Visa-free resort countries for Russians. Visa on arrival for Russians
To obtain a visa, it is not enough to simply meet strict requirements. Applicants must prepare a hefty package of certificates and certificates, as well as pay substantial consular fees. These difficulties make crossing the border inaccessible to many residents of the Russian Federation. Most countries in Europe, America and Asia require a visa when entering their territory. But many states treat Russians more friendly.
In this article we will tell you about the ten most attractive places where you can go without a visa in 2017. Until recently popular tourist destinations there were Egypt and Türkiye. However, direct flights to these countries are now prohibited. Meanwhile, the holiday season is approaching, and Russian tourists are already looking for an alternative to the beaches of Antalya and Sharm el-Sheikh.
1st place: Morocco
The azure waters and hot beaches of Morocco attract tourists from all over the world!Main resorts: Agadir, Marrakech, Essaouira, Casablanca, Fet.
Flight time from Moscow: 6 hours.
Morocco is a country where Arabic flavor is intertwined with European comfort. The kingdom compares favorably with other North African resorts due to its political stability, mild climate and unobtrusiveness local residents. Morocco for a long time was a colony of Spain and France. This significantly affected the culture of the country and the mentality of its inhabitants, bringing them closer to the standards of the European part of the world.
For relaxation on comfortable beaches and first-class surfing waves, feel free to go to Agadir. The achievements of Moroccan architecture can be seen in the old quarters of Casablanca. You can feel the spirit of a bustling Arab city in ancient Marrakech. And not far from it are located - what is there in this country!
Wherever you go, the exotic culture of North Africa is palpable at every turn. Be sure to soak in a traditional local bath (hamam) and taste Moroccan mint tea. You can stay in Morocco without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. To cross the border, you need to have return tickets with you and fill out a migration card upon arrival.
2nd place: Thailand
Main resorts: Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui, Bangkok, Krabi.
Flight time from Moscow: 16 hours.
Thailand boasts hot summers and the highest level service Have you long dreamed of lying on tropical beach, have a blast at a noisy disco or find the path to enlightenment in a Buddhist temple? For all this, travelers go to Thailand. In addition to national calling cards like Thai massage or the notorious sex tourism, this Asian country attracts guests with magnificent landscapes and thousand-year-old architecture.
Leading resorts in Thailand - the tropical corner of Phuket, designed for family vacation Samui and fabulous Krabi, where beach relaxation is combined with forays into the mountains and caves. However, the specialization of each region is very conditional. Any self-respecting Thai resort will offer you a lot various services and entertainment.
The country's capital, Bangkok, is a bustling metropolis where entertainment never stops. IN different areas countries swimming season lasts for different time. So, check the weather forecast at your chosen resort in advance and get the necessary vaccinations. For tourism purposes, you can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days.
3rd place: Tunisia
Main resorts: Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said.
Flight time from Moscow: 4 hours.
Tunisia is a godsend for lovers of lazy beach holidays Tunisia is another North African tourism magnet. Like neighboring states, it attracts mainly lovers of a relaxing beach holiday. The specialty of local resorts is thalassotherapy. This branch of alternative medicine uses the properties of the marine climate, water and algae as medicine.
Thalassotherapy in Tunisia treats stress, circulatory diseases, rheumatism and dozens of other diseases. But for most clients, these treatments are a pleasant way to relax. In addition, Tunisia has a solid historical heritage. Everyone can visit the ruins of Carthage - ancient city northern Africa, which was founded before Rome.
Sidi Bou Said is another tourist gem of the country. In this seaside town, all the buildings are painted in two colors, snow-white and azure blue, which turns each of its streets into an amazing picture. And those who are not afraid of the heat and long journeys can book a tour of the Sahara. Russians can stay in Tunisia without a visa for no more than 14 days.
4th place: Israel
Main resorts: Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Herzliya, Caesarea, Eilat.
Flight time from Moscow: 4 hours.
In Israel you can swim in the Red, Mediterranean and Dead Seas at once! The homeland of the Jewish people attracts pilgrims, connoisseurs of beach holidays and admirers of wellness treatments with equal force. The tiny territory of the state is washed by several seas at once. You can swim in the salty Dead Sea only for an hour a day - for health purposes. It is not surprising that the cities adjacent to the reservoir are famous for their spa centers.
The Red Sea coast attracts lovers water sports, and go to Mediterranean resorts for parties and relaxation on golden sand. Of course, guests of Israel can see Christian shrines with their own eyes: Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Jordan River. Russian tourists have 90 days to combine all the “pleasures” in one trip.
5th place: Dominican Republic
Main resorts: Boca Chica, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, Juan Dolio.
Flight time from Moscow: 13 hours.
