals could trigger other bombs.

This section covers possible risks associated with administrative offences in the Russian Federation.

If you have received a fine, please immediately contact us at ifaculty.support@hse.ru

An administrative offence (hereinafter an “offence”) is an action (activity or inactivity), which violates the established order of state administration and is, as such, declared punishable by an administrative sanction imposed through administrative channels.

Foreign citizens and stateless persons who commit offences in the Russian Federation are subject to administrative liability on the same grounds as Russian citizens.

In particular, foreign nationals may be held administratively liable for such common offences as:

• travelling on public transport without paying a fare;
• disturbance of peace and silence at night;
• in regards to driving a vehicle: speeding, not using a seat belt, driving while intoxicated, running a red light;
• in regards to public transport rules: boarding or disembarking a train in motion or travelling on steps, roofs of carriages or other places not designated for passengers;
• in regards to public safety: drinking alcohol in inappropriate places, offensive behaviour and / or being in public places in a state of intoxication;
• in regards to participation in rallies (participation or organization of a rally in violation of established procedures for holding such events);
• in regards to drugs and psychotropic substances: use, acquisition or distribution of such substances and/or their promotion.

The legislation of the Russian Federation establishes liability for certain offences only for foreign nationals. In particular, it is crucial to pay attention to offences related to migration regulations. Such offences are punishable up to prohibition of entry into the Russian Federation, as well as the cancellation of one’s temporary residence permit, residence permit and work permit.

A list of penalties for administrative offences by court decision:

An extended list of administrative offences can be found in the following legislation:

• Кодекс Российской Федерации об административных правонарушениях от 30.12.2001 N 195-ФЗ / Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences No. 195-FZ, dated December 20, 2001;
• Закон г. Москвы от 21.11.2007 N 45 «Кодекс города Москвы об административных правонарушениях» / Law of the City of Moscow No. 45 “Code of the City of Moscow on Administrative Offences”, dated November 21, 2007.

Paying Fines

If you receive a fine, you can check and pay it on the “Gosuslugi” website in the "Payments" section. (https://www.gosuslugi.ru/pay ).

You can also pay a fine by receipt. Specify the unique identifier of charges (UIN).

Natural Disasters

There are occasional occurrences of flooding in southern regions of Russia, and forest fires, mainly in the far eastern areas and Siberia. This subsection describes the natural disasters typical for Moscow region.

Extreme Heat

Since the climate in Moscow region can be characterized as temperate continental, severe winters and extremely hot summers are not often to occur.

What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theatres, shopping malls, and other community facilities.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals.
• Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-coloured clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colours because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Wildfires

If the summer is extremely hot, the probability of wildfires increases. In addition to wildfires caused by heat, they are sometimes triggered by lightning, accidents, and very often by people’s negligence.

In order to protect yourself and your family, you are recommended to take the following actions:

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Take your disaster supply kit, lock your home and choose a route away from the fire hazard.
• If you see a wildfire and haven't received evacuation orders yet, call the emergency number. Don't assume that someone else has already called. Describe the location of the fire, speak slowly and clearly, and answer any questions asked by the operator.

Extreme Cold

Russia is traditionally known for its severe weather with extremely cold winters. While in real life the danger from winter weather varies across the country, you are likely to face severe winter weather at some point.

To survive in extreme cold, you should bear the following ideas in mind:

• Dress warmly. Layering your clothing will provide the best insulation and retain body heat. Wearing a non-permeable outer layer will minimize the effects of strong winds.
• Protect your extremities. Hands and feet are at greater risk of frostbite because body heat is naturally reserved in the torso to protect vital organs. So wear an extra pair of socks, and choose mittens rather than gloves.
• Wear a hat. You lose about 30 per cent of your body’s heat from your head. Particularly good are hats that cover the ears.
• Wear properly fitted winter boots. Boots that are too tight can limit or cut off circulation to the feet and toes. Also, choose a boot that’s insulated and has treads on the bottom for traction on ice and snow.
• Stay hydrated. The body uses a lot of energy to keep itself warm. Drinking plenty of fluids is important because your body will need frequent replenishing when fighting off the cold.
• Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible.

Evacuation

Whether you are required to leave a place/building by authorities or decide to evacuate on your own, please follow these guidelines:

• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighbourhood.
• Become familiar with routes and other means of transportation out of your area. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency.
• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
• Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.
• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Make arrangements with family, friends or your local government.