How to Prepare for the Russian Border? A Checklist

How to Prepare for the Russian Border? A Checklist

This summer, we released an educational series about preparing for the Russian border. Unfortunately, in 2026, crossing it is a potential risk for many people.

For example, we explained how to assess your own risks and in which cases it is definitely worth consulting human rights defenders, how to prepare your phone for a possible FSB inspection, how not to harm yourself during a conversation (for example, if you are asked about your attitude toward the authorities), and why, while crossing the border, it is important to stay in touch with a trusted person at all times.

And here is a short checklist. It will help you understand how ready you are to cross the Russian border:

✅ You have consulted human rights defenders about the risks;

✅ You have a working backup phone;

✅ Your main devices are prepared, password-protected, and switched off;

✅ You have a trusted person and an emergency protocol;

✅ You have a lawyer’s contact information;

✅ You have thought through your answers to border guards;

✅ You understand your rights and how to use them.

Save this post so the checklist is always at hand. And read the full instruction on crossing the border here.

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