Dominican Republic - paradise from a postcard that everyone wants to see If you dream of swimming in azure waters and relaxing in the shade of spreading palm trees, feel free to go to the Dominican Republic. This piece of paradise delights with natural beauty, colorful carnivals and good service. Holiday bonuses at the resorts of the Republic include meeting the inhabitants of coral reefs, fishing and windsurfing.
The main historical attraction of the country is the city of Santo Domingo. The capital of the state was built back in the 15th century and is a vibrant mixture of different architectural styles. The period of visa-free stay for residents of the Russian Federation in the Dominican Republic is 30 days.
6th place: Brazil
Main resorts: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Recife, Salvador, Brasilia.
Flight time from Moscow: 18 hours
Brazil is good not only for sea holiday, but also active tourism Enchanting carnivals are not the only thing that attracts tourists to this country. Brazil is ideal for quality seaside holidays. Copacabana, a four-kilometer strip of sand along the ocean coast, holds the status of the country's main beach. Concentrated here best hotels, bars and clubs of the state. Less steep prices for beach holidays are offered in regions such as Sao Paulo, Recife and Salvador.
The largest city in the country, Rio de Janeiro, attracts tourists with luxurious views and the opportunity to view the modern wonder of the world - the statue of Christ the Savior. Do you want to conquer the Amazon jungle? Go to national park Iguazu: the tropical landscapes here will take your breath away! You can travel around Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days.
7th place: Montenegro
Main resorts: Bar, Budva, Kotor, Podgorica, Petrovac.
Flight time from Moscow: 4 hours.
Montenegro - paradise with clean beaches and delicious seafood Montenegro - corner Adriatic coast with an unusual name for us and an original Slavic flavor. A clear advantage of Montenegro remains affordable prices. Rest on uncrowded beach guests of the country combine with a vibrant excursion program. You can stay in Montenegro without a visa for 30 days.
On the territory of the country there are the medieval cities of Budva and Kotor, the picturesque Skadar Lake park, and the majestic canyons of rivers, primarily the Tara. This makes the resorts of Montenegro an excellent option for a leisurely and budget vacation with the family.
8th place: Malaysia
Main resorts: Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Sipadan.
Flight time from Moscow: 10 hours.
In Malaysia you will find azure waters and fantastic landscapes Unlike India or Thailand, this country remains a real eastern mystery for Russians. And there's a reason for that. The popularity of Malay resorts did not prevent their residents from keeping the traditions of their ancestors unchanged, and the standards of tourist service are very high. Malaysia is replete with beautiful beaches, stunning nature and ancient Buddhist temples. You can stay here for no more than 30 days without a visa.
9th place: Cuba
Main resorts: Havana, Varadero, Holguin, Santa Maria del Mar.
Flight time from Moscow: 12 hours.
Cuban beaches are open for lovers of active sea recreation Incredible seascapes, the beauty of the Caribbean depths, well-groomed beaches and luxury hotels... All this and much more can be seen on Liberty Island. But we should not forget that Cuba is a socialist republic, where Fidel Castro and Che Guevara are still revered. You are allowed to vacation in the country without a visa for one month. But even a week in this country will immerse you in the special atmosphere of life of friendly and lively islanders.
10th place: Peru
Main resorts: Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Chiclayo, Iquitos.
Flight time from Moscow: 16 hours.
The mountain sights of Peru are much more interesting than the coast Mysterious Peru - the cradle prehistoric civilizations and unimaginable flora and fauna. Among the historical riches of the region, it is worth highlighting the high-mountain temples of Machu Picchu, the bastions of Cusco and the mystical paintings on the surface of the Nazca desert. Acquaintance with the nature of Peru includes a visit to Lake Titicaca and numerous national parks. Russians are given 90 days to do everything.
