India warns travelers to Russia against transporting five drugs without notarized prescriptions; checklist

The Embassy of India in Moscow has issued a cautionary warning to Indian nationals traveling to Russia against carrying some commonly prescribed drugs without proper medical documentation, warning that violations could lead to drug confiscation or even arrest.

In a notice issued on November 11, the embassy flagged five drugs – Pregabalin, Dextromethorphan, Codeine, Testosterone and Clonazepam – after several cases of passengers being detained by Russian airport authorities for transporting the drugs.

Although these drugs are available in India as scheduled drugs and can be purchased on prescription from licensed doctors, they are restricted in Russia.

According to the recommendations, Russian authorities classify them as either “strong and poisonous substances” or “narcotic substances, psychotropic substances and precursors”.

The embassy warned that passengers who carry these drugs without a valid medical prescription along with its notarized Russian translation may face legal action.

Depending on the amount used, the consequences could range from drug confiscation to detention.

What should Indian travelers carrying these drugs do?

The embassy has advised Indian nationals carrying prescription drugs that fall under Russia’s restricted categories to declare them at customs through the Red Channel and submit the required medical documentation.

The passenger must carry a valid prescription together with its notarized Russian translation.

The embassy warned that the Indian regulation alone may not be sufficient to meet Russian legal requirements.

Those unable to secure a notarized Russian translation in India have been advised by the embassy to travel without restricted medication. Such drugs can only be obtained in Russia after the necessary legal formalities have been met, he said.

A complete list of medicinal products restricted in Russia is available on the website of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation.

The MEA also warns Indians against unverified job offers linked to the Russian military

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also warned Indian citizens against accepting unverified job offers in Russia, especially those that could lead to recruitment into the Russian armed forces.

The ministry, in several previous advisories, has repeatedly warned Indians not to be lured by private recruitment agents or job offers promising lucrative salaries, potentially steering them into military service.

The government also warned that working in Russia on a tourist visa is illegal and could subject an individual to arrest and other legal consequences.

The warning comes amid concerns that Indians are being lured to Russia through job offers and then finding themselves in dangerous conditions linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.