The Government of Canada is urging residents not to travel to Russia as the conflict in Ukraine continues. A message on the government’s website warns any Canadians still in Russia to exit the country, siting limited flight options are available and restrictions on financial transactions with Mastercard and Visa shutting down their services in the country.

Mastercard and Visa have blocked a number of Russian financial institutions from their networks. Last year, approximately four per cent of Mastercard’s net revenue was from business conducted within, into or out of Russia, according to CTV News.

The New York Times says the suspensions announced on Saturday night will prevent Mastercard and Visa cards issued by Russian financial institutions from working in other countries along with blocking people with cards elsewhere to purchase items and services from Russian companies. Credit and debit cards sporting a Mastercard or Visa logo issued by a Russian bank will continue to work inside that country as transactions are handled by a local processor.

Mastercard has operated in Russia for more than a quarter century and the company issued a statement saying “As we take this step, we join with so many others in hoping for and committing to a more positive, productive and peaceful future for us all.”

Visa’s statement said they plan to “cease” all Visa transactions in Russia within the coming days.

The moves by Visa and Mastercard are in response to Russia’s on-going invasion of Ukraine.