Which countries require a Schengen visa - an overview of European borders from the perspective of a Russian traveler.

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Prepared current list of visa-free countries for Russians for 2019. We'll tell you where you can go without a visa from Russia - 2019, how much tours, hotels and tickets to these destinations cost, and when is the best time to go on vacation.

What is the difference between this article and its analogues?

• We only talk about countries that are interesting to tourists. No Somalia, East Timor and other states that you will never go to.
• In addition to the list of visa-free countries, we provide a brief description of them and the cost of travel in 2019. If a direction interests you, you can independently search for more detailed information about it.

Which countries do not require a visa for Russians in 2019? In our selection 31 "normal" countries– we include popular tourist destinations where you can go without a visa, either on a tour package or on your own (for example, Thailand and Montenegro). Most of these countries have a developed tourism infrastructure and are safe to visit.

Tourist countries without a visa for Russians in 2019:

In addition to popular destinations, we provide a short list of all other visa-free countries in each region. It is unlikely that you will go to one of them, but it will be useful for general acquaintance.

What will we write about each country:

1. Terms and conditions of a visa-free regime for Russians in 2019.
2. What is the best time to go and what to do on vacation?
3. Travel prices: costs of air tickets, hotels and package tours.

At the end of the article you can see popular visa-free countries on the world map.

How to buy an inexpensive tour abroad? This is easy to do with the help of services and - they search for tours from all tour operators and find the best deals. about how to find cheap tours.

Europe

Which European countries do not require a visa for Russians?

Citizens of the Russian Federation cannot enter most European countries without a visa. There are only a few destinations where the visa regime is significantly simplified - these are Montenegro, Cyprus, and several countries of the Balkan Peninsula.

Montenegro

Russians can stay in Montenegro without a visa for up to 90 days, but after arrival they must register with the police. Some hotels can do this for you - check in advance.

The best time to holiday in Montenegro is from May to October. The country is worth visiting for the sights, excursions and mild climate. Beach holidays in Montenegro, although possible, receive average ratings from tourists (most of the country’s beaches are pebble, sand-pebble or concrete).

Useful information in the direction:

Tickets. Flight from Moscow to Tivat – 4800-10000 rubles in winter and spring; from 14,500 rubles in high season (from May to October). Find tickets to Montenegro →

Hotels. In summer, in hotels in Budva, a double room costs from 20 euros per night. If you are going on vacation for several weeks or a month, it makes sense to look for accommodation with local residents upon arrival.

Tours. Go on vacation in the summer - from 40,400 rubles for 3 nights; from 58,000 rubles for 14 nights.

Photo: view of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro © Faruk Kaymak

Cyprus

Housing. The cost of three-star hotels in the summer season (June-August) starts from 42 € per night. Less stellar options with good reviews can be found for €20 per night. Hotels in Cyprus →

Tours. The minimum cost of a holiday on tours varies from 32,000 rubles for 3 nights to 63,600 rubles for 14 nights.

Photo: Cyprus coast © tom coe

Rest of Europe

Other interesting European countries without a visa for Russians – 2019:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina – 30 days
• Macedonia – 90 days
• Moldova – 90 days
• Serbia – 30 days
• Belarus – for any period of time, you can enter with a Russian passport
• Ukraine – up to 90 days during each 180-day period

Other European countries with visa-free entry for Russians in 2019:

• Albania – you can travel without a visa from May 15 to November 1 (on other dates – only with a visa or with a valid Schengen).
• Northern Cyprus – 90 days

Lifehack: If your flight is canceled or delayed at the airport, you can receive payment from the airline up to €600 . Read our material Compensation for flight delays on how to do this.

Asia

Asian countries include not only the familiar Thailand and Vietnam, but also many other countries:

1. Countries in South and East Asia - for example, Sri Lanka or the Maldives.
2. Countries of Central Asia and the Middle East - for example, Türkiye or the UAE.

From a tourist point of view, the most interesting for Russians are 18 Asian countries with visa-free regime. You will find their complete list below.

Thailand

Russians can stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days (a stamp is placed on the passport at the border). For stays longer than 30 days, a Thai visa is required.

Hotels. Inexpensive accommodation with good reviews costs from $15 per night. In hotels on the first line, prices can start from $30-40 per night. Find accommodation in Thailand →

Tours. Prices start from 58,000 rubles for 11 nights. There are often good all-inclusive packages to Thailand - for example, for 72,000 rubles for 7 days (Pattaya).

Photo: Phi Phi Island, Thailand © Evan-Krause

Vietnam

The stamp allows you to enter Vietnam for up to 15 days.

For a beach holiday, it is worth going to the south of the country - to Mui Ne, Phan Thiet and Phu Quoc Island (in winter), or to Nha Trang (in summer). For a cultural holiday, it is better to go to the center and north of Vietnam - Hanoi, Sapa, Danang, Hue.

Useful information for tourists:

Flights. Flights to Ho Chi Minh City cost from 21,200 rubles in the low season and from 25,000 rubles in the high season. Flights from Moscow to resorts (Nha Trang, Phu Quoc) are 3,000-15,000 rubles more expensive. Find tickets to Vietnam →

Housing. Prices vary by resort and hotel location. For example, in Mui Ne you can find a hotel on the first line for $12-20, and on Phu Quoc island most hotels offer prices from $40-50. Hotels in Vietnam →

Vouchers. Tours can only go to 3 resorts in Vietnam - Nha Trang, Mui Ne / Phan Thiet and Phu Quoc Island. Prices start from 70,000 rubles for 11 nights.

Photo: local woman in Hoi An © René DeAnda

Indonesia

The island of Bali in Indonesia is popular among independent travelers, but you can also go there on a package tour. High season is from May to October. Bali is not suitable for a beach holiday; It’s better to go to the island for sightseeing, surfing, yoga. higher than in other countries of Southeast Asia, but still lower than in Europe.

Russians are allowed to enter without a visa for 30 days. You can apply for a visa upon arrival for 1 month with the possibility of a one-time extension for the same period.

Tickets. A flight from Moscow to Bali with a transfer costs 32,000-35,000 rubles. There are no direct flights. Find flights to Bali →

Hotels. There are many inexpensive options from $7-10 per night. Three-star hotels with good reviews – from $15-20. Find accommodation in Bali →

Tours. In 2019, the cost starts from 88,600 rubles for a 7-day trip.

Photo: rice fields in Bali © Alexey Marchenko

Maldives

An excellent option for a visa-free holiday at sea is the Maldives. Upon arrival at Male airport, a free visa is issued for 30 days.

Holidays in the Maldives are expensive, there are practically no attractions and excursions. But the beaches and sea are magnificent. The best resorts are the atolls of Ari, Felidhu, Raa. Useful material: Ideas for a holiday in the Maldives.

