The US state Department has warned Americans from trying to climb Elbrus
The state Department recommends U.S. citizens to visit several regions of Russia. This is stated in the updated guidelines for travel on the Agency’s website.
Americans are advised to avoid travel to Crimea as “Russia annexed” region, and the Republic of Caucasus due to the increased risk of terrorist attacks and riots. It is noted that Washington has banned employees of the American foreign Minister to visit these areas, so that in the event of any incident, the tourists will not be able to get help from the US authorities.
Separately, travelers are advised to forgo climbing the highest mountain of Europe — Elbrus, which is located close to the “unstable and insecure” areas.
In addition, travellers are advised to exercise vigilance in the cities hosting matches of the world Cup, since such activities are a tempting target for terrorist organizations.
On 15 March, the head of the Federal tourism Agency Oleg Safonov said that, despite anti-Russian propaganda, the increase in the number of American tourists in Russia for the first nine months of last year amounted to 25 percent compared with the year 2016. “They tell stories about what is happening in Russia, and people have a desire to come and see with their own eyes,” says the official.
Crimea became part of Russia in March 2014. Then, in the region held a referendum in which, according to official data, the overwhelming majority voted for joining Russia. Kiev and the West refused to recognize the results of the plebiscite. In Moscow, noted that the accession of the region conform to the norms of international law.