In order to travel to Russia for business or tourism, you must have a valid U.S. passport and a Russian government-issued visa. Be sure to obtain your visa well in advance and ensure it covers the duration of your stay. If it expires prior to your departure, you won't be permitted to leave until you are issued a new one, which can take more than two weeks.
The U.S. government advises travelers against visiting Chechnya and the North Caucasus region, which are areas where acts of terrorism are not uncommon, and Americans may be targeted for kidnapping. The U.S. government's ability to aid in those regions is also restricted, so you may not be able to get help if you need it.
In any large city, even those where tourism is common, be aware of your surroundings and don't travel with valuables. As with any city, pickpocketing is a risk.
If you intend to drive while in Russia, educate yourself first by speaking with a tourism official. Road conditions are very different from those in the United States. Less-populated areas may be unpaved and roamed by livestock. Also, the Russian government does not permit you to consume any alcohol and then drive. Checkpoints are common, and it is not unheard of for local police to attempt to extort money.