Tickets. Flight from Moscow to Male - from 28,100 rubles; direct flights – from 32,100 rubles. Separately, you need to buy a transfer from Male to the resort by domestic airlines - this is another $100-300. Search flights to the Maldives →

Housing. Inexpensive hotels in the Maldives cost from $30-40 per night. For this price there are many options with good reviews from tourists. Hotels in the Maldives →

Vouchers. From 110,000 rubles for 3 nights; from 140,800 rubles for 11 nights.

Photo: beach holiday in the Maldives © Mac Qun / pixabay.com

Sri Lanka

A more exotic option is to go on holiday to Sri Lanka. A 30-day visa is issued at the airport upon arrival and costs $20. The Sri Lanka visa application must be submitted online in advance.

Both beach and cultural holidays are possible on the island. The best time to visit depends on the region of the country: you should go to the south and west coasts from December to March, to the east from May to September.

Flights. The cost of tickets Moscow - Colombo is from 27,000-30,000 rubles from November to January and from 26,500 rubles the rest of the time. Find a flight to Sri Lanka →

Hotels. From $4-7 in budget accommodation options, from $9-10 per day for 3 stars. Search hotels in Sri Lanka →

Tours. Minimum prices start from 57,800 rubles for 7 days.

Photo: Galle town in Sri Lanka © Chathura indika

Philippines

Visa-free entry for Russians for up to 30 days, or a visa for 59 days for $62 upon arrival.

The Philippines is still not very popular among Russian tourists - especially among those who are going on holiday on a package holiday. The most popular and promoted resort is Boracay Island. Holidays in Boracay are expensive, but the beaches there are excellent.

There are also less popular, but good resorts in the Philippines: the islands of Cebu, Bohol, Samal, Camiguin.

Tickets. During the year, the minimum cost of a flight to Manila varies from 28,000 to 37,000 rubles. Domestic flight to a resort in the Philippines – 2000-5000 rubles. Search flights to the Philippines →

Housing. On the island of Cebu – from $10 per night for a double room. In Boracay it is much more expensive; It may be cheaper at lesser-known resorts. Find accommodation in the Philippines →

Photo: Kayaking in El Nido, Philippines © Ehmir Bautista

Malaysia

Another warm country for visa-free travel from Russia is Malaysia. A free 30-day visa is issued at any border.

The most popular places to visit in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur, the islands of Langkawi and Penang, the city of George Town, and the Cameron Highlands. You can vacation in the country at any time of the year.

Flights. In spring (January-March) you can fly to Kuala Lumpur for a price starting from 23,600 rubles; the rest of the time – from 28,500 rubles. Find a flight to Malaysia →

Hotels. Accommodation on the island of Langkawi – from $10 per night. In three-star hotels – from $20. Search hotels in Malaysia →

Image: Langkawi cable car, Malaysia © Jesse Vermeulen / unsplash.com

Hong Kong and Macau

Macau – up to 30 days without a visa; Hong Kong – stamp valid for 14 days upon arrival.

A trip to these cities will allow you to look at the life of modern Asian cities and enjoy the ancient culture.

Both Hong Kong and Macau are expensive cities, but 3-7 days in each will be enough to see the main attractions.

Traveling to one of these cities would be a good option for a short vacation - for example, on the May holidays or a long weekend.

Tickets. Direct flights to Hong Kong cost from 27,000 rubles (more expensive in summer - from 32,000 rubles). With a transfer you can get there for 23,000-25,000 rubles at any time of the year. Fly to Hong Kong →

Hotels. Housing in Hong Kong is expensive - even for $40-50 a day you can only rent a small room. If you book in advance, you can find options with good reviews from $30 per night. If you look for housing at the last minute, it will cost at least $50-80 per day. Find hotels in Hong Kong →

Photo: View of Hong Kong skyscrapers from the mainland © Dan Freeman

Türkiye

For an inexpensive beach holiday in the summer and early autumn, most tourists go to Turkey. Visa-free entry for Russians is possible for up to 90 days during each 180-day period.

The tourist season lasts in Turkey from May to October. The most popular resorts are Belek, Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, Side.

Flights. Direct flight from Moscow to Istanbul - from 5,500 rubles in January, February and March; from 8700-10000 rubles at other times.

Housing. Prices at resorts for self-booking start from $15-20 per night in high season. In winter and spring, the cost may be 1.5-2 times lower. Hotels in Turkey →

Tours. One of the cheapest visa-free destinations for Russians in 2019 - trips to Turkey cost from 20,200 rubles for 7 nights and from 28,300 rubles for 11 nights.

Photo: Istanbul in winter – recommended! © Randy Tarampi

Georgia

Where to go abroad inexpensively without a visa in 2019? A popular summer destination is Georgia, where you can combine cultural and beach holidays.

Russians can stay in the country without a visa up to 360 days per year.

Holidays in Georgia are a good option for nature and sightseeing lovers. Prices in Georgia for food, housing and transport are quite low, so many Russians choose the country for a budget holiday.

Popular summer destinations are Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Ureki, Kobuleti, Adjara. In winter and spring, many people go to Georgia for a visa-free holiday at ski resorts - for example, in Gudauri and Bakuriani.

Tickets. Flight to Tbilisi with a transfer – from 5800 rubles in winter, from 10200 at other times. Direct flights - from 10,400 rubles in January-March, from 12,600 rubles - in summer. Air tickets to Batumi – 11,000-14,000 thousand rubles. Find a flight to Georgia →

Hotels. In Tbilisi – from $8 for budget options; from $15-25 for 3-star hotels. In Batumi, prices are 20-30% higher.

Vouchers. A vacation at Georgian resorts in the summer will cost no less than 49,000 rubles for 7 nights. During the high season (September-October) prices are 10-20% lower.

Image: The mountains in Georgia are especially beautiful © Sylwia Bartyzel

Armenia

Russians can enter Armenia using a civil passport for up to 30 days if they fly into Yerevan or Gyumri airport; There is also a restriction on staying in the country for no more than 180 days per year.

Tourists leave good reviews about visiting Yerevan, Jermuk, Arzni, Gyumri and other resorts. In winter, active recreation is popular at the ski resorts of Armenia, in particular in Tsaghkadzor.

Flights. In high season (June-August) - from 10,500-12,000 rubles. In September and October - from 7800 rubles. Search flights to Armenia →

Hotels. You can stay in Yerevan for $10-15 per night; three-star hotels – from $20-25. Find hotels in Yerevan →

Photo: Yerevan, Armenia © Artak Petrosyan / unsplash.com

Azerbaijan

You can stay without a visa for up to 90 days, but upon arrival in Azerbaijan you must register with the migration service.

You can combine several types of holidays in Azerbaijan:

• beach holiday on the Caspian Sea,
• visiting sanatoriums and health resorts
• skiing and snowboarding in the mountains

The capital, Baku, is also very popular among tourists.

Tickets. Flights from Moscow - from 10,300 rubles throughout the year, including direct flights.

