The Russian Ministry of Economic Development has reported that over 500,000 foreigners visited Russia this summer using electronic visas and group visa-free programs. This includes a significant increase in tourists from Asia and the Middle East. The influx of Chinese tourists has also shown a positive trend.
Overall, the number of organized inbound tourist trips to Russia has tripled this summer. According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), this surge is linked to the introduction of electronic visas and group visa-free programs. Additionally, improved transport accessibility has contributed to this growth, with 20 new international flights launched for the summer season.
The Ministry of Economic Development noted that the conditions for entry into the country will continue to improve.Negotiations are underway to launch flights and potentially waive visa requirements with Saudi Arabia. The government also plans to simplify the process of obtaining electronic visas and group visa-free tourist permits.
A significant trend in inbound tourism this year has been the growth of individual tours. A substantial portion of foreign tourists, especially from Arab countries, are visiting Russia independently. They often travel in pairs, families, or groups of friends.
"According to aggregated estimates from the ATOR analytical service, the top countries of origin for tourists visiting Russia in summer 2024 are led by China: on average, 60-65% of organized tourists come from China. The UAE and other Arab countries of the Persian Gulf (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) account for about 15-20%, India and Iran for 5-7% on average, and Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam) for about 5-6% collectively," the report states.
The press service reported that about 90% of foreign tourists arriving in Russia by air land in Moscow. Of these, about 20-30% also visit St. Petersburg. Murmansk, Sochi, and Kazan are also popular destinations for foreign tourists. Almost half of the organized group tourists from China travel to Primorsky Krai, often by land across the border and to a lesser extent by air.
