A chilling account shared by an Indian traveller on Reddit has sparked serious concerns about the safety of tourists, especially women, visiting Russia. The post details a deeply distressing 12-hour ordeal where the woman, despite possessing a valid Russian e-visa, was denied entry, detained, and subjected to what she describes as dehumanising conditions.
The Border Refusal and Immediate Detention
The traveller began her post by stating she understands that entry refusals can happen at international borders and was not disputing the decision itself. However, what followed the refusal was a prolonged period of fear and uncertainty. She and other foreign nationals were transported to a deportation holding facility, where they were kept for nearly half a day.
For approximately 12 hours, they were reportedly given no food or drinking water. Requests for these basic necessities were allegedly ignored by the officials. The detainees had no clear information about when or how they would be released, leaving them in a state of prolonged anxiety about their fate.
A "Deeply Dehumanising" Experience
The woman described the situation as escalating from a simple bureaucratic hurdle to a violation of basic human dignity. She emphasised that being deprived of water for such an extended period seemed to contravene fundamental human rights standards, including those established by the United Nations.
She recounted moments of sheer terror, particularly during the initial hours of detention. As a woman, her interactions with Russian border officials were notably uncomfortable, though she chose not to elaborate on the specific details. Her stark warning to other Indian women considering travel to Russia was clear: "Be very, very careful."
Diplomatic Intervention and a Stark Warning
The turning point in the nightmare arrived only after the traveller managed to contact the Indian Embassy. Following the embassy officials' intervention, she was finally provided with water and food and was permitted to return safely to India. She expressed grave doubt about how long the detention would have lasted without this diplomatic help.
Profoundly affected by the experience, she stated, "I didn’t feel like a human being, I didn’t feel safe." Driven by a sense of duty, she has since shared her story across multiple Indian solo-travel groups on social media, successfully dissuading several people from planning trips to Russia.
The Reddit post ignited a polarized debate. While many commenters expressed sympathy and concern, others responded with dark sarcasm, suggesting such treatment aligns with Russia's global reputation. The discussion also veered into political territory, debating whether travellers should expect special treatment abroad.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for all Indian travellers. It underscores that having the correct paperwork, like a valid visa, does not guarantee seamless entry. It is vital to thoroughly research your destination, understand your rights, and always have the contact details of the Indian Embassy or consulate saved for emergencies. Situations can change rapidly during international travel, and preparedness is the best defence.
