Several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, are on the verge of allowing Russian citizens to enter without requiring visas, according to announcements made by Russian Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov. This move aims to bolster tourism ties between Russia and the Arabian Peninsula, as reported by the Moscow-based Kommersant newspaper on June 12.
Reshetnikov disclosed these developments during the “Travel!” tourism forum in Moscow, highlighting that negotiations with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are nearing completion for visa-free travel arrangements for Russian nationals. Additionally, discussions are underway with Malaysia and Myanmar in Southeast Asia for similar agreements.
The initiative comes amidst Russia’s efforts to redirect its tourist flow towards the Middle East and Asia, following restrictions imposed by Europe and the Americas due to geopolitical tensions arising from Russia’s actions in Ukraine in 2022. Since the introduction of Russia’s e-visa system last August, combined with existing visa waivers, the country has welcomed 400,000 foreign tourists, Reshetnikov noted.
“We will further simplify the visa process and explore reducing costs,” Reshetnikov assured, underscoring Russia’s commitment to facilitating travel. Concurrently, Russia has initiated mechanisms for group entry with China and Iran, with ongoing efforts to establish similar agreements with India.
The Russian government has set ambitious targets to elevate tourism’s contribution to the national GDP to 5% by 2030, up from 2.8% in 2023. In pursuit of enhancing tourist experiences, Reshetnikov highlighted collaborative efforts with Saudi Arabia to introduce a “Tourist Card” payment system. This initiative aims to streamline financial transactions for foreign visitors in Russia, enhancing convenience and financial security during their stay.
Saudi Arabia, in particular, has witnessed a surge in Russian tourism to its renowned Red Sea destinations like Jeddah and Yanbu, buoyed by recent efforts to promote non-religious tourism. Collaborations with Russian entities, including Yandex Travel, underscore Saudi Arabia’s strategic approach to tap into the lucrative Russian tourist market previously dominated by destinations like Turkey and Cyprus.
Despite cultural and regulatory challenges, including stringent Islamic laws and alcohol restrictions, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are actively positioning themselves as attractive destinations for Russian tourists, backed by substantial investments in tourism infrastructure and strategic partnerships with leading travel agencies.
The developments underscore a significant shift in global tourism dynamics, with Russia and Gulf states forging closer ties to stimulate economic growth through enhanced travel opportunities and cultural exchanges.
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