Housing. From $12 for a double room in a hotel outside the city center and from $30-35 for options with good reviews in the center of Baku. Find accommodation in Baku →

Photo: one of the streets in Baku, Azerbaijan © Maxxja

Abkhazia

One of the countries that do not require a visa for Russians in 2019 is Abkhazia.

Russian citizens can enter Abkhazia using an internal passport for up to 90 days. For a longer stay, you must enter with a foreign passport and apply for a visa.

The beach season lasts in Abkhazia from early June to mid-October. The main resorts are Gagra, Pitsunda, Sukhum. In Abkhazia you can relax inexpensively, which will be a plus for many Russian tourists.

Flights. Flights to Adler (Sochi) from May to October - from 4800-5600 rubles. Then you need to get there by land. Find a flight to Adler →

Hotels. There are few hotels and many guest houses in Abkhazia. Good accommodation can be found for $10-20 per night. If you are going on vacation for several weeks, it makes sense to look for options locally. Housing in Abkhazia →

Tours. Minimum prices for holidays in Abkhazia in the summer of 2019 range from 19,000 rubles for 3 nights to 30,300 rubles for 14 nights.

Image: Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia © ulkom5

Israel

The period of visa-free entry for tourism purposes is up to 90 days.

In summer you can have a good rest in Israel. The country's resorts are located on the coast of three seas - the Mediterranean (Tel Aviv, Haifa, Netanya), the Red (Eilat) and the Dead (various sanatoriums and mud clinics).

Prices for holidays in Israel are high; often it is most profitable to travel to the country on a package tour. The country is too hot in summer, so the best time to travel is March – June and September – November.

Tickets. Prices for air tickets to Tel Aviv start from 9,000 rubles for a flight with transfers and from 16,200 rubles for a direct flight. Search flights to Israel →

Housing. Hotel prices in Tel Aviv start from $45 per night, but there are few such options; more realistic figures – from $70 per room in the city center near the beach. Find accommodation in Israel →

Vouchers. From 62,000 rubles for 3 nights; from 78,000 rubles for 7 nights.

Photo: beach in Tel Aviv, Israel © Daniel Klein

UAE

United Arab Emirates – gaining popularity destination for an inexpensive beach holiday. From February 17, 2019, you can enter the UAE without a visa for up to 90 days.

The holiday season in the UAE is spring and autumn (March-April and October-November). Winter is also considered a high season, but the sea can be cold. In summer it is too hot in the Emirates, but prices for tours are low.

The most popular destinations for travel are Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Flights. Prices for flights from Moscow to Dubai range from 15,000 to 21,000 rubles. Fly to the UAE →

Hotels. Accommodation in Dubai starts from $28 per day for a good hotel with breakfast. Stay in the Emirates →

Tours. During the holiday season (spring and autumn), trips to the Emirates cost from 35,200 for 3 nights and from 42,600 for 7 nights. In the low season (winter and summer) the cost is slightly lower.

Photo: Burj Khalifa in Dubai © BS1920 / pixabay.com

India

Housing. Both inexpensive guest houses (from $7-8 per night) and good hotels (from $13-20 for 3 stars) are available. Find accommodation in Goa →

Tours. Prices for holidays in Goa start from 45,200 rubles for 7 nights.

Photo: Agra city, India © Varshesh Joshi

Hainan Island, China

Visa-free entry for Russians for up to 21 days is possible to Hainan Island as part of a tourist group. There is also an option to obtain a 14-day visa upon arrival for $65.

Hainan is suitable for a beach holiday in late autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May). In summer there is a rainy season on the island, and in winter the temperature is too low for a holiday at sea (18-20C° during the day and 14-16C° at night).

Flights. From January to May you can fly to Hainan for 29,000-31,000 rubles. In other months, the minimum price rises to 37,000-47,000 rubles. Find tickets to Hainan →

Hotels. Prices start from $10-15 for budget options near the beach. Three-star hotels – from $18. Housing in Hainan →

Tours. Vacation prices start from 83,600 rubles for 7 nights.

Photo: Beach on Hainan Island, China © shakermaker* / flickr.com

Rest of Asia

List of other interesting Asian countries with visa-free entry for Russian citizens:

• Laos – 15 days
• South Korea – 60 days
• Kazakhstan – 90 days without a visa
• Cambodia – for 30 days upon arrival ($30)
• Singapore – free transit visa for 96 hours
• Jordan – for 1 month upon arrival (40 dinars ~ 3250 rubles)
• Nepal – visa on arrival at the airport (15 days – 30$; 1 month – 40$; 90 days – 90$)

Other Asian countries with a visa-free regime for Russians in 2019:

• Kyrgyzstan – 90 days
• Mongolia – 30 days
• Tajikistan – 3 days
• Uzbekistan – no visa required
• Bangladesh – 90 days visa on arrival ($50)
• East Timor – for 30 days upon arrival ($30)
• Myanmar – 28 days at the airport upon arrival ($75)
• Lebanon – 1 month at the airport upon arrival (free)
• Bahrain – visa for 14 days on arrival (25 BHD ~ 4000 rubles)
• Iran – 30 days upon arrival via international airport (60 euros)

South, Central and North America

In 2019, visa-free holidays for Russians are possible in most countries of South and Central America, but mass tourism in many areas has not yet been developed.

The 4 visa-free countries in this region are the most popular among Russians: the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico and Jamaica.

Dominican Republic

Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, a 30-day visa is issued for $10.

It’s worth going to the Dominican Republic for its excellent sandy beaches and developed tourist infrastructure. The country will be a good choice for traveling with a child.

The best time for a holiday is from late November to early May. Popular resorts are Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio.

Tickets. During the high season, you can find flights to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo for 36,000-38,000 rubles. At other times, tickets often cost 7,000-10,000 rubles more. Fly to the Dominican Republic →

Hotels. You can stay in Punta Cana for prices starting from $20 per night; more comfortable options – from $30. Many hotels include breakfast in the price. Live in the Dominican Republic →

Tours. A vacation for 11 nights costs from 100,600 rubles in May; during high season the cost may be 10-20% higher. At the same time, last-minute tours sometimes appear for 70,000-80,000 rubles.

Photo: beach holiday in the Dominican Republic © VViktor

Cuba

One of the countries with a visa-free regime for Russians is Cuba. You are allowed to stay on the island for up to 30 days.

The resorts of Cuba have clean seas, good beaches, and suitable conditions for families with children. Most tourists go to Varadero, Cayo Coco, Holguin, Cayo Santa Maria; Independent travelers love to visit Havana.

The best time to visit Cuba is November-April, but the main flow of tourists comes to the country in December, January and February. We recommend reading what you can do in Cuba.

