The US State Department suggested today that American citizens delay travel to Russia and that US citizens now living in Russia consider leaving the country until the complete extent of the effects of Y2K are known.

In a prepared statement, the State Department warns, "U.S. citizens should consider deferring travel to Russia until the extent of Y2K-related disruptions, which may begin January 1, becomes clear. U.S. citizens in Russia should consider their personal situations and take those actions they deem appropriate to ensure their well-being, including departure."

The statement also advised, "When making such plans, it is prudent to take into account the potential for diminished availability of seats on commercial airlines as January 1, 2000 approaches."

"Prolonged disruptions in energy supplies in Russia could put other systems dependent on electrical power at risk.  In practical terms this could mean disruption of basic human services such as heat, water, telephones, and other vital services," reads the statement.

In addition, the State Department has authorized the voluntary departure of non-essential federal employees, and their families from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and U.S. consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok.

The United Nations-based International Y2K Cooperation Center has reported that while there is no indication they may fail, many Soviet-built nuclear power plants remain unprepared for Y2K.

Russia Travel Warning

Reads in part... "U.S. citizens should consider deferring travel to Russia until the extent of Y2K-related disruptions, which may begin January 1, becomes clear.  U.S. citizens in Russia should consider their personal situations and take those actions they deem appropriate to ensure their well-being, including departure.  When making such plans, it is prudent to take into account the potential for diminished availability of seats on commercial airlines as January 1, 2000 approaches."

Y2K Worldwide Notice

Advisory issued by the State Department, reading in part... "All U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad in late 1999 or early 2000 should take their own personal circumstances into account and complete their contingency plans for possible Y2K-related disruptions in vital services."