Tourists to Russia increase

In the first six months of the year, nearly 190,000 tourists visited Russia , a 130% increase compared to 81,500 in the same period of 2022.

According to figures released by the Border Guard Service of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in early August, 187,800 international visitors arrived in Russia in the first six months of the year, a 130% increase compared to 81,500 in the same period of 2022. The increase was mainly concentrated in the second quarter, with over 120,000 visitors.

Nevertheless, this figure is still considered "significantly lower" than before the pandemic. In the same period of 2019, Russia welcomed nearly two million tourists, almost 17 times more than in the same period this year.

Chinese tourists take photos with selfie sticks in St. Petersburg. Photo: AP

China was the largest source market for tourists to Russia in the first six months of the year with over 32,000 arrivals, compared to nearly 600,000 in the same period before the pandemic. Türkiye was the second largest source market with nearly 21,000 arrivals, followed by Germany, Turkmenistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Poland, Kyrgyzstan, India, and the UAE.

According to assessments from travel companies in Russia, among the aforementioned countries, India and the UAE are two markets with "potential to attract tourists". These travel companies also note that currently, the majority of foreign visitors to Russia are for business purposes, with the number of pure tourists considered "still low," only about one-tenth of what it was before the pandemic.

From August 1st, Russia implemented an electronic visa (e-visa) system, simplifying entry for citizens of 55 countries, including Vietnam. To apply for a visa, Vietnamese citizens can use the electronic application form available on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The e-visa allows Vietnamese citizens to enter Russia once, staying as tourists, businesspeople, or to participate in scientific, cultural, political , or social events.

(By Anh Minh , according to AK&M )

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