Complete list of visa-free countries for Russian citizens
- Abkhazia (90 days, entry with a general passport)
- Azerbaijan (90 days)
- Albania (90 days; V this moment a visa is required, but the issue of its cancellation for the summer of 2017 is already under consideration)
- Antigua and Barbuda (30 days)
- Argentina (90 days)
- Armenia
- Aruba (14 days)
- Bahamas(90 days)
- Barbados (28 days)
- Belarus (entry with a general passport)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (30 days)
- Botswana (90 days)
- Brazil (90 days)
- Venezuela (90 days)
- Vanuatu (30 days)
- Vietnam (15 days, for a longer period a temporary visa can be issued via the Internet)
- Guyana (90 days)
- Guatemala (90 days)
- Honduras (90 days)
- Hong Kong (14 days)
- Grenada (90 days)
- Georgia
- Guam (up to 45 days)
- Dominica (21 days)
- Dominican Republic(30 days, required tourist map, purchased at the airport for $10)
- Israel (90 days)
- Indonesia (30 days)
- Kazakhstan (entry with a general passport)
- Kyrgyzstan (entry with a general passport)
- Colombia (90 days)
- Costa Rica (30 days)
- Cuba (30 days)
- Laos (15 days)
- Mauritius (60 days)
- Macau (30 days)
- Macedonia (90 days; from March 15, 2016, a voucher is required)
- Malaysia (30 days)
- Maldives (30 days)
- Morocco (90 days)
- Micronesia (30 days)
- Moldova
- Namibia (90 days)
- Nauru (there is a $25 fee when leaving the country)
- Nicaragua (90 days)
- Niue (30 days)
- Cook Islands (31 days)
- Panama (90 days)
- Paraguay (90 days)
- Peru (90 days)
- El Salvador (90 days)
- Samoa (30 days)
- Swaziland (1 month)
- Northern Mariana Islands(45 days)
- Northern Cyprus
- Seychelles(30 days)
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (up to 1 month)
- Saint Kitts and Nevis (up to 3 months, travel voucher required)
- Saint Lucia (up to 2 months)
- Serbia (30 days)
- Tajikistan (entry with a general passport)
- Thailand (30 days)
- Trinidad and Tobago (90 days)
- Tunisia (14 days)
- Uzbekistan
- Ukraine (90 days in a 180-day period, according to a general passport)
- Uruguay (90 days in a 180 day period)
- Fiji (4 months)
- Philippines (30 days)
- Montenegro (1 month)
- Chile (90 days)
- Ecuador (90 days)
- South Korea (60 days)
- Jamaica (30 days)
Countries that issue visas at the border
- Bangladesh (15 days)
- Bahrain (14 days, hotel reservation required, extension possible up to 1 month)
- Belize (up to 30 days)
- East Timor (30 days, extension possible for additional fee)
- Gabon (up to 3 months)
- Ghana (up to 90 days, subject to certain conditions and vaccination against yellow fever)
- Djibouti (1 month)
- Egypt (30 days, free "Sinai stamp" - 15 days), direct flights are currently suspended
- Zambia (90 days)
- Zimbabwe (90 days)
- Jordan (30 days)
- Iraq (14 days, visa permission required from the Kurdistan Foreign Ministry)
- Iran (30 days)
- Cape Verde (30 days)
- Cambodia (1 month)
- Comoros (2 weeks)
- Kuwait (1 month subject to certain conditions)
- Lebanon (1 month)
- Madagascar (90 days)
- Myanmar (with eVisa, up to 28 days)
- Nepal (15 to 90 days)
- Palau (30 days)
- Pitcairn (up to 14 days; subject to certain conditions)
- Sao Tome and Principe (subject to visa permission and fulfillment of a number of conditions)
- Saint Helena Island (90 days)
- Senegal (with online pre-registration)
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (up to 30 days)
- Syria (up to 15 days; under certain conditions for women)
- Tanzania (90 days)
- Togo (7 days)
- Tonga (31 days)
- Tuvalu (1 month)
- Turkmenistan (under certain conditions; 10 days)
- Uganda (requires permission obtained online)
- Central African Republic (7 days)
- Eritrea (1 month with visa permission of the host country)
- Ethiopia (30 days, Addis Ababa airport only)
Countries with simplified visa processing
- Bahrain (visa online possible)
- India (visa permit obtained online required)
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana (90 days during half a year)
- Kenya (visa permit obtained online required)
- Cyprus (visa online possible)
- Kuwait
- Mexico (visa online possible)
- Montserrat (visa applied online)
- Myanmar (visa is issued online)
- Rwanda (visa permit obtained online required)
- Niger
- Singapore (visa is issued online)
- Sri Lanka (visa is issued online)
Up close holiday season In 2019, many citizens are thinking about where to go on vacation. The most attractive thing for many is a seaside holiday. There are a huge number of offers, however, many vacationers choose. In the article we will find out where to go to the sea without a visa and what papers you need to collect.
In 2019, countries whose governments have entered into an agreement with the Russian Federation on visa-free entry are especially attractive to Russians because:
- Saving personal time. To obtain an entry permit, you need to collect a package of papers, submit an application to the embassy or visa center, and wait for a decision. Tourists who travel to visa-free countries avoid having to waste time on this.
- Saving money. Visa application requires payment of consular and service fees(in case of submitting papers through a visa center).
If a visa is not needed, a tourist can buy last-minute tours, the price of which is much lower.
10 best holiday options
For Russians in 2019 wide choose. Seventy-one countries are ready to accept residents of the Russian Federation without special permission. Among the most popular countries, which provide the opportunity to relax by the sea:
- Israel.
- Morocco.
- South Korea.
- Maldives.
- Cyprus.
- Montenegro.
- Abkhazia.
- Madagascar.
- Thailand.
- Vietnam.