Flights. Most often, tickets to Havana cost about 40,000 rubles, but sometimes there are options for 31,000-33,000 rubles. There are direct flights (from 43,000 rubles). Sometimes it is more convenient to fly to Varadero - from 37,000 rubles. Find flights to Liberty Island →

Hotels. Accommodation in Havana – from $30 per night. At resorts prices are much higher - for example, in Varadero - from $90. Search hotels in Cuba →

Vouchers. From 93,800 rubles for 7 nights in Cuba. Tours for 11 nights can be only a couple of thousand rubles more expensive - they are more profitable to take.

Photo: the spirit of Cuba on the streets of Havana © Alexander-Kunze

Mexico

Russian tourists arriving in Mexico by air can stay in the country without a visa for up to 180 days. However, before traveling, you must obtain a special permit online.

The main Mexican resorts are Cancun, Playa de Carmen, Riviera Maya. The best time to go on vacation is from the end of November to April-May.

Tickets. In January-May, the minimum prices for flights to Mexico City start from 35,000-36,000 rubles. From June to December the cost rises to 42,000-50,000 rubles. Flying to Cancun is even more expensive - from 38,000-55,000 rubles. Find a flight to Mexico →

Hotels. From $16 for an apartment in the center of Cancun. Three-star hotels - from 28-30 dollars. Stay in Cancun →

Tours. From 98,000 rubles for 11 days of rest, but prices from 120,000-130,000 rubles are more common.

Image: One of the beaches of Mexico © Spencer Watson

Jamaica

You can stay in Jamaica without a visa for up to 90 days, provided you have return tickets and documents confirming your solvency.

Good weather for a beach holiday occurs from December to February, as well as in July and August. Tourists prefer to go on holiday to the resorts of Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Negril, Montego Bay.

Flights. Flights to Kingston are cheapest in winter and spring - from 44,000 rubles. In summer and autumn, the minimum cost of flights rises to 54,000-64,000 rubles. Find tickets to Jamaica →

Housing. From $26 for a double room in the Montego Bay resort. Search hotels in Jamaica →

Tours. Jamaica is the most expensive visa-free travel destination for Russians in 2019. The cost of tours for 7 days starts from 235,000 rubles; for 11 and 14 days – another 40,000-800,000 rubles more expensive.

Photo: Jamaican coast © Michael McCarthy

Rest of America

Other visa-free countries in South and Central America:

• Argentina – 90 days
• Antigua and Barbuda – 1 month
• Bahamas – 3 months
• Barbados – 28 days
• Belize – visa up to 30 days when entering via land border
• Bolivia – 90 days
• Brazil – 90 days
• Venezuela – 90 days
• Haiti – 3 months
• Guyana – 90 days over six months
• Guatemala – 90 days
• Honduras – 90 days within a 180 day period
• Grenada – 3 months
• Dominica – 21 days
• Colombia – 90 days
• Costa Rica – 90 days
• Nicaragua – 90 days
• Panama – 180 days
• Paraguay – 90 days within each 180 day period
• Peru – 183 days
• Chile – 90 days
• Ecuador – 90 days
• El Salvador – 90 days
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 1 month
• Saint Kitts and Nevis - not required
• Saint Lucia – 6 weeks
• Trinidad and Tobago – 90 days
• Uruguay – maximum 90 days within a 180 day period
• British Virgin Islands visa for cruise ship passengers only
• Falkland Islands – 7 days upon arrival ($35)

How to find accommodation while traveling? To search for hotels and inns, we recommend using the sites Skyscanner and Hotellook, and searching for apartments and private houses directly from the owners through Airbnb.

Africa

A visa-free regime has been established between Russia and many African countries, but most destinations are considered unsafe or uninteresting for the average tourist.

We have identified 7 warm countries where you can go on vacation without a visa - from package packages of Tunisia and Morocco to the exotic Seychelles and South Africa.

Tunisia

The period of visa-free stay for Russians in Tunisia is 3 months.

You should go on vacation from June to September - the weather at this time is most favorable for swimming; September-October is considered the velvet season, but the sea in these months is no longer as warm as in summer.

The main tourist destinations in Tunisia are Sousse, Monastir, Hammamet.

Tickets. Minimum prices for flights to Tunisia vary from 16,400 to 18,400 rubles throughout the year. Find flights to Tunisia →

Hotels. From $32 dollars per night for a double room with breakfast (Sousse). Find accommodation in Tunisia →

Tours. The cost of a 7-day holiday is from 32,200 rubles in May, from 40,800 rubles from June to August and from 36,000 rubles in September and October.

Photo: Monastir resort, Tunisia © DEZALB

Mauritius

In 2019, the island of Mauritius is gaining popularity among Russian tourists. A free 60-day visa is issued at the airport upon arrival.

The country's high season lasts from November to the end of April; You can relax on a budget in August, September, May.

In addition to a beach holiday, people come to Mauritius for surfing, kiting and diving in the Indian Ocean, deep-sea fishing and visiting volcanoes.

Flights. The cost of a flight to Mauritius starts from 44,000 to 54,000 rubles, depending on the month. Search flights to Mauritius →

Housing. Prices start from $18 for an apartment and from $27 for a three-star hotel. Find accommodation in Mauritius →

Vouchers. From 123,000 rubles for 3 nights; from 161,000 rubles for 11 nights.

Photo: Mauritius coast © Xavier Coiffic

Kenya

One of the exotic countries where a visa is not required for Russians in 2019 is Kenya.

By registering online in advance and printing the permit, you can get a visa to Kenya on arrival for 90 days for $50.

Kenya is one of the few African countries with a developed tourism infrastructure and the possibility of visa-free entry. So far, most people go there on their own, but tour operators are also starting to explore this direction.

Why you should go to Kenya:

• Relax on the beach on the Indian Ocean
• Take part in a real safari
• Visit national parks and Mount Kilimanjaro
• See the life of African tribes

You can vacation in Kenya almost all year round – from August to April.

Tickets. The cost of tickets to Nairobi is stable throughout the year and ranges from 30,000-35,000 rubles. Find flights to Kenya →

Hotels. The cost of housing is from 15-20 dollars per day. 3 star hotels – from $25. Rent a hotel in Kenya →

Image: Affordable exotics in Kenya © Robin Stuart

Egypt

An Egyptian visa for 1 month is issued at the airport upon arrival. For vacationers as part of a tourist group it is free, for independent travelers it costs $15. Those traveling only to the Sinai Peninsula can apply for a free visa for 15 days.

Since the spring of 2019, tours from Russia to Egypt have become available. True, prices are now several times higher, and getting to the resorts is more difficult: the plane flies only to Cairo, and from there it takes about 5-6 hours to get to the coastal resorts by bus. Prices for tours start from 80,000-100,000 rubles.

The best time to travel to Egypt is April-May and September-November. The main resorts for beach holidays are Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Flights. You can fly from Moscow to Cairo in 2019 for a price starting from 15,800 rubles. Find a flight to Egypt →

Housing. In Sharm el-Sheikh you can stay for $13-20 in a four-star hotel with average reviews (breakfast included). Find accommodation in Egypt →

Photography: Romance of Egypt © Mariam Soliman

Morocco

Morocco is a visa-free entry country for Russians with a permitted stay of up to 3 months.

