Parts of the USSR which foreigners could visit in 1948
by hunmapper
During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Soviet Union had stringent policies regarding foreign citizens’ access to various areas within its borders. These policies were largely driven by security concerns, particularly in the aftermath of World War II and during the early years of the Cold War. Here are some key points regarding the Soviet Union’s policies on foreign citizens’ access during the 1947-1953 period:
Restricted Access to Sensitive Areas: The Soviet Union tightly controlled access to certain regions deemed strategically sensitive or militarily significant, such as border areas, military installations, and areas with industrial or scientific importance. Foreigners were typically prohibited from visiting these areas without special permission.
Closed Cities: The Soviet Union established numerous closed cities (закрытые города) or secret cities (секретные города) throughout the country, which were off-limits to foreign citizens and even many Soviet citizens. These cities were often associated with sensitive military or research facilities, such as nuclear research centers or weapons manufacturing plants.
Visa Requirements and Travel Restrictions: Foreign citizens wishing to visit the Soviet Union during this period were generally required to obtain a visa and adhere to strict travel regulations. The Soviet government closely monitored the movements of foreign visitors and restricted their access to certain regions deemed off-limits.
Propaganda Tours: Despite the restrictions on travel, the Soviet government occasionally organized guided tours for foreign delegations or individuals, primarily for propaganda purposes. These tours were carefully orchestrated to showcase the Soviet Union’s achievements and to convey a positive image of the country to foreign visitors.