Vacations without sanctions: who will shelter tourists from Russia?

Russian citizens have recently lost the opportunity to spend vacation in a significant number of foreign countries.  More than 30 routes for traveling to Europe have actually been closed due to the cancellation of flights.  Someone had to cancel a business trip, and for someone the planned vacation turned out to be unavailable.  Where can residents of Russia spend their vacations now?

According to the representatives of leading tour operators, Turkey, Egypt, the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates lead the top sales among tourists from Russia.  Travel agencies offer Russians to go to Vietnam, the Seychelles, Morocco and even the Caribbean.  However, the latter, according to Rostourism, should not be considered temporarily, since the route to them is becoming more and more difficult.

Turkey, according to experts, continues to be the most attractive for Russians as a vacation spot or transport hub.

You can still fly from Moscow with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus, which fly over the territory of the EU countries, bypassing Ukraine and Belarus.  Considering that you can stay in the country for 60 days without a visa, and Turkey recognizes the Sputnik V vaccination certificate for entry, the direction remains a priority for Russians.

The countries of the Muslim world remain relatively open to Russian citizens.  Egypt can be reached from the capital by EgyptAir aircraft in more than 5 hours - the visa may be received at the airport for $25.  The country recognized vaccination with Sputnik V, therefore, as in the case of Turkey, a rapid antibody test (no later than 24 hours) or a PCR test (no more than 72 hours) will be enough for entry.  But the certificate must be presented in English or Arabic.

The similar situation is emerging with respect to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.  In all these countries, the Russian vaccine has received recognition.  A visa, as a rule, can be obtained upon arrival (in the UAE for free) or it is not required at all (in Qatar and Morocco).

In Qatar, you will be required to undergo a five-day quarantine in a hotel room, and then pass an antigen test.

Among European countries, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina remain accessible to Russians.  Belgrade remains the only city for a direct flight from Moscow.  A visa for staying up to 30 days is not needed, but a PCR test no older than 48 hours will be required.  AirSerbia remains the main carrier, in some cases you can fly not directly, but through Turkey.

Israel, Morocco (visa-free regime) and Bahrain (no coronavirus restrictions) remain open for visits.  The road to Tel Aviv by a direct flight of El Al airline from the Russian capital will take just over 5 hours.  Before or immediately after arrival in Israel, you will need to pass a serological test for antibodies confirming vaccination.

Asian countries open to Russians include Sri Lanka (which has canceled PCR testing for those who have been vaccinated since March 3), Vietnam, India and Thailand.

Indonesia and China are restoring flights from March 14.  However, according to experts, travel to these countries is impossible for many due to high prices, specific requirements and conditions for entry.  A similar situation, but with even higher prices for transportation, is observed with the countries of Latin America.

There are opportunities to spend vacations in the CIS countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.  Perhaps in the near future the number of flights to these destinations will be increased.  Armenia Airlines flies from Moscow to Yerevan, while AzAl flights can still reach Baku.  But the Kazakh carrier Air Astana has suspended flights to Russia for the time being, citing problems with insurance coverage.