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Emergency numbers and safety for foreigners in Russia

Emergency numbers (112, 101, 102, 103), what to do if you lose your documents, your rights during a police stop, how to report a crime, and embassy contacts.

Open official guideStarts with: 112 emergency number

Route

Where this fits

Check what usually comes before or after this guide.

If this does not fitModerate Risk

Essential apps for living in Russia

If you cannot install apps yet, save emergency numbers and web fallbacks first.

Fast path

Do this in order

Start here if you only need the order. Detailed notes are lower on this page.

  1. Step 1

    Save emergency numbers

    112 — unified number (police, ambulance, fire). 101 — fire. 102 — police. 103 — ambulance. All calls are free and work without a SIM card.

    Tip: 112 is available from any mobile phone, even without a SIM card and with zero balance.

  2. Step 2

    Find your embassy contacts

    Look up the address and phone number of your country's embassy in Moscow. Save the embassy's emergency number.

    Tip: Many Western embassies have reduced services since 2022. Check the embassy website for current information.

  3. Step 3

    Know your rights during a police stop

    You must show your passport and migration documents. You have the right to know the reason for the stop, the officer's badge number, and to contact your embassy. Do not sign documents you do not understand.

    Tip: Request an interpreter if you do not understand Russian. You have this right.

  4. Step 4

    If you lose your documents

    Passport: file a police report → contact your embassy → emergency travel document. Migration card: contact the MVD migration office. Registration: request a duplicate from your landlord.

    Tip: Keep digital copies of all documents in secure cloud storage.

This guide is informational, not an official service. Requirements and app availability can change. Use the official links when you are ready to act.

Prepare

What you need

Checklist

Mark it off

Before you start

  • Emergency numbers saved in phoneRequired
  • Embassy contacts notedRequired
  • Original passport with youRequired
  • Migration card and registration with youRequired
  • Digital copies of documents in cloud storageRecommended

After you are done

  • 112 saved in phone contactsRequired
  • Embassy address notedRequired

Details

Detailed notes

Use these notes when the fast path is not enough. Each step shows what to do, how to check it, and what to avoid.

  1. Step 1

    Documents

    Save emergency numbers

    1Prepare item
    2Check spelling
    3Keep copy

    Step 1

    Save emergency numbers

    112 — unified number (police, ambulance, fire). 101 — fire. 102 — police. 103 — ambulance. All calls are free and work without a SIM card.

    Do

    Prepare the document, item, or information named in this step before you visit or submit anything.

    Check

    Check names, dates, spelling, and whether an original, copy, or translation is needed.

    Avoid

    Avoid sending sensitive document numbers or scans through unofficial forms.

    Tip

    112 is available from any mobile phone, even without a SIM card and with zero balance.

  2. Step 2

    Browser

    Find your embassy contacts

    1Open official page
    2Check address
    3Continue

    Step 2

    Find your embassy contacts

    Look up the address and phone number of your country's embassy in Moscow. Save the embassy's emergency number.

    Do

    Open the official or provider page linked from this guide, then follow the page instructions.

    Check

    Check the domain, page title, and provider name before you enter details or download anything.

    Avoid

    Avoid links from random chats, unofficial mirrors, or pages that imitate a provider.

    Tip

    Many Western embassies have reduced services since 2022. Check the embassy website for current information.

  3. Step 3

    Documents

    Checklist

    1Prepare item
    2Check spelling
    3Keep copy

    Step 3

    Know your rights during a police stop

    You must show your passport and migration documents. You have the right to know the reason for the stop, the officer's badge number, and to contact your embassy. Do not sign documents you do not understand.

    Do

    Prepare the document, item, or information named in this step before you visit or submit anything.

    Check

    Check names, dates, spelling, and whether an original, copy, or translation is needed.

    Avoid

    Avoid sending sensitive document numbers or scans through unofficial forms.

    Tip

    Request an interpreter if you do not understand Russian. You have this right.

  4. Step 4

    Visit

    If you lose your documents

    1Bring documents
    2Ask at counter
    3Keep receipt

    Step 4

    If you lose your documents

    Passport: file a police report → contact your embassy → emergency travel document. Migration card: contact the MVD migration office. Registration: request a duplicate from your landlord.

    Do

    Go to the official office, provider branch, or service point named in the guide.

    Check

    Check working hours, address, queue rules, and whether the office handles foreigners.

    Avoid

    Avoid people offering shortcuts, guaranteed approval, or unofficial paid fixes near offices.

    Tip

    Keep digital copies of all documents in secure cloud storage.

Open when needed

Useful links

Open these when a step points you to an official page, provider page, or child guide.

Emergency and official contacts

Official link112 emergency numberOfficial page about the unified emergency number.112.mos.ruOfficial linkRussian MVDOfficial authority site for migration procedures and checks.xn--b1aew.xn--p1aiOfficial linkMVD English portalEnglish version of the official MVD website.en.mvd.rf

Avoid

Common traps

Carrying only a photocopy of your passport

Police require the original. Always carry your original passport, migration card, and registration.

Signing documents in Russian without understanding them

You have the right to request an interpreter. Never sign documents you do not understand.

Not knowing the number 112

112 is the unified emergency number. It works from any phone, even without a SIM card. Save it first.

Memory aid

Save the route

Use this as a quick reminder after reading the steps.

SafetyLOW RISK

Emergency safety basics

Keep contacts, address, documents, and a safe route ready before you need them.

  1. 1Save key contactsKeep embassy, host, and support contacts offline.
  2. 2Know your addressStore it in Russian and in your own language.
  3. 3Keep documents privateShare copies only with trusted official channels.
  4. 4Choose a safe routeUse public places and reliable transport options.
Verified Jun 20, 2026ruvoya.ru

Questions

Quick answers

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Next

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