British Consulate General Ekaterinburg

The British Consulate General in Ekaterinburg serves British nationals across Russia's Urals region, Siberia, and the Far East, operating at minimal capacity under the severe constraints affecting UK-Russia bilateral relations. Located on Gogol Street in central Ekaterinburg—Russia's fourth-largest city and industrial center of the Urals—the consulate maintains limited consular services for British nationals in a vast geographic area spanning from the Ural Mountains eastward to the Pacific Ocean. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to Russia, with this guidance applying equally to Ekaterinburg and regions within the consulate's jurisdiction. British nationals in the Urals, Siberia, and Far East face the same risks as those in other parts of Russia including arbitrary detention, unpredictable legal enforcement, limited consular assistance capabilities, and financial transaction restrictions due to sanctions. The consulate's jurisdiction includes Sverdlovsk Oblast, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Perm Krai, Kurgan Oblast, the Republics of Bashkortostan and Udmurtia, and extends to more distant regions including major Siberian cities and the Russian Far East. Operating with significantly reduced staffing compared to normal diplomatic operations, the consulate focuses on emergency consular assistance for British nationals while most routine services have been suspended or severely restricted. Ekaterinburg's position as a major industrial and transport hub gives it strategic importance, though UK commercial engagement has effectively ceased due to sanctions and bilateral tensions. British nationals in the consulate's jurisdiction face particular challenges given distances from Moscow, limited international connectivity, and remoteness from most accessible departure points from Russia. The consulate coordinates with the British Embassy Moscow on complex consular cases while maintaining direct contact with regional Russian authorities on matters affecting British nationals. Emergency assistance capabilities are constrained by the same factors limiting the Moscow embassy's operations, with additional challenges posed by geographic distances and limited transportation infrastructure. British nationals requiring consular assistance should maintain realistic expectations about support capabilities given current operational environment, prepare contingency plans for emergency situations, and maintain regular communication with family members outside Russia.

The consulate provides emergency consular assistance to British nationals in the Urals, Siberia, and Far East through appointment-based services and coordination with the British Embassy Moscow for complex cases. The 24/7 emergency telephone line (+7 495 956 7200) connects to the Moscow embassy, which coordinates emergency response for British nationals throughout Russia including the consulate's jurisdiction. British nationals arrested or detained in regions covered by the consulate can request consular visits, though access depends on Russian authorities' cooperation and may be delayed given distances and limited consulate staffing. The consulate can provide lists of lawyers practicing in Ekaterinburg and major regional cities, though securing English-speaking legal representation may be extremely difficult outside major urban centers. Most routine consular services including standard notarial functions have been suspended, with emergency services prioritized given limited operational capacity. Passport services are restricted to emergency travel document issuance for British nationals requiring urgent documentation to leave Russia. Financial assistance to destitute British nationals is severely constrained by sanctions limiting international transfers, making it essential that British nationals maintain adequate funds through non-sanctioned channels. Birth and death registration for events occurring in the consulate's jurisdiction may face delays and complications due to Russian administrative requirements and current bilateral tensions. British nationals in remote areas of Siberia and the Far East should recognize that consular assistance may be extremely limited given distances, transportation challenges, and operational constraints.

UK-Russia investment in the Urals, Siberia, and Far East has ceased entirely, with British companies having exited previous investments in regional industrial enterprises, natural resources projects, and service sector operations. The consulate cannot provide investment support or business facilitation given comprehensive sanctions, extreme legal risks, and absence of normal diplomatic engagement on commercial matters.

Cultural and educational cooperation in the Urals and Siberian regions has ceased, with the British Council having closed operations throughout Russia including any activities in Ekaterinburg. British curriculum schools previously operating in Ekaterinburg have closed or transferred to different management. Exchange programs between British universities and regional Russian institutions including Ural Federal University have been suspended. Academic research collaboration involving British researchers and regional Russian institutions has halted across most fields.

All access to the consulate is strictly by appointment only. British nationals requiring consular assistance should contact the consulate through the online contact form at https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/russia/british-consulate-general-ekaterinburg or call the 24/7 emergency line at +7 495 956 7200 which connects to the Moscow embassy. Appointment availability is limited due to reduced staffing. Visitors must bring valid photographic identification and all relevant supporting documentation.