Travelers to the Games should be aware of the Security Concerns outlined below, along with details regarding security measures, airport facilities, transportation and accommodations.
Security Concerns
The primary security concern related to the Winter Olympics is terrorism. The potential for protests and other forms of unrest, as well as general concerns related to crime and the rate of corruption in Russia, should also be considered.
Terrorism
Although Sochi has remained relatively free of terror activity in recent years, terrorism is the primary security concern for the Olympics. Both domestic and transnational militant Islamist groups could target the Olympic Games; however, the Caucasus Emirate (CE) -- a domestically operating militant Islamist group that is part of the global jihadist movement -- is most likely to be the perpetrator of any attacks during the Olympics.
Crime
Due to its prominent status as a domestic tourist destination and the associated high level of security, serious crime has traditionally been less of a concern for travelers in Sochi than in some other Russian cities. Concerns are heightened during the Games. however, due to the potential for opportunistic individuals seeking to take advantages of the large number of foreign travelers. Basic precautions against petty and other minor crimes should be taken, and travelers should avoid the poorer residential areas outside of the main Olympic venues as a precaution.
Hate crimes motivated by ethnicity or sexual orientation are a concern in many Russian cities. In light of the increased international attention, security forces will likely be more diligent in responding to and preventing such incidents, particularly when foreign nationals are involved. All foreigners should act with caution when mingling with locals, and potential targets of hate crimes should minimize time spent in isolated areas and avoid public displays of affection or other identifying remarks in these situations.
Anti-LGTB Legislation
As indicated in the Protests and Other Disorder section above, Russia recently passed a law that bans homosexual “propaganda” aimed at minors, which has prompted considerable international discussion regarding the rights of LGTB visitors to Russia during the Games. While the law itself fails to adequately define what is considered “propaganda” and does potentially allow the prosecution of activists for a wide variety of actions, the Russian
leadership has repeatedly assured that, while all Russian laws will be enforced during the Games, the rights of LGTB spectators and participants will be respected.
Security Measures
Intensive security measures are being put in place for the Games. An estimated US$3 billion of the US$51 billion budget for the Sochi Olympics is reportedly being used for security. In addition to physical security barriers, reports have indicated that the city and venues are also being equipped with approximately 1,400 closed circuit TVs. It remains unclear the extent to which these security measures will be visible to the general public or hamper movement or other activity during the Games.
For a full copy of the Olympic Games Sochi security report, which includes extensive background information along with airport and transportation logistics, AirMed members may contact us to request it. 800-356-2161 or email.
Crime
Due to its prominent status as a domestic tourist destination and the associated high level of security, serious crime has traditionally been less of a concern for travelers in Sochi than in some other Russian cities. Concerns are heightened during the Games. however, due to the potential for opportunistic individuals seeking to take advantages of the large number of foreign travelers. Basic precautions against petty and other minor crimes should be taken, and travelers should avoid the poorer residential areas outside of the main Olympic venues as a precaution.
Hate crimes motivated by ethnicity or sexual orientation are a concern in many Russian cities. In light of the increased international attention, security forces will likely be more diligent in responding to and preventing such incidents, particularly when foreign nationals are involved. All foreigners should act with caution when mingling with locals, and potential targets of hate crimes should minimize time spent in isolated areas and avoid public displays of affection or other identifying remarks in these situations.
Anti-LGTB Legislation
As indicated in the Protests and Other Disorder section above, Russia recently passed a law that bans homosexual “propaganda” aimed at minors, which has prompted considerable international discussion regarding the rights of LGTB visitors to Russia during the Games. While the law itself fails to adequately define what is considered “propaganda” and does potentially allow the prosecution of activists for a wide variety of actions, the Russian
leadership has repeatedly assured that, while all Russian laws will be enforced during the Games, the rights of LGTB spectators and participants will be respected.
Security Measures
Intensive security measures are being put in place for the Games. An estimated US$3 billion of the US$51 billion budget for the Sochi Olympics is reportedly being used for security. In addition to physical security barriers, reports have indicated that the city and venues are also being equipped with approximately 1,400 closed circuit TVs. It remains unclear the extent to which these security measures will be visible to the general public or hamper movement or other activity during the Games.
For a full copy of the Olympic Games Sochi security report, which includes extensive background information along with airport and transportation logistics, AirMed members may contact us to request it. 800-356-2161 or email.
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