Moscow Travel Forum

I want to publicly thank "globetrotter" and "whiteritter" for the information regarding the Kremlim...
I have been reading articles about safety in Moscow, and even though of course a tourist should take precautions and use common sense, I have been worried about police and military officer's corruption.
One article in a travel magazine states that " you should never under any circumstances give your original passport and visa to any police or military officer, it is perfectly legal to give them copies..."
In a different magazine, they mention the opposite: " Never give passport and visa copies to an officer if requested, you must give the originals unless you want to be interrogated for hours.."
What should I do..?? This is a very bad reputation for a city so beautiful....I am thinking taking my originals and copies with me in a hidden place strapped to my body to avoid pickpocketing....but this is very bad if I will have to bribe government officials.
Are these magazines exagerating..??? What should I do..?? Thanks

Please, read the discussions in the previous pages of the forum - this question was answered MANY times here in.

I don't think an American citizen will be in troubles in Moscow.Of course Russian police officers are not an angels,somebody of them look for bribes but this is not so dangerous for you,my friend.Do not be afraid to show them your documents.If they see an American ID(for instance driving license)they realize where you from.They will avoid a conflict with you without really serious reasons.For your peace of mind would you find in good time phone number of appropriate department of American Embassy.A copy of your passport is necessary for any traveler everywhere just for case if lost of stolen.

> it is perfectly legal to give them copies
That is WRONG!

> you must give the originals unless you want to be interrogated for hours
That is absolutely TRUE!

> hidden place strapped to my body
That is excessive caution. Just do not put your documents in back pocket of your jeens ;)

I would confirm that.And I would say more:if you have travel insurance everything will be OK !Best wishes!