Where is it better to go without a visa? The best visa-free countries for Russian citizens. Where can you go with a visa from other countries?

Planning a vacation is an exciting process. The success of your trip depends 100% on the right choice of country for your holiday. But often the possibility of travel is limited by the visa regime for entering the country. What to do if it is not possible to obtain a visa? Choose countries where you can travel without a visa.

Video: overview of visa-free countries on the map

Where in Europe to holiday without a visa?

For Russians, visiting most of the countries of Europe is a necessity. But not all European countries are members of the Schengen agreement.

Countries with visa-free travel in 2020:

  1. - You can travel around the country for a whole month; to enter, you must have a foreign passport with you, the validity period of which ends no earlier than the end of the trip.
  2. Ukraine, - stay up to 3 months, you need to present both passports: both a citizen of the Russian Federation and a foreign one.
  3. - stay up to two months, only a foreign passport is required.
  4. - You can travel for up to a month, you must have a foreign passport.
  5. Moldova - travel period - 90 days, a foreign passport is required.
  6. - travel period is 90 days, in addition to a foreign passport, a certified invitation or a voucher from a travel company is desirable.
  7. Bosnia and Herzegovina - travel period - up to 1 month, in addition to a foreign passport, you need a certified invitation-support, provision of tickets to your homeland, a travel agency voucher.

Countries with different entry conditions

You can also travel to Europe without a visa to the following countries:

  • . In general, Russians need a visa to travel to Cyprus. But in case of arrival by plane landing in Paphos or Larnaca, it is possible to purchase a visa for three months online in advance. You must first submit an application form on the embassy website.
  • A two-week visit to the border part of the Sør-Varanger region is allowed if the Russian lives no more than 35 km from the Norwegian border. Kaliningrad residents can come to the northern regions of the Warmian-Masurian and Pomeranian Polish regions for a month.
  • And for a period of 90 days, Russians - residents of the cities of Krasnogorodsk, Pechera, Pytalovo, Ostrov and the Pskov region - can travel.

Where to relax without a visa at sea?

The vast majority of Russians associate holidays abroad with mandatory swimming in the warm sea. In which countries by the sea can you spend your holiday?

Türkiye

Previously, visiting Turkey required paying for a visa upon entering the country. Now this procedure is not required, so Russians can visit any of the Turkish resorts and stay in the country for up to 30 days. High-quality service, an all-inclusive system, excellent nightclubs and mandatory animation in every hotel are essential conditions for a holiday in Turkish hotels. Additionally, you can purchase a flight tour to Israel and enjoy excursion programs.

Vietnam

Traveling to Russia does not require a visa in advance - it is issued upon arrival in the country. However, before purchasing a ticket and traveling, you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam to purchase an entry visa. This can be done in two ways: through a tour operator or independently via the Internet. The “Vietnamese” destination is still new, so it’s worth visiting the country before it turns into a typical tourist reservation.

Dominican Republic

A visa is issued directly at the airport upon arrival in the country. Validity period is one month. A beach holiday in the Dominican Republic means pearly white beaches and coral reefs, a warm ocean and gentle sun. The country also has a huge reserve with American crocodiles. Fans of excursions will appreciate the many museums and monuments covering the history of the colonization of the islands.

Egypt

A country proven by generations of tourists, where traditional beach activities are successfully combined with ancient history. Those wishing to enjoy a resort holiday and visit the majestic pyramids only need to pay $20 for entry. Read more about and methods of free entry.

Israel

Jerusalem is an ancient city with a special atmosphere, as if saturated with the spirit of ancient world religions. And the Dead Sea of ​​Israel is famous for its healing properties. Russians can stay without a visa for up to 90 days.

Maldives

Flying to means enjoying a holiday on the pristine beaches surrounded by a piercing blue sea with coral reefs, trying your hand at diving and plunging into an atmosphere of absolute peace. The right to enter is confirmed by a visa, which the tourist receives for $10 right at the airport.

Thailand

“Pop”, so attractive to tourists, also does not require travelers to pre-register a visa for entry.

For a 30-day stay in the country, a foreign passport with two blank pages is sufficient, the validity of which expires no earlier than six months before the end of the trip.

Will it be possible to vacation without a visa in Greece?

Are you planning a trip to Greek resorts? It is not surprising - the luxurious climate, abundance of entertainment and rich architecture attracts tourists from all over the world to Greece.

Unfortunately, to holiday at most Greek resorts you need to obtain a Schengen visa.

But there is a way out - trip to one of the islands adjacent to Turkey. An entry visa is provided to a tourist upon arrival in the country. Its cost is 30 euros.

List of Greek islands where you can go by ferry from Turkey and get a short-term visa on the spot:

  • Cyclades Islands: Mykonos and Santorini.
  • Lesvos.
  • Chios.

Entry without a visa to other countries worthy of tourist attention

Peculiarities:

  1. period of stay - 90 days;
  2. document - internal passport of the Russian Federation;
  3. You cannot travel from Abkhazia to Georgia.