Good weather for a beach holiday in Morocco is from May to October. At other times of the year it is cold to swim, but you can go to the country for excursions and attractions. Tourists most often go to Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir.

Flights. Prices for flights to Marrakech start from 16,200 rubles. The cheapest time to fly is in September-January; more expensive - from June to August. Find tickets to Morocco →

Hotels. In the center of Marrakech you can rent a room for $17 per night. Search hotels in Morocco →

Tours. You can relax in Morocco in the summer for a price starting from 81,000 rubles for 7 days. Moreover, in the low season and off-season (for example, in April), prices can be 1.5-2 times higher.

Photo: Tarazout, Morocco © Luiz Hanfilaque

Seychelles

In 2019, citizens of the Russian Federation can stay in the Seychelles without a visa for up to 30 days.

Many travelers go to the capital of the Seychelles - Mahe. Also popular among tourists are the islands of Bird, Cerf, and Cousin. Beach holidays are possible all year round.

Tickets. Most of the year, air tickets to Mahe cost 31,000-33,000 rubles. In October, November and December they rise in price to 40,000-50,000 rubles. Find a flight to Seychelles →

Housing. The minimum price for a double room in Mahe is $61 per day. Most hotels offer rooms for $80-90 per night. Live in Seychelles →

Tours. The cost of tours to the Seychelles starts from 103,000 rubles for 3 nights and from 117,000 rubles for 7 nights.

Image: beach in Seychelles © Vitalii Ustymenko

South Africa

The visa-free regime with South Africa requires a maximum of 90 days of stay in the country.

South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa. You cannot go there on vacation on a tour, but some tourists visit the country on their own.

It is better to go to the coast of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean from November to March, and visits to national parks should be planned for July-October.

Flights. You can get from Moscow to Cape Town for 41,000-44,000 rubles. Search flights to South Africa →

Hotels. From $30-35 for a three-star hotel in the center of Cape Town and from $24 for options on the outskirts of the city. Find hotels in South Africa →

Photo: You can even find penguins in South Africa © Casey Allen

Rest of Africa

Other African visa-free countries for Russians in 2019:

• Madagascar – visa on arrival (30 days – 25 euros; 90 days – 36 euros)
• Cape Verde – visa on arrival for 30 days (20 euros)
• Tanzania – 90 days visa at airport on arrival ($50)
• Ethiopia - visas on arrival at Addis Ababa airport (30 days - $20, 90 days - $30, 180 days - $40).

You can see the list of other visa-free countries in Africa that you are unlikely to ever want to go to (some of them are not recommended to be visited even by the Russian Foreign Ministry).

Do you have unpaid debts, loans, or traffic police fines? Before your trip, it is better to check yourself for a ban on leaving Russia - it can be imposed by bailiffs if you have debts. About all the nuances in our material.

Australia and Oceania

As of 2019, Russians cannot enter most interesting countries in Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand) without a visa.

The region is not popular among Russian tourists due to long flights, high prices and the lack of package tours.

The most interesting countries in Oceania with visa-free entry:

• Fiji – up to 90 days
• Marshall Islands – up to 90 days
• Guam – 45 days

For a complete list of Oceania countries without a visa for Russians in 2019, see Wikipedia.

Selections of the best destinations

We have compiled several popular selections for different types of vacation.

No. 1. Visa-free countries for inexpensive beach holidays – 2019:

• Türkiye
• Abkhazia
• Georgia
• Tunisia

No. 2. The best destinations for a seaside holiday:

• Maldives
• Dominican Republic
• Thailand
• Mexico

No. 3. The best visa-free countries in Europe for Russians – 2019:

• Montenegro
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Serbia

No. 4. Exotic countries:

• Kenya
• Macau
• Mauritius
• Seychelles

Map

Tourist visa-free countries – 2019 on the map:

Other selections for a good holiday abroad:

Where would you personally like to go on vacation without a visa? Tell us about your list of countries in the comments!

Traveling the world becomes easier

Today, visa-free or simplified procedures for obtaining visas for Russians operate in more than 90 countries.

Traveling without problems with paperwork is an important factor when choosing a vacation route.

We are publishing a complete list of visa-free countries provided by the NWRO of the Russian Union of Tourism Industry.

Republics of the former USSR: Abkhazia, Armenia, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan (90 days), Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova (90 days), Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine.

Other countries:

Antigua and Barbuda (1 month),
Bahamas (90 days),
Barbados (28 days),
Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days),
Botswana (90 days),
Venezuela (90 days),
Vanuatu (30 days),
Vietnam (15 days),
Guatemala (3 months),
Honduras (3 months),
Grenada (3 months),
Dominica (21 days),
Dominican Republic (30 days),
Israel (90 days),
Cuba (30 days),
Laos (15 days),
Macedonia (a number of conditions),
Malaysia (1 month),
Maldives (30 days),
Morocco (3 months),
Micronesia (30 days),
Namibia (3 months),
Nicaragua, Niue (30 days),
Cook Islands (31 days),
Peru (90 days),
Samoa Western (60 days),
El Salvador (90 days),
Swaziland (1 month),
Seychelles (1 month),
Serbia (90 days),
Thailand (30 days),
Turks and Caicos (30 days),
Fiji (4 months),
Philippines (21 days),
Croatia (up to 90 days; certain conditions),
Montenegro (1 month),
Ecuador (90 days),
South Korea (range of conditions)

Vietnam . The maximum period of holiday without a visa is 15 days. The passport is valid for 6 months.

Dominican Republic . The maximum period of visa-free holiday is 45 days. At the airport you need to purchase a so-called tourist card for $10. Validity period of the international passport: 1 month.

Israel . You can stay without it for no longer than 90 days during each half-year. The passport is valid for 6 months.

Laos . The maximum visa-free stay is 15 days. The passport is valid for 6 months.

Malaysia . The duration of the visa-free trip is up to 1 month. The passport is valid for 6 months.

Macedonia. The duration of the trip for tourists is up to 30 days for tourists, for those traveling for treatment or study - up to 90 days). You need documents confirming the purpose of the visit: hotel reservation, air tickets, travel agency voucher.

Morocco . Visa-free holiday for up to 3 months. The passport is valid for 6 months.

Peru . You can stay without a visa for up to 90 days. The passport is valid for 6 months.

Seychelles . Vacation without a visa - no longer than 30 days. The passport is valid for 6 months.

Serbia . The maximum time for a visa-free voyage is up to 90 days (on February 20, an agreement was signed under which the period would be reduced to 30 days, but it has not yet been ratified). A round trip air ticket is required.

Thailand . You can vacation without a visa for no longer than 30 days. The validity period of a foreign passport is 6 months (this rule is observed very strictly, down to the day).