Israel
The top 10 best offers for 2019 are headed by Israel. Beach holiday can be spent on the shores of the Mediterranean, Red or Dead Sea. Whoever decides where to go chooses Israel, since not only the sea attracts tourists, but also rich culture, attractions, places of pilgrimage.
This is what border stamps look like upon arrival
In 2019, citizens of the Russian Federation can spend up to 90 days in Israel without a visa during each six months.
Due to Israel's difficult relations with some countries, the border control service is particularly attentive to checking the papers of citizens whose passports contain notes about visiting Iran, Libya, Syria, Lebanon and other Arab countries.
What papers are needed?
To enter, you must have a foreign passport with you, which expires no earlier than six months later. Also take with you:
- Tickets that confirm the intention to leave Israel within 90 days.
- Confirmation of a hotel room reservation if a Russian citizen enters the country for tourism purposes.
- An invitation if a citizen of the Russian Federation is traveling to relatives, friends or on a business trip.
- A letter from a medical clinic, if the purpose of entry is treatment.
- Medical insurance policy.
- A certificate that confirms solvency (certificate of income, account statement, certificate of employment).
Sample health insurance policy
Vacation with children
A medical insurance policy is issued for each child. If a child is traveling with one of the parents or with a third party, permission to travel abroad is required.
Morocco
Citizens of the Russian Federation can stay in Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days. Favorite resorts of Russians in Morocco are Essaouira and Agadir. They are located on the shores of the Atlantic. According to experts, Morocco will become an alternative to Egypt.
The country's hoteliers are ready to reduce prices for Russians. In the spring of 2019, new proposals will be presented at the MITT exhibition. Large Russian tour operators will send charter flights.
The tourist destination contributes 12% of Morocco's GDP. The government of the country cares about security and comfortable rest tourists.
What papers are needed?
You do not need a visa to visit the country. To pass border control, prepare:
- International passport.
- Migration card.
The card must be filled out before going through border control. It is often given out on the plane. Flight attendants help with filling out if questions arise. Enter personal information using a pen with blue or black ink.
A separate migration card is filled out for each family member, including children if they have passports.
Vacation with children
Children do not need a visa to visit the country. If a child is traveling with one of the parents, then it is required, which will be notarized or a certificate of his absence (death certificate, certificate of deprivation of parental rights).
If a child is traveling with a third party, then permission to travel is required from both parents.
South Korea
Korean border stamps
This country is a top 10 destination and is a great option for those who love new things.
South Korea, washed by three seas (Yellow, East China, Japan), offers relaxation to those who love the sea and the sun.
Residents of the Russian Federation are allowed to enjoy the sea and admire the beauty of the country without opening a visa for 60 days.
What papers are needed?
When passing border control you must present:
- International passport.
- Return tickets or tickets to another country.
- Paper that confirms the presence Money for a stay in South Korea(voucher from the tour operator, confirmation of hotel reservation).
- Completed migration card.
- Completed customs declaration.
Sample of filling out a migration card
Maldives
Vacations will provide an opportunity not only to enjoy the sea, but also to study it undersea world, visit secluded beaches with untouched nature.
Entry permits for Russians at Male Airport are issued free of charge. Its validity period is 30 days. There is a $25 fee upon departure. Travel companies include it in the price of the trip.
What papers are needed?
Maldives border stamps
For a visa-free visit you will need:
- A foreign passport, the validity of which expires no earlier than 3 months after entering the territory of the islands.
- Return ticket with closed departure date.
- Cash (50-100 US dollars for each day of stay).
- Voucher for a tourist package.
Vacation with children
Children under the age of 14 can travel using their own passport or their parents’ passport. If the child included in the parent’s passport is over 6 years old, his photograph is pasted into the document.
Cyprus
Cyprus is deservedly included in the top 10 best countries for relax. The most beautiful beaches are located next to ruins that have a thousand-year history.
Sample Pro-Visa
Russian citizens need to obtain a pro-visa, which allows them to obtain a visa on arrival. Receive it online within 1 day.
What papers are needed?
- International passport.
- Pro-visa. It entitles you to obtain a single entry permit upon arrival. Conditions: arrival to the islands directly from the Russian Federation through airports in Paphos and Larnaca.
Holidays with a child
You can apply for a pro-visa via the Internet for a child if he has his own foreign passport.
Montenegro
Beach holidays in Montenegro are good from June to October. For Russians who plan to spend less than a month in the country, an entry permit is not required.
What papers are needed?
To enter the country you need:
- International passport.
- Tourist voucher or invitation.
- Return ticket (if tourists travel independently).
- Employment agreement for persons making a business visit.
Abkhazia
Holidays in Abkhazia will be cheap and will be remembered for the beauty of nature and local flavor.
What papers are needed?
