In the first 6 months of the year, nearly 190,000 visitors came to Russia for tourism purposes, an increase of 130% compared to 81,500 in the same period in 2022.
Figures released by the Border Service of the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) in early August showed that 187,800 international visitors came to Russia in the first 6 months of the year, an increase of 130% compared to 81,500 in the same period in 2022. The increase mainly occurred in the second quarter with more than 120,000 arrivals.
However, this number is still considered "significantly lower" than before the pandemic. In the same period in 2019, Russia welcomed nearly two million visitors, nearly 17 times higher than the same period this year.
Chinese tourists take photos with selfie sticks in St Petersburg. Photo: AP
China was the largest market sending visitors to Russia in the first 6 months of the year with more than 32,000 arrivals, compared to nearly 600,000 in the same period before the pandemic. Turkey was the second largest market sending visitors with nearly 21,000 arrivals, followed by Germany, Turkmenistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Poland, Kyrgyzstan, India, and the UAE.
According to assessments from travel agencies in Russia, among the above countries, India and the UAE are two markets with "potential to attract tourists". According to travel agencies, currently most foreign visitors to Russia are for work purposes, the number of pure tourists is assessed as "still low", only one-tenth of the number before the pandemic.
From August 1, Russia has applied electronic visa (e-visa), simplifying entry for citizens of 55 countries, including Vietnam. To apply for a visa, Vietnamese citizens can use the electronic application form on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. E-visa allows Vietnamese citizens to enter Russia once, stay as tourists, businessmen or participate in scientific, cultural, political and social events.
Anh Minh (According to AK&M )
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