Philippines . The maximum period of travel without a visa is 21 days. The validity period of the international passport is 2 months.

Croatia . Vacation without a visa - up to 90 days. The validity period of the international passport is 3 months.

Montenegro . For travel up to 30 days, a visa is not required. The passport is valid for the duration of the trip.

Visa at the border
The word “visa-free” is used by many to refer to countries where a visa is actually required, but it is issued right at the border. However, this option is also convenient for tourists, since there is no need to collect any documents and languish in queues.

These countries include:
Bangladesh (15 days),
Bahrain (range of conditions; 14 days),
Bolivia (up to 30 days),
Burkina Faso (up to 3 months),
Burundi, Haiti (3 months),
Djibouti (1 month, at the airport),
Egypt (30 days),
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Indonesia (30 days),
Jordan, Iran (a number of conditions; 15 days),
Yemen (3 months, at the airport),
Cambodia (1 month),
Kenya (3 months),
China (only O. Hainan , up to 15 days),
Comoros Islands, Lebanon (a number of conditions; 3 months),
Mauritius (2 months),
Madagascar , Macau (30 days),
Mozambique, Namibia (3 months),
Nepal (60/150 days),
Palau (30 days),
Pitcairn (range of conditions; up to 14 days),
Rwanda, Saint Vincent (up to 1 month),
Singapore (transit 96 hours),
Syria (a number of conditions),
Suriname (a number of conditions),
Tanzania , East Timor (30 days),
Togo (7 days),
Tonga (31 days),
Tuvalu (1 month),
Tunisia (30 days, a number of conditions),
Türkiye (2 months),
Uganda, Sri Lanka (30 days),
Ethiopia (1 month, at the airport),
Jamaica (30 days).

Check your passport
Some countries that have visa-free or simplified visa procedures set a number of conditions. Thus, a visa is not required for a tourist trip to Cuba. However, you can stay on Liberty Island for no more than 30 days without a visa. At the border you may be asked for a return air ticket, and for a return flight at the airport you will have to pay 25 “cookies” (about 40 dollars). In addition, you may not be allowed to enter Cuba if your passport must expire no later than 6 months from the start of your trip.

China, Hainan Island. If you arrive to a tropical island on a direct flight as part of a tour group of at least 5 people, you can stay in Hainan for 15 days without a visa. In other cases, for a trip to China (including Hainan), a visa is issued in advance.

Singapore. If you fly through Singapore in transit, you can spend 96 hours in this metropolis without a visa. You must present your air ticket. In all other cases, a visa to Singapore must be obtained in advance.

Egypt. At the border, for $15, a visa stamp is affixed to the passport. Validity period - 1 month. For children included in their parents' passport, entry is free. If a child (even a baby) has his own passport, you have to pay the same 15 dollars for a stamp. The validity period of the international passport is 2 months.

Indonesia. The visa is issued at the airport for $25 and is valid for 30 days. The passport is valid for 6 months.

Cambodia. To apply for a visa at the airport, you must have a color photograph measuring 4x6 cm. The fee is $20, the visa is valid for 1 month, and if desired, it can be extended for another 3 months. The passport is valid for 6 months.

Maldives. A 30-day visa is issued at Male airport free of charge. Passport validity period - 3 months

Tunisia. The visa is issued at the airport free of charge and is valid for 30 days. This rule applies only to tourists who bought a ticket from a travel agency and have a voucher. If you are an independent traveler, going on a visit or on business, you must obtain a visa in advance. The validity period of the international passport is 3 months.

Türkiye. A visa is issued at the airport for 20 dollars or 15 euros. Valid for 60 days, and during these two months you can come to Turkey again with the same visa. The validity period of the international passport is 3 months.

Sri Lanka. A 30-day visa is issued at the airport free of charge. You need a return ticket with a fixed date, confirmation of a hotel reservation, or money at the rate of $15 per day. The validity period of the international passport is 3 months.

Europe is one of the most popular tourist destinations. To enter the territory of most European countries for Russians in 2019 you will need a Schengen visa to Europe. Visiting Old World countries that are not part of the Schengen zone may also be accompanied by some nuances.

Types of European visas

Depending on the purpose of the trip, Russian citizens can apply for a tourist, student, or work visa:

• Tourist. Required to visit one or more European countries for the purpose of recreation, familiarization with the sights and culture of a particular state;
  

  The validity period of the entry permit is determined individually each time

• Educational. In colleges, universities, and academies of some European countries (Austria, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic), students from different parts of the globe study, among whom are our fellow citizens who want to receive a high-quality European education. A student visa is issued for a long period (the most common are six months, one year) and can be extended in the future. If a student receives a scholarship from some fund, the price of a visa to Europe will be low for him, since in this case the consular fee is not paid;
• Working. Before applying for a visa to Europe for work, you must receive an invitation from the employer.

Based on the validity period, a distinction is made between short-term visas and multiple visas. If the latter is available, the traveler has the right to enter and then leave the Schengen zone several times over a certain period of time. This is the most convenient option for tourists who travel a lot, since it can be used to visit any Schengen country.

A multiple visa may not be given to someone traveling to Europe for the first time.

Schengen visa: advantages and difficulties of registration

Since the formation of the Schengen zone, obtaining visas to Europe for Russians has become significantly more difficult. The requirements for applicants are quite high, and the procedure itself often drags on for several months. However, if you have the required amount in your bank account, airline tickets, hotel reservations and all the necessary documents, the process of obtaining tourist visas will not seem too complicated, but a lot of opportunities open up for their holders.

Under Schengen, you can legally visit 26 EU countries (with the exception of Ireland and Great Britain), as well as Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. It is worth noting that some countries that joined the EU but did not sign the Schengen agreement (these are the southern part of Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania) also allow you to visit their territory with a Schengen visa.

Schengen registration

To obtain Schengen, you must present the following documents to the consulate of the country where you are planning to travel:

1. A foreign passport that expires at least 3 months before the expected date of travel with space for a stamp;
2. A completed application form in Russian, English or the language of the consulate. The requirements for the application form differ from embassies of different countries, so the form should be downloaded from the website of a specific state;
3. Receipt for payment of the cost of a visa to Europe (consular fee). The fee is paid in Russian rubles at the rate valid at the time of payment;
4. Photo. The number of photographs may vary depending on the consulate, but the rules for their preparation are approximately the same for all:
   • Size - 3.5x4.5 cm;
   • Light background (preferably white);
   • The face should occupy 70 - 80%;
   • The head is positioned straight, the mouth is closed, the eyes are open, the facial expression is neutral;
   • The photo was taken recently.
5. Documents confirming solvency (bank statement, employment certificate, application and relevant documents from the sponsor, etc.);
6. Confirmation of the purpose of the trip (invitation from the employer, hotel reservation, air tickets for tourists, document from the university on enrollment, etc.);
7. If the applicant is a pensioner, he additionally provides a copy of his pension certificate, if a student - his student card.

