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The return of travel blocs
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which triggered airspace closures by Western countries to Russian airlines and travel restrictions on Russian citizens, has partially resurrected the travel blocs of the Cold War era.
From 9 September, travel to the European Union (EU) for Russian citizens became far more costly and challenging after the EU Council fully suspended the visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Russia. Moreover, several countries bordering Russia such as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland and Poland closed their borders to Russian tourists.
Schengen Visa application fee for Russian citizens
Source: European Commission
The number of Western travellers to Russia has also decreased due to increased anti-Western sentiment, restrictions on financial transactions and limited flight operations. Multiple Western countries urged citizens to defer or avoid travelling to Russia, including the US, UK, Canada, Poland and Estonia, due to the risk of arbitrary detention.
Russia sources stated that from April to June, incoming travellers to Russia were mostly from non-Western countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Iran.
Tourist flow from Russia
June – August
Source: ForwardKeys
The global tourism sector will continue to face uncertainties in 2023 due to these restrictions. Western countries are likely to further tighten travel restrictions to Russian travellers as part of sanctions while increasing anti-Western sentiment is likely to further deter travel to Russia.
By Aidana Arynbek
