St Petersburg Advisory Regarding Upcoming Rallies/Demonstrations

[Glaciers]

I really don't want to start another thread on this but the others are closed and it could be important for a few visiting during this time frame. I just received this through the STEP program

 

"U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg informs U.S. citizens and family members that Russian authorities have issued permits for several pro-government and opposition group rallies/demonstrations to take place in St. Petersburg on May 1 – 6, 2014.

 

As with all rallies or large-group gatherings, the potential for confrontation cannot be ruled out. U.S. citizens should also be aware of the possibility for counter-demonstrations or other spontaneous protest activity throughout the northwest Russia region and other areas of Russia. Such large gatherings will likely cause significant traffic and mass-transit disruptions.

 

A larger-than-usual police presence will likely be evident in and around downtown St. Petersburg to monitor the events. U.S. citizens should carry their identification and show it if requested to do so by legitimate authorities.

 

Please note the following guidance from the U.S. Department of State’s Country Specific Information for the Russian Federation: “U.S. citizens should avoid all public demonstrations, whether properly authorized by local officials or not, and avoid any large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures.”

 

U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. 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.

 

The U.S. government has received no specific threat against U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in Russia. However, all U.S. citizens considering travel within Russia should evaluate their personal security situation in light of current political tension and the possibility of violence or anti-U.S. actions directed against U.S. citizens or U.S. interests. The U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg also reminds U.S. citizens and family members in Russia of the Travel Alert issued by the Department of State on March 14.

 

 

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Russia enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate."

[Kevin's girl]

Thank you for posting. Good information to know.We are waiting and watching to see what will happen as our cruise grows closer. I do hope it all works itself out by the time we are to be visiting.

[mamaclark]

Thank you for the information. I was not familiar with STEP, but I have now registered my husband and myself. I learned something new today!

[LondonTowner]

I am sure all cruise lines are fully aware of upcoming troubles. We were on a Caribbean cruise two years ago and were scheduled to stop in Trinidad. The captain had been informed there was a demonstration taking place, so went to another island instead.

 

Cruise lines are not going to intentionally take you to a trouble spot, so not really any point worrying about it.

[mayaart]

I really don't want to start another thread on this but the others are closed and it could be important for a few visiting during this time frame. I just received this through the STEP program

 

"U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg informs U.S. citizens and family members that Russian authorities have issued permits for several pro-government and opposition group rallies/demonstrations to take place in St. Petersburg on May 1 – 6, 2014.

 

As with all rallies or large-group gatherings, the potential for confrontation cannot be ruled out. U.S. citizens should also be aware of the possibility for counter-demonstrations or other spontaneous protest activity throughout the northwest Russia region and other areas of Russia. Such large gatherings will likely cause significant traffic and mass-transit disruptions.

 

A larger-than-usual police presence will likely be evident in and around downtown St. Petersburg to monitor the events. U.S. citizens should carry their identification and show it if requested to do so by legitimate authorities.

 

Please note the following guidance from the U.S. Department of State’s Country Specific Information for the Russian Federation: “U.S. citizens should avoid all public demonstrations, whether properly authorized by local officials or not, and avoid any large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures.”

 

U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. 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.

 

The U.S. government has received no specific threat against U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in Russia. However, all U.S. citizens considering travel within Russia should evaluate their personal security situation in light of current political tension and the possibility of violence or anti-U.S. actions directed against U.S. citizens or U.S. interests. The U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg also reminds U.S. citizens and family members in Russia of the Travel Alert issued by the Department of State on March 14.

 

 

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Russia enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate."

Thanks for posting this good information. We are scheduled on a cruise with three days in St. Petersburg late August.