US Warns of Terror Threat During World Cup

The U.S. State Department has revised its travel advisory to Russia, adding language that warns Americans that “Large-scale international events such as the World Cup present an attractive target for terrorists.”

The 2018 FIFA World Cup games are being staged from June 14 to July 15, 2018, in cities throughout Russia, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, and Saransk.

“Although security for the World Cup will be extensive, terrorists may seek to attack event locations such as stadiums and Fan Fest viewing areas, tourist sites, transportation hubs, and other public venues,” notes the advisory. “Travelers should expect increased police presence and enhanced security measures in and around the World Cup venues.”

With the addition of the new language, Russia’s travel advisory remains at a Level 3 (which urges travelers to “reconsider travel”) as it has been since the State Department introduced its new alert system in January of this year.

The warning cautions that “U.S. citizens are often victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials.”

Additionally, “U.S. consular assistance to detained individuals is often unreasonably delayed by Russian officials,” notes the warning. “Due to the Russian government-imposed reduction on U.S. diplomatic personnel in Russia, the U.S. government has reduced ability to provide services to U.S. citizens.”

The travel advisory was updated just two days after FIFA designated the United States, Canada and Mexico as co-hosts of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Other agencies, including Great Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are also warning travelers to avoid using Russian Wi-Fi if visiting the country for the World Cup.

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