Azerbaijan

Peculiarities:

  1. period of stay - 90 days;
  2. Ethnic Armenians are prohibited from entering the country, regardless of their citizenship;
  3. refusal of entry if there are marks of Nagorno-Karabakh in the passport.

Duration of stay - 90 days.

Bangladesh

Peculiarities:

  1. Travel duration is 3 months.
  2. A visa is issued upon entry for $50.

Duration of stay - 14 days

Peculiarities:

  1. Duration of stay - 90 days.
  2. A ban on visiting the country for persons with stamps of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in their passports.

Indonesia, island

Peculiarities:

  1. The visa is issued upon arrival.
  2. You must have a return ticket.
  3. Travel duration is 30 days.
  4. The cost is $25.
  5. It is possible to extend your stay by a month.

Peculiarities:

  1. Travel duration is 30 days.
  2. The cost of a visa is 10 Jordanian dinars.
  3. Possibility of extending the period of entry by six months.

Peculiarities:

  1. A tourist visa is issued upon arrival.
  2. Validity period - 1 month.
  3. You must provide a photo or pay an additional fee.
  4. Cost - 20 dollars.

Visa-free entry is granted for a 30-day period.

The visa is issued at the airport upon arrival. You must provide 2 photos.

Cost of different types of visas:

  1. 15 days - 30 dollars;
  2. 30 days - 40 dollars;
  3. 90 days - 90 dollars.

Syria

Visa on arrival is available for men only for $20.

Peculiarities:

  1. free visa-free entry for 21 days;
  2. 59 days visa on arrival for $62.

Peculiarities:

  1. Online pre-registration and a $20 processing fee are required.
  2. At the airport, you will need to present a printout of the visa permit, after which the tourist will be issued a 30-day double-entry visa (cost: $20).

Duration – up to 60 days.

South Ossetia

Peculiarities:

  1. Duration of stay - 3 months.
  2. Possibility of entry with an internal passport.
  3. You cannot move from Ossetia to Georgia.

Infographics: a complete list of countries that do not require visas

Holidays abroad without a passport

Resort countries where you should buy a ticket or go traveling as “savages” without a foreign passport at all are:

  • Abkhazia. The purest sea water and low housing prices are very attractive to tourists. The most popular resorts in Abkhazia are New Athos, where you can visit unique caves, Gagra with a rich history and architectural monuments, Pitsunda, Sukhum and Gudauta.
  • Belarus. This former Soviet republic is famous for its attractions and quality sanatoriums. There is no sea in Belarus, but there are a huge number of lakes and protected areas. It’s better to come here with a ticket to a sanatorium and combine your vacation with excursion programs: visiting Belovezhskaya Pushcha, visiting historical monuments in Grodno, Minsk and Brest.
  • is a region famous for its unique national reserves and a whole complex of historical, architectural and archaeological monuments. Baikonur, the world's first cosmodrome, is also of interest to tourists, as well as recreation at the best ski resorts located on the slopes of Altai.

Why should you choose countries with visa-free entry for your holiday?

Obtaining a visa is associated with certain difficulties:

  1. Impossibility of purchasing a last minute ticket. Applying for a visa takes quite a lot of time, so it is impossible to save money by purchasing a last-minute ticket - most of these tours are sold out 2-3 days before the possible departure.
  2. Long visa processing time. This is especially true in the summer - during the summer holidays, huge queues of potential tourists gather at embassies.

Prepared current list of visa-free countries for Russians for 2020. We'll tell you where you can go without a visa from Russia - 2020, 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 2020. 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 2020? 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 2020:

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 2020.
  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.

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 – 2020:

  • 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 2020:

  • 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.

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.

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.

Tours. In 2020, 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.

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.

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.


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.

Tours. One of the cheapest visa-free destinations for Russians in 2020 - 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 2020? 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 vacation.

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 Tsakhkadzor.

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 2020 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 2020 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, 2020, 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 2020:

  • 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 2020, 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.

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.

Tours. Jamaica is the most expensive visa-free travel destination for Russians in 2020. 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 Hotellook website, and searching for apartments and private houses directly from the owners through Airbnb (click the link for a 2,100 ruble discount on your first booking).

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 2020, 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 2020 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 2020, 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 2020 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 of 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 2020, 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, Surf, 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 2020:

  • 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 2020, 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 2020, 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 – 2020:

  • 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 – 2020:

  • Montenegro
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Serbia

No. 4. Exotic countries.

Where to have an inexpensive holiday at sea abroad is the most popular question among tourists, and not only in crisis years. Many countries in Europe, Asia and America can offer you cheap holidays at sea: prices for food, hotels and entertainment there remain acceptable even at the current exchange rate of the ruble and dollar. But flying to many places will cost a huge amount. Therefore, today we offer you 5 countries, where you can relax at sea abroad inexpensively even taking into account the price of air tickets.