Residents of Russia do not need permission to visit Abkhazia. There is also no need for a foreign passport. To get into the country, you need to fly to Adler. From Adler to the border with Abkhazia 10 km.
Madagascar
Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. A holiday there will not leave lovers of everything unusual indifferent. The rare flora and fauna will amaze with their beauty.
Russian citizens have the right to stay on the island for 30 days with a free visa on arrival.
What papers are needed?
In order to receive a free visa on arrival, a citizen of the Russian Federation must take with him:
- International passport. Its validity period must cover the entire duration of your stay on the island.
- Printed round trip plane tickets.
Thailand
Holidays in Thailand are in great demand among Russians. One of the reasons is that you do not need to apply for a visa if your stay does not exceed 30 days.
What papers are needed?
To get to Thailand, take with you:
- A foreign passport with 2 blank pages for visa stamps. The validity period of the document must exceed the end of the trip by six months.
- Return ticket.
- 20 thousand baht (the amount can be in any currency) for presentation.
- Migration card. To be filled out in English.
Vietnam
Sample invitation to Vietnam
This is a new destination that is of great interest to tourists. The visa is issued upon arrival for 15 days, no consular fee is charged.
For this option to be possible, it is necessary to obtain permission in advance from the country's Ministry of Public Security.
What papers are needed?
- International passport.
- Return tickets.
- Approval Letter – letter of invitation.
It is important to know
The most popular holiday routes for Russians – Turkey and Egypt – are currently not relevant, since there is a ban on sending tourists to these countries.
RIA Novosti reports that the presidents of the Russian Federation and Egypt held a telephone conversation on March 7, in which the importance of resuming flights between the countries was noted.
Updated!
Every self-respecting traveler always keeps in his head a list of countries where Russians can travel without a visa. In 2019 list of visa-free countries has been replenished, now there are already 76 of them. This makes me happy. This means that sitting in the cold winter Russia, you can suddenly and easily pack a backpack, take a passport and go on a trip somewhere without worrying about visas.
So, let's see where Russian travelers are allowed without a visa. Oddly enough, Russian tourists don’t even suspect the existence of many of these visa-free countries :)
Always check before traveling from official sources, have the rules changed and what additional papers may be asked at the border. These requirements may vary from country to country.
11 countries of the former CIS are our visa-free “neighbors”
In the photo: visa-free countries for Russians - Armenia, Abkhazia, Ukraine, etc.Countries neighboring Russia, which until recently were part of it. This is probably why they are most loyal to Russian tourists. To travel to these countries, you do not need a visa, you only need a foreign passport, and in some even an ordinary internal Russian passport will do.
Visa-free countries CIS, where a foreign passport is needed:
Azerbaijan(up to 90 days)
Armenia(up to 180 days) – adults can enter with internal Russian passports, but children under 14 years old can only enter with a foreign passport or with a parent’s foreign passport, if the child is registered there.
Uzbekistan(up to 60 days)
Moldova
Georgia(360 days)
Ukraine(90 days within a 180 day period)
Tajikistan
Visa-free CIS countries to which you can travel using a general passport:
Abkhazia
Belarus
Kazakhstan(up to 90 days)
Kyrgyzstan
To Europe without a visa – 5 countries
In the photo: visa-free countries of Europe - Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro Unfortunately, there are still few countries in Europe where Russian travelers can safely travel without a visa. Mostly needed. However, there are gradually more and more visa-free countries - now in Europe there are already 5 countries where ours do not need a visa. It’s a pity that Croatia left the list of visa-free countries.
Bosnia and Herzegovina(for tourism up to 30 days)
Macedonia
Serbia(you can stay without a visa for up to 30 days)
(30 days)
(tourists – 60 days)
5 visa-free countries in Latin America
In the photo: visa-free countries of Central America - Honduras, El Salvador... Honduras(90 days)
Salvador(up to 90 days)
Nicaragua(90 days)
Panama(90 days)
Costa Rica(30 days)
South America: 11 countries where you can go without a visa
In the photo: visa-free countries in South America South American countries are the most friendly to Russian tourists. Having a valid passport, you can travel for a long time South America, living without a visa in each country as much as 3 months!
