It is Federal Security Bureau and you need a FSB Permit to visit certain parts of Russia; here is an article I found on Chukotka:
http://in.rbth.com/arts/travel/2013/05/27/chukotka_offers_a_new_frontier_for_adventurers_25387.htmlYet another Russian news report; this one translates better.
Liner passengers banned from Alaska to disembark in Chukotka
text: / Infox.ru published July 29 4:22 '14
Source: fotobank.ru
More than 60 foreign tourists arriving in Chukotka on a cruise ship from Alaska, could not go ashore because this route has not been agreed.
As reported by RIA Novosti on Tuesday, chairman of the Sports and Tourism Regional Government Irina Ryabukhina, situation due to misunderstanding on the part of the Federal Tourism Agency. "In November last year, the cruise company has sent a request for information on the resolution of a given route Rosturizm. In February, the Russian government adopted a decree on the resolution of these cruises, which implies a settlement of the cruise program. However, on May 13 Rosturizm receives a document that does not recommend cruises. Based on this document comes FSB letter, which says that the passage of the ship is not allowed "- said Ryabukhina.
She noted that the Chukotka Governor Roman Kopin sent telegrams to Rosturizm and power structures. The ship was on the wharf about 13.00 to 20.00 local time on July 28. All this time, 63 foreign tourists were not allowed to go ashore. 20.00 After the vessel has received permission to retreat and came out of the borders of Russia.
According to RIA Novosti regional FSB Border Guard, July 25 against department received information about the inconsistency of the route of foreign cruise liner with Rosturizm. "The Host - local cruise company - was promptly informed that the gathering of tourists to the territory of Chukotka Autonomous Area is not allowed. However, on July 28 in Providence Bay liner went. And though pogranrezhima violations have been identified, but due to lack of permission of stay on the territory of Russian tourists ashore was banned, "- said the agency interlocutor.
He added that on July 31 in Chukotka will approach another cruise liner foreign Hanseatic, route which is also not consistent. "Accordingly, the situation is repeated. A ship may be in the territorial waters of the Russian Federation, in particular, off the coast of Chukotka, but foreign tourists stay with this cruise is not allowed. In this pre-cruise company notified of this situation. In addition, in August and September will approach liners Pacific Venus (Japan) and El Astral (France). Rosturizm also confirms their route, and the FSB will not allow tourists staying here "- said the agency interlocutor.
With Hanseatic, Silver Discoverer, and Silver Explorer all having multiple visit to Chukotka planned, I am surprised haven't seen reports in US press. In fact, kind of amused that we have a long thread here and nary a whisper on CC.
I think I need to look at German press, Hanseatic's next trip is round trip to Wrangel Island; would be kind of bad if the main point of the trips gets cancelled. The trip after that is a Northeast Passage trip; definitely need to get it fixed before then.