The Internet is now replete with articles from the category “Where to relax at sea abroad inexpensively.” But many authors, describing the cheapness of holidays in these places, miss the most important point. When choosing the cheapest countries for tourists, the compilers of the ratings cite the example of ridiculous prices for food and hotels, but forget about the cost of flights. And as a result, the lists of countries where it is cheaper to relax at sea abroad are topped by either Argentina or Guatemala. No doubt, these are indeed very inexpensive countries for a seaside holiday, but not for Russians. Because before you can spend $10 a night in Guatemala, you first need to get there.

Therefore, in our article about countries where you can have an inexpensive holiday at sea abroad even with the current exchange rate of the ruble, we will take into account three main points:

  • flight cost,
  • food expenses,
  • price of hotel accommodation.

This is a mandatory expense for all tourists. Everything else (excursions, entertainment, transportation costs, souvenirs, etc.) is very individual, so we will not take these costs into account. Considering how wide our native country is, we will list prices for air tickets from three cities at once - the capital, the Northern capital and the capital of Siberia. So, where to have an inexpensive holiday at sea abroad: the cheapest countries for tourism in Europe and Asia.

Where to have an inexpensive holiday at sea abroad: TOP 5 countries for a cheap holiday

Bulgaria: everything is inexpensive, everything is clear

Bulgaria will not only always be among the countries where any tourist from Russia can inexpensively relax at sea abroad. Bulgaria is also a great place for your first trip abroad. Here everything seems familiar: in Bulgaria they write in Cyrillic, Bulgarian cuisine is very close to all residents of Eastern Europe, and if you move a little away from the bright resort area, you find yourself in a post-Soviet reality with gray houses and faces.

Prices for flights to Bulgaria: from $125

  • Air ticket Moscow - Varna: from 125 dollars
  • Air ticket St. Petersburg - Varna: from 130 dollars
  • Air ticket Novosibirsk - Varna: from 240 dollars

Hotel prices in Bulgaria: from 15 dollars

Food prices in Bulgaria (for two): from $30 per day


Lunch (meat dish or local shawarma + coffee): $5-10
Dinner (meat dish in a restaurant + bottle of wine) – 20-30 dollars

Total: a week's holiday in Bulgaria costs from $895 for two

Airfare to Bulgaria and back: from $500
Hotel stay 7 days: from $105
Meal 7 days: from $210
Visas: $80

Bulgaria is perhaps the cheapest country in Europe for tourists. Therefore, it consistently falls into all ratings of countries where almost anyone can have an inexpensive holiday at sea abroad.
Photo: Photo: Interhotel Cherno More.

Georgia: wow, how cheap!

Georgia is not only mountains, sea, khinkali and Kindzmarauli. This, along with Bulgaria, is also one of those countries where you can have an inexpensive holiday at sea abroad without fear of language and cultural barriers. As in Soviet times, Georgia is still hospitable, still budget-friendly, and still speaks Russian – at least in those places where there are many tourists from Russia. The main seaside resort of the country, Batumi, is just one of these places.

Prices for flights to Georgia: from $130

  • Flight Moscow – Batumi: from 130 dollars
  • Air ticket St. Petersburg - Batumi: from 139 dollars
  • Flight Novosibirsk - Batumi: from 200 dollars

Hotel prices in Georgia: from 10 dollars

Prices for food in Georgia (for two): from $30 per day

Breakfast (omelet or sandwich + tea): 5-10 dollars
Lunch (10 khinkali + coffee): 5-10 dollars
Dinner (two servings of shish kebab with side dish and a bottle of wine): $20-30

Total: a week's holiday in Georgia costs from $800 for two

Airfare to Batumi and back: from $520
Hotel stay 7 days: from $70
Meal 7 days: from $210

Where to relax at sea abroad inexpensively: Batumi is famous Georgian hospitality and no less famous Georgian prices.
Photo: Rock Hotel First Line.

Türkiye: all in and nothing off

One of the goals of our site is to dispel misconceptions. One of the misconceptions of Russian tourists is that Turkey was “closed” and now it has allegedly been “opened”. Dear friends! Nothing of the kind: Turkey has always been open, visa-free and one of the cheapest countries where you can relax at sea abroad inexpensively. It was only prohibited to sell package tours there. Read more in our articles:

No one forbade and is not forbidding you to buy air tickets and fly on your own to vacation in this country of beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and a generous all-inclusive package. Moreover, from many Russian cities you can fly to Turkish resorts either directly or with a transfer in Moscow or Istanbul. And you can book a hotel with all-inclusive meals through the booking system.

Prices for flights to Turkey: from $80

  • Air ticket Moscow - Antalya: from 80 dollars
  • Air ticket St. Petersburg - Antalya: from 150 dollars
  • Air ticket Novosibirsk - Antalya: from 200 dollars
  • Flight Moscow - Alanya: from 80 dollars
  • Air ticket St. Petersburg - Alanya: from 135 dollars
  • Flight Novosibirsk - Alanya: from 200 dollars

Tips for finding flights to Turkey: if tickets from your city to Antalya or Alanya are too expensive, try searching cheap flights to Istanbul. And from there there are many inexpensive ways to get