Some Schengen countries have not included medical insurance in the list of documents required for a visa, but it is still recommended to obtain an insurance policy.

Applying for a visa to Europe for a child has its own characteristics. When submitting certificates to the visa center, you must attach a copy of the birth certificate and a notarized export permit (if the child is traveling without parents).

Visas to countries that are not included in the Schengen area

There are very few countries left in Europe that do not require Schengen to cross their borders. Thus, national visas should be issued for Cyprus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Great Britain, Romania, and Ireland. However, certain difficulties may arise only when obtaining permission to enter the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. For other countries, obtaining a national visa is even easier than Schengen.

Southern Cyprus can be visited with a free electronic pro-visa, it is issued on the official website of the country. This is a one-time tourist visa, which gives the right to stay in Cyprus for no more than 90 days.

Also, a number of countries for Russians do not require a visa to Europe:

What is the price

The cost of a visa to Europe in Moscow includes the following payments:

• Consular fee;
• Service fee (for registration at the visa center);
• Insurance;
• Services of a travel agency (if the traveler does not want to deal with the registration himself).

For thrifty tourists who do not want to overpay, the prices for a visa to Europe in 2019 will depend only on the cost of insurance and consular fees. The consular fee differs depending on the chosen tourist destination:

The following categories of citizens do not pay the consular fee:

• Children under six years of age;
• Students who apply for a student permit;
• Representatives of non-profit organizations who are under 26 years of age to participate in conferences, seminars, educational and cultural events;
• Disabled persons and persons accompanying them;
• Persons who travel to Europe for treatment in medical institutions.

Thank you to all pirates for your attentiveness and comments, with your help the list has become extremely accurate :)

We hear a lot about how it’s difficult for Russians to travel, they need visas everywhere, and you can’t go anywhere spontaneously. Well, of course, there are some difficulties and our passport may not be the best for traveling around the world, but in fact, the situation has changed a lot recently. Here's a simple calculation:

1. Half the world where you can go almost the next weekend!
83 countries in the world with free entry for Russians + 31 countries with a visa on arrival + 1 country with a virtual visa = 115 countries

2. Another 13 countries allow you to obtain a visa or electronic permit via the Internet.

3. Put Schengen and add 41 more countries.
Well, really, it’s not difficult at all - take a last-minute trip to Greece for 5,000 rubles - and a six-month visa is in your pocket. Or to Spain - they now issue annual visas to almost everyone.

4. Don’t forget about visa-free transit.
In Singapore, for example, 4 days is quite enough (the city is expensive and not big enough to spend a week there). And why should you bother with a visa? You can visit it perfectly on your way to any of the countries in Southeast Asia.

5. Invest in a US visa
If you have been abroad 5-7 times, then pay 10,000 rubles. and get yourself a US visa for 3 years. For an American visa, hotel reservations and tickets are not required; the refusal rate for a US visa in Russia is very low. In addition to the USA, a dozen more countries will be added to the list of countries that you can visit without a visa (partially, however, this list overlaps with the Schengen list). Yes, and it is economically justified, a visa will come in handy - sales of air tickets to the USA are now more frequent and better than anywhere else, and therefore transit through the USA to all countries of the Western Hemisphere is becoming very attractive. Investments in a visa can be lost on the very first trip.

Under these completely feasible conditions, about 160 countries will be at your service. And obtaining a visa from almost any other country will no longer be particularly difficult. So you will definitely be able to travel Further, Longer and Cheaper :)

Clicking on the image will open the full map in a new window.

List of visa-free countries for visiting by Russian citizens

Some countries don’t even need a foreign passport, an internal passport is enough (7 countries):

1. Abkhazia 90 days, free
2. Armenia 180 days, free
3. Belarus, free
4. Kazakhstan 90 days, free
5. Kyrgyzstan, stay at the discretion of the immigration service, free
6. Transnistria 180 days, free
7. South Ossetia 90 days, free

Visa-free countries with a foreign passport (76 countries):

1. Azerbaijan 90 days, free
2. Andorra 90 days, free (in fact this means the need for multiple Schengen, since entry and exit is only through Spain and France)
3. Antigua and Barbuda 30 days, free
4. Argentina 90 days, free
5. Bahamas 90 days, free
6. Barbados 28 days, free
7. Bolivia 90 days, free
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina 30 days, free
9. Botswana 90 days, free
10. Brazil 90 days, free
11. Vanuatu 30 days, free
12. Venezuela 90 days, free
13. Vietnam 15 days, free
14. Haiti 90 days, free
15. Guyana 90 days, free
16. Gambia 56 days, 3000 GMD or 69 USD at border crossings by land. At the airport - free
17. Guatemala 90 days, free
18. Honduras 90 days, free
19. Hong Kong 14 days, free
20. Grenada 90 days, free
21. Georgia 365 days, free
22. Guam 45 days, free
23. Dominica 21 days, free
24. Dominican Republic 30 days, 10 USD
25. Israel 90 days, free
26. Colombia 90 days, free
27. Korea South 60 days, free
28. Costa Rica 90 days, free
29. Cuba 30 days, free
30. Cook Islands 31 days, free
31. Laos 30 days, free
32. Mauritius 183 days, free
33. Macau (Aomen) 30 days, free
34. Macedonia 90 days, free
35. Malaysia 30 days, free
36. Maldives 30 days, free
37. Morocco 90 days, free
38. Micronesia 30 days, free
39. Moldova 90 days, free
40. Mongolia 30 days, free
41. Nagorno-Karabakh 180 days, free
42. Namibia 90 days, free
43. Nicaragua 90 days, free
44. Niue 30 days, free
45. Palau 30 days, free
46. Palestine 90 days, free
47. Panama 180 days, free
48. Paraguay 90 days, free
49. Peru 183 days, free
50. El Salvador 90 days, free
51. Western Sahara 90 days, free (Part of Morocco)
52. Swaziland 30 days, free
53. Northern Mariana Islands 45 days, free
54. Seychelles 30 days, free
55. Senegal 90 days, free
56. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 30 days, free
57. St. Kitts and Nevis 90 days, free
58. Saint Lucia 45 days, free
59. Serbia 30 days, free
60. Tajikistan, free of charge (stay time at the discretion of the immigration service)
61. Thailand 30 days, free
62. Turks and Caicos 90 days, free
63. Tonga 31 days, free
64. Trinidad and Tobago 90 days, free
65. Tuvalu 30 days, free
66. Tunisia 90 days, free
67. Türkiye 60 days, free
68. Uzbekistan, free of charge (stay time at the discretion of the immigration service)
69. Ukraine 90 days, free
70. Uruguay 90 days, free
71. Philippines 30 days, free
72. Montenegro 30 days, free
73. Chile 90 days, free
74. Ecuador 90 days, free
75. South Africa 90 days, free
76. Jamaica 90 days, 20 USD

Visa at the border (on arrival – 31 countries):