Argentina(90 days within 180 days)
Brazil(90 days)
Venezuela(90 days)
Guyana(90 days)
Guatemala(90 days)
Colombia(90 days)
Paraguay(90 days)
Peru(90 days)
Uruguay(up to 90 days within six months)
(90 days; for the purpose of tourism, transit)
Ecuador(90 days)
Visa-free to the Caribbean islands (14 countries)
In the photo: where to go to the islands without a visa Caribbean Sea
Antigua and Barbuda(1 month)
Bahamas(90 days)
Barbados(28 days)
Haiti(3 months)
Grenada(90 days)
Dominica(21 day)
Dominican Republic(30 days)
Cuba(30 days)
Saint Lucia(up to 6 weeks)
Saint Kitts and Nevis(up to 3 months)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines(up to 1 month)
Trinidad and Tobago(90 days)
Turks and Caicos(90 days)
Jamaica(30 days)
12 visa-free countries in Asia and Southeast Asia
In the photo: visa-free countries in Asia Vietnam(15 days, next visit no earlier than 30 days)
(14 days)
Laos(15 days)
(30 days with return tickets and hotel reservation)
(30 days)
Mongolia(30 days, in total no more than 90 days out of 180)
(1 month)
(30 days)
Taiwan(14 days – experiment until July 31, 2019)
Philippines(30 days)
(30 days, when entering through certain ports, which includes Denpasar, Bali)
(60 days, in total no more than 90 days out of 180)
8 Visa-Free Pacific Island Countries
In the photo: without a visa to exotic islands Pacific Ocean
Vanuatu(30 days)
Guam(45 days)
Micronesia(30 days, return tickets required)
Cook Islands(31 days)
Niue(30 days)
Nauru(14 days)
Fiji(no visa required for stays of less than 4 months!)
Northern Mariana Islands(you can stay in the country for 45 days if you have return tickets)
Visa-free countries in Africa: 9 countries
In the photo: visa-free countries in Africa - Tunisia, Morocco, Botswana.. Botswana(90 days)
Gambia(56 days)
Mauritius(60 days each entry, no more than 90 days in six months)
Morocco(3 months)
Namibia(3 months)
Seychelles(1 month)
Swaziland(1 month)
Tunisia(up to 3 months)
South Africa(90 days)
Visa-free countries in the Middle East
Israel(90 days)
For easy-going tourists, in addition to this list of visa-free countries for Russians, it will be useful to keep on hand - here is a list of countries for which you do not need to obtain a visa in advance, you can simply get it upon entry, at the border.
By the way, if you have a valid US visa, then with it you can travel “visa-free”, for example, to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Belize, Bermuda, Virgin Islands, and also visit the UK in transit (24 hours of transit in each direction).
Also, do not forget that when entering all these visa-free and conditionally visa-free countries, customs may require additional documents in addition to your passport (most often this is a return air ticket or an air ticket to a third country, a hotel reservation, less often an invitation, etc.) - Travelers usually check all this and the latest information on visas on the websites of consulates. And be sure to take it with you travel insurance
Russia is a rich country from a tourist point of view. In our country you can relax under palm trees or high in the mountains, see ancient rock paintings or fields dotted with menhirs. Tourists can expect cities that are unlike any other in the world or, on the contrary, similar to the greatest European capitals(St. Petersburg is very reminiscent of Paris, London, and Amsterdam at the same time). But many tourists believe that only a foreign holiday helps them to completely relax and give truly vivid impressions.
There are 74 countries on our planet that Russians can visit without a visa, of which 6 countries are accessible for visiting with an internal passport. Consider exotic places, such as Brazil or Vanuatu (despite the tourist attractiveness, travel costs will be so high that about budget travel out of the question) we will not consider. But how often do tourists ignore well-known and completely inexpensive countries due to ignorance of all the opportunities and attractions that are offered to travelers there. Let's look at the most interesting of these countries.
Read in this article
Near Abroad
Belarus
The advantages are that Russians can travel here with an internal passport, prices here are lower than ours, there is no language barrier, and attractions, sanatoriums, nature reserves so much that it is enough for several European countries.
There are also some drawbacks: the service here is reminiscent of the times of the USSR, it is not easy to find a restaurant with good cuisine, hotels are not always comfortable enough and there can be problems with wireless Internet. But everything is compensated by the good nature of Belarusians, hospitality and an abundance of interesting opportunities for travelers.
You can find something interesting in every region of Belarus, but it’s better to focus on two: Vitebsk and Grodno.
Vitebsk region
Road: Moscow-Vitebsk - from 45 euros (round trip), journey 9 hours, bus - 22 euros.
Hotels: hostel - from 5 euros, apartments - from 16 euros, 3* hotel - from 34 euros. The most convenient and comfortable accommodation is apartments; there are most offers of this type.
Restaurants: in the historical part of the city there are enough cafes and restaurants; you can eat inexpensively in any establishment, but the dishes are not distinguished by their sophistication. A pleasant exception is the restaurant "Lyamus" with Belarusian national cuisine. Lunch here will cost no more than 10 euros per person, and traditional potato pancakes and sausages taste amazing. A regular lunch in the canteen costs less than 1 euro.
