US State Department Issues Warning for Madonna Concert
This is to alert U.S. citizens in Russia who are planning to attend the Madonna concerts in Moscow on Tuesday, August 7, or in St. Petersburg on Thursday, August 9, that the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg has received information regarding a threat of physical violence against spectators and performers at the St. Petersburg concert on August 9. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg have shared the information with appropriate Russian law enforcement authorities. Russian authorities have indicated to the Embassy that they are taking appropriate measures in light of this information.
While we expect that enhanced security measures will be put in place at both concerts, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant regarding their personal security, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas.
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow assists U.S. citizens in Russia. We can help you with passport issuance and renewal, voter assistance, notarials, and registering a child born abroad. We also provide emergency services for American citizens in case of a disaster or in case of illness, arrest, death or destitution while in Russia. Appointments are required for all non-emergency services; you can make an appointment by calling the ACS Unit at 7 (495) 728-5577, or you may click here to schedule an appointment online. To contact us with questions, please write to [email protected]. The Embassy’s website is http://moscow.usembassy.gov.
The Embassy offers information about travel to Russia on our website, and we also encourage you to read the Country-Specific Information Sheet for the Russian Federation provided by the Department of State.
Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a regular toll line at-1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review “A Safe Trip Abroad,” which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. All U.S. citizens in Russia are urged to enroll online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Enrolling gives U.S. Citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Russia and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency.
Copyright © 2012, U.S. Department of State
