Here’s a development that flew under the radar, yet marks a significant shift in European travel policy. The European Union has officially prohibited travel agencies in member countries from organizing both group and individual trips to Russia.
Fines and Even Prison Time
Three years after the war in Ukraine began, and as part of the latest round of sanctions against Russia implemented last October, the EU decided to ban all travel agencies registered within its territory from offering trips to the country. Contrary to what you might think, tourism to the Russian Federation continues, including visitors from European countries.
While EU citizens traveling to Russia aren’t exactly numerous and the measure may seem largely symbolic, travel professionals would be wise to comply. Starting next month, agencies and their managers who fail to follow the new rules face hefty fines and even prison sentences.
What’s Happening with Tourism in Russia?
As you might expect, the war in Ukraine has significantly impacted Russian tourism. From nearly 25 million foreign visitors before COVID and the conflict, the country now sees around one million annual visitors – though this figure is difficult to verify.
It’s a spectacular drop, easily explained by the context and Western governments’ strong advisories against travel to Russia. However, not all countries have imposed sanctions on Russia, which is why Chinese, Iranian, Turkish, Indian, and Gulf state nationals still visit in significant numbers. Moscow has seized this opportunity by substantially easing entry requirements for these nationalities and others, implementing an e-Visa system for 64 countries.
As for Europeans, a few thousand still travel to Russia annually for tourism, with Germans leading the pack – reportedly over 15,000 applied for visas last year. Most of these trips are organized individually, though some agencies – particularly Bulgarian and Italian ones now targeted by the European Commission – still offer Russia as a destination.
The Bottom Line
While Europeans can technically no longer book through a travel agency, it’s not officially illegal for them to travel to Russia. But it comes with serious risks and challenges: there are no direct flights between Europe and Russia anymore, European Visa and Mastercard bank cards don’t work there (meaning you’ll need to carry cash and exchange it for rubles on arrival), and if problems arise, European consular assistance will likely be minimal at best.
Plenty of good reasons to look elsewhere for your next vacation.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