The most interesting:
- In Vitebsk - the historical part of the city, churches, embankment, town hall, house-museum and Chagall art center. The cost of visiting attractions is symbolic;
- In Polotsk - Saint Sophia Cathedral, Museum of Medieval Chivalry, House of Peter I, Euphrosyne Monastery (founded in the 12th century);
- Natural Park "Braslav Lakes" - several recreation centers, excellent water, clean air and excellent service (which is rare for Belarus). Double room in a wooden cottage - from 9 euros/day.
The Grodno region
Road: train from Moscow - from 42 euros one way, travel time 19 hours, bus - from 30 euros one way, journey time - from 9 hours.
Hotels: hostel hotel - from 14 euros for a double room, apartments - from 20 euros, hotel - from 45 euros.
Restaurants: regular lunch in a cafe - from 1.5 euros, dinner in good restaurant- from 5 euros (in the best establishments - from 9 euros). The best establishments in the city: “Dom”, “Basta pasta!”, “Tavern at the pier”.
The most interesting:
- In Grodno - medieval castle, Kalozha Church (10th century), Cathedral St. Francis, Sovetskaya Street (a medieval thoroughfare of the city that has changed little over the past 300 years), a pharmacy-museum, a modern water park, the house of Stefan Batory (several museums at once);
- Castles in Novogrudok, Lida, Mira, Kreva, Golshany;
- The estate of the Oginskys in Zalesye, the Drutsky-Lubetskys in Shchuchin;
- Bagration Museum in Volkovysk.
The Grodno region is famous for the fact that on its territory there are almost two dozen objects included in the list world heritage UNESCO. There are architectural masterpieces, historical buildings, unusual museums, unique festivals, entertainment complexes and much more.
Travel agencies in Grodno offer tours around the region (1-2 days). Two-day trip around the region with three meals a day and overnight stay in good hotel, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide - from 40 euros per person.
Armenia
Of all the countries of the Caucasus, it is Armenia - the most ancient state on the ground. It is worth adding that this country was the first in the world where Christianity became the state religion. Ancient temples, medieval monasteries and fortresses, singing fountains and incredibly tasty cuisine are only the basis of Armenia’s popularity among those who have already managed to appreciate the uniqueness and warmth of the country.
Road: Political difficulties in Transcaucasia have made bus and train connections between Russia and Armenia inaccessible, but air connections are available. The most cheap tickets Aeroflot offers - from 171 euros (round trip), flight - about 3 hours. Planes fly daily.
Hotels: bed in a hostel - from 7 euros, apartments - from 17 euros, hotel - from 23 euros for a double room.
Restaurants: dinner with wine in a good restaurant - no more than 10 euros per person, breakfast in a cafe - 2-3 euros, lunch in a modest tavern - 4-6 euros. The portions are large and the dishes are filling.
The most interesting:
- Karahunj - prehistoric sacred center, megaliths, ancient observatory;
- Garni - fortress and ancient temple of the god Mithra (1st century);
- Geghard - rock monastery IV century, ancient bas-reliefs, altars, paintings;
- In Yerevan there is the Erebuni fortress and museum (buildings of the 8th century BC, archaeological exhibition), Republic Square ( architectural ensemble from government buildings), the Cascade complex (fountains, stairs, observation decks, flower fields), ethnographic museum, genocide museum, St. Gregory's Cathedral (repository of the relics of Gregory the Illuminator), Blue Mosque (XVIII century, center of Iranian culture in Armenia);
- Lake Sevan is the largest Mountain Lake in Transcaucasia, the ancient “Black Monastery”, recreation centers.
Uzbekistan
From all states Central Asia, it is Uzbekistan that is distinguished by its abundance unique monuments culture and historical attractions. Low prices for accommodation and food, oriental flavor and exoticism - all together it is an excellent package for an inexpensive trip to the culture of the East.
Road: due to the remoteness from Moscow and the entire European part of Russia, the only acceptable transport is by plane. Ticket to Tashkent and back - from 200 euros. Tickets are cheaper in March and April, best deals Uzbekistan Airlines and Aeroflot, the journey takes about four hours.
Hotels: a bed in a hostel - from 6 euros, an apartment - from 9 euros, a room in a modest hotel - from 23 euros.
Restaurants: breakfast - from 2 euros, lunch in an average restaurant - 6-10 euros.
The most interesting:
- In Tashkent - Khast Imam Square, Tillya Sheikh Mosque (the main treasure is the Koran of the 7th century), the Kafal Shashi mausoleum (10th century);
- In Samarkand - Timur's mausoleum, Registan Square (madrassas, mosques of the 16th-17th centuries), Bibi Khanym Mosque (a giant building that collapsed under its own weight, the calling card of the city, evidence of its power and significance), Shahi Zinda (necropolis of rulers), Ulugbek Observatory , Afrasiab (city destroyed by Genghis Khan, frescoes of the 7th century);
- In Bukhara there is the Kalyan minaret (it has never been restored since the 12th century), Magok-I-Attori (at various times it was a temple of fire worshipers, Buddhist temple and a mosque), Chashma Ayub (the source of Job, according to legend, the biblical prophet himself created this spring), the Ark fortress (the residence of the once reigning families of the city).