1. Bangladesh 30 days, 50 USD
2. Bahrain 14 days, 25 BHD (66 USD)
3. East Timor 30 days, 30 USD
4. Guinea-Bissau 90 days, 85 EUR
5. Djibouti 30 days, 90 USD
6. Egypt 30 days, 25 USD
7. Zambia 90 days, 50 USD
8. Zimbabwe 90 days, 30 USD
9. Indonesia 30 days, free
10. Jordan 60 days, 40 JOD (56 USD)
11. Iran 30 days, 40 EUR
12. Cape Verde 90 days, 2500 CVE (24 USD)
13. Qatar 30 days, free
14. Cambodia 30 days, 30 USD
15. Comoros 45 days, 30 EUR
16. Lebanon 30 days, free
17. Mauritania 30 days, 100 EUR
18. Madagascar 90 days, free
19. Marshall Islands 90 days, free
20. Mozambique 30 days (At the border: 52 EUR or 55 USD. The cost of a visa at the embassy in Moscow is 2500 rubles.)
21. Nauru 14 days, free
22. Nepal 15 days, 25 USD
23. UAE 30 days, free
24. Samoa 60 days, free
25. Saint Helena Island (Ascension and Tristan da Cunha) 183 (17 GBP)
26. Tanzania 90 days, 50 USD
27. Togo 7 days, 10,000 CFA (16 USD)
28. Uganda 90 days, 100 USD
29. Fiji 120 days, free
30. Sri Lanka 30 days, 40USD - e-visa in advance 35USD
31. Ethiopia 30 days, 50 USD (At the embassy $40)

Visit on a cruise ship

1. Falkland Islands 1 day, free

Virtual visa

1. Northern Cyprus 30 days, free

Seasonal visa

1. Albania 90 days. (usually from May to November, citizens of the Russian Federation are allowed entry without visas. Re-approved every year)

Electronic visa

1. Gabon 90 days, 100 EUR
2. India 30 days, 75 USD
3. Kenya 90 days, 50 USD
4. Cyprus 90 days, free
5. Mexico 180 days, free
6. Montserrat 90 days, 50 USD
7. Myanmar 28 days, 50 USD
8. Oman, 10 days, 6 Omani rials
9. Rwanda 30 days, 30 USD
10. Samoan Eastern (American) 30 days, 20 USD
11. Sao Tome and Principe 20 EUR
12. Solomon Islands 90 days, free
13. Sierra Leone 30 days, 140 USD
14. Tristan da Cunha

Visa-free transit

1. Anguilla 1 day, free
2. Aruba 1 day, free
3. Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (Netherlands Antilles) 2 days, free
4. Brunei 3 days, 5 BND (in reality, no more than 24 hours)
5. China - different times depending on the airport. When transiting Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou 72 hours, 24 hours for normal transit.
6. Curacao 2 days, free
7. Singapore 4 days, free of charge (does not work when flying with low cost airlines).

UK - possible in some cases, but very limited - more details

Schengen countries (Schengen visa required)

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Vatican
4. Hungary
5. Germany
6. Greece
7. Denmark
8. Iceland
9. Spain
10. Italy
11. Latvia
12. Lithuania
13. Liechtenstein
14. Luxembourg
15. Malta
16. Netherlands
17. Norway
18. Poland
19. Portugal
20. San Marino
21. Slovakia
22. Slovenia
23. Finland
24. France
25. Czech Republic
26. Switzerland
27. Sweden
28. Estonia

In our stressful times, many employees dream of getting a full vacation at once, since in recent years it has most often begun to be divided into parts, and it can be difficult to predict when the employer will give you the long-awaited days of legal rest. It is in light of the above circumstances that not everyone can plan their vacation in European countries. Well, if a person has an open Schengen visa, then he can immediately go on vacation abroad, and if not, then in conditions of limited time, collecting documents for a visa, confirming it at the consulate, standing in queues, submitting fingerprints for a visa, becomes problematic. But if you don’t have an open visa, but want to go on vacation to distant countries, then you should look for a destination in countries where Russians do not need a visa to enter.

The list of such states where Russian citizens can vacation without a visa is quite large, and what is especially pleasant is that it is expanding every year. To make it easier to understand, we will divide visa-free countries for Russians into subgroups:

1. Former USSR countries: these states, which not so long ago formed one huge country with Russia, have been sincerely loyal and friendly to Russians. And not surprisingly, there are a lot of interesting places and amazing sights. Having a foreign passport allows Russian citizens to freely travel throughout Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Moldova. And you can travel around Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan with a Russian passport, without having a foreign passport at all.

2. European countries with visa-free entry for Russians: The Old World cannot offer our tourists a lot of visa-free destinations, but you can also choose from several proposed countries: Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Russians can enter these countries without a Schengen or any other national visa for a period of no more than a month, which is quite enough to relax at seaside resorts and get acquainted with their interesting places and colorful culture.

3. African countries: By visiting one of the countries of the African continent without a visa, Russians will be able not only to have a great beach holiday, but also to take exciting excursions and go on an exciting safari. Countries where Russians can relax without opening a visa in Africa are: Morocco, Botswana, Tunisia, Namibia, Swaziland. And, without a visa, it is also possible to visit a unique African nature reserve located in the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles.

4. South American countries, where Russians do not need a visa: with a valid foreign passport, our compatriots have the opportunity to travel around this continent and at the same time vacation without a visa in each state for up to three months. Russians will be able to travel to Brazil, Argentina, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Chile. And having visited without a visa, they will be able to relax there for one hundred and eighty-three days.

5. Pacific Island Countries: if you consider yourself to be an adventurer and a fan of the beautiful life, then you should definitely visit one of the island oases of the Pacific Ocean, visit the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Niue, Western Samoa, Micronesia, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The air here is saturated with the quintessence of floral aromas, ocean breezes and freedom. And Russians will be able to experience all this for themselves by entering these island countries without a visa.

6. Asian countries with visa-free entry for Russians: Asia is a place where ancient traditions, unique culture, ancient sights and modern technologies harmoniously combine. The East is unique in its mystery and mystery, and Russians have the opportunity to get closer to unraveling its secrets by visiting some of its countries without a visa, such as South Korea, the Maldives, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.

7. A Middle Eastern country with visa-free entry for Russians– Israel. The “Holy Land” is the point of contact between Africa and Asia, the cradle of world religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism - and all the world’s main monuments are located here.

8. Caribbean Island States: These visa-free countries for Russians are probably the most exciting and romantic destination. They are famous for their impeccable beaches, clear ocean, exotic beach bungalows and an atmosphere of indescribable happiness and enjoyment of life. We recommend that our compatriots visit the island of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda without a visa.

In conclusion, I would like to say that if you have a few days off from work and do not have a Schengen visa, you should not stick to template directions, find some adventurism in yourself and go to one of the above-mentioned visa-free countries on vacation.