Russia is currently in talks to establish visa-free travel with Malaysia, Bahrain and Kuwait, alongside plans to introduce group visa waivers for travelers from India and Vietnam. These details were disclosed in documents prepared for a strategic session on the development of foreign economic activity.
"As part of our evolving visa policy, entry requirements were lifted last year for citizens of China, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Jordan," the document stated. "Negotiations are now underway for full visa-free regimes with Malaysia, Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as group visa-free travel agreements with India and Vietnam."
The strategic update also highlighted significant progress in aviation, noting the launch of direct flights to Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, as well as an expansion of routes to Vietnam. While direct connections now span over 40 destinations, the report emphasized that substantial untapped potential remains in strengthening air ties with India.
"The objective is to increase inbound tourism to 16 million visitors by 2030, in line with the targets set by the President," the materials noted. "Partner countries are selected based on their outbound tourism potential and average traveler spending. We are currently on track to meet these goals, as evidenced by a 12% increase in tourist flow last year. The primary growth is expected to come from China, India, the Gulf States and Southeast Asia."
The Ministry of Economic Development is currently spearheading the promotion of Russia’s brand in foreign markets. Officials noted that developing a high-quality tourism product requires the active participation of Russia’s regions. Additionally, the government is working with financial and logistics partners to address secondary challenges, such as expanding payment options for foreign tourists and improving travel infrastructure.
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Based on materials from TASS