In every city it is worth visiting food and craft markets; this is where you can fully feel the oriental flavor.
"Far" abroad
Among foreign countries, finding a country with a visa-free regime for a budget holiday is not easy, but it is possible. Is it true budget vacation will only be here outside high season. But if your vacation falls in November or March, then feel free to go there on vacation, positive emotions and pleasant memories are guaranteed.
Serbia
Road: the cheapest flight is offered by Austrian Airlines with a transfer in Vienna - from 197 euros round trip.
Hotels: bed in a hostel - from 5 euros, apartments - from 11 euros, 3* hotel - from 15 euros.
Restaurants: breakfast - 2-3 euros, lunch in a traditional Serbian establishment - 6-10 euros, dinner with wine or rakia - 10-12 euros.
The most interesting:
- Devil's City natural object in the south of the country in the form of rocky pillars;
- The Cathedral of St. Sava in the capital is the largest Orthodox Church in Southern Europe;
- Golubac Fortress - a 14th-century fortification, the most important fortress in the history of Serbia;
- The Gradac Monastery is a place where the Middle Ages live, a unique example of Byzantine architecture, holy relics, frescoes, icons;
- Golia is a nature reserve where you can go skiing in winter and improve your health in summer by walking through virgin forests and picking the most delicious mushrooms in the world;
- The city of Nis is one of the most picturesque in the country (tower of skulls, a museum on the site of the Red Cross concentration camp, ancient Roman ruins, the preserved villa where Emperor Constantine the Great was born, an 18th-century fortress built by the Turks);
- Palaces and museums of Belgrade.
Israel
Road: the cheapest tickets to Tel Aviv are offered by AirBaltic - from 208 euros in both directions. Transfer in Riga, travel time about 8 hours.
Hotels: place in a hostel - from 13 euros, apartments - from 49 euros, double room in a 3* hotel - from 65 euros.
Restaurants: breakfast in a street cafe - from 5 euros, lunch in a modest restaurant 7-10 euros, dinner with wine - from 20 euros.
The most interesting:
- Biblical places - In Jerusalem - Calvary, Western Wall, Way of the Cross, Garden of Gethsemane, monasteries, Church of the Holy Sepulcher;
- Masada is a fortress city, a place of mass suicide of Jews who did not want to live under Roman oppression;
- The Dead Sea is a place where you can improve your health and swim in the saltiest body of water in the world;
- Yad Vashem - museum complex, dedicated to the Holocaust;
- Tel Aviv is a capital city full of entertainment venues, excellent restaurants, convenient beaches;
- Kinneret is the Sea of Galilee, a place where you can simultaneously see Roman ruins, the places where Jesus Christ lived, as well as stay on the territory of a recreation center and enjoy relaxing by the warm lake.
If you have the opportunity to use accumulated points discount cards major airlines, then traveling to Laos, Argentina or Cuba will be budget-friendly.
To date a large number of countries are ready to receive tourists from Russia visa-free. To visit these states, you only need to have a foreign passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
Some countries allow Russians into their territory without a visa at all. Others give permission to enter at the border. For third countries you will still have to request a visa in advance, but this can be done online and as soon as possible. More details about everything below.
In total, 119 countries are available to Russians in 2019, where they can fly and travel without a visa.
| State name | Permitted period of stay for citizens of the Russian Federation (expressed in days) | Required documents for crossing the border |
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| 90 | Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 | International passport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 | Travel document valid for at least 180 days from the date of entry into the country Ticket confirming departure from the republic |
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| 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 | Foreign travel document | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unlimited stay time | Internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation or international passport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 | Foreign travel document Evidence of the amount of money required |
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| 28 | Travel document with a validity period of at least 180 days Invitation letter/document confirming hotel room reservation/ Evidence of the required amount of funds |
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| Unlimited time | Russian Resident Passport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 | Travel document Return ticket Hotel room reservation Evidence of the required amount of funds |
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| 30 | Travel document Invitation letter or document confirming hotel reservation |
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| 90 | Travel document Return ticket $300 cash per person for 1 week stay in Botswana |
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| 90 | Travel document A document confirming that you have enough money to stay in Brazil Document confirming hotel reservation |
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| 14 | Travel document Hotel reservation Evidence of the required amount of funds Return ticket |
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| 90 | Travel document valid for at least 6 months Evidence of the required amount of funds Return ticket |
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| 90 | A document confirming that you have enough money to stay in Venezuela Migration card |
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| 15 | Travel document with a validity period of at least 180 days List of countries where visa is issued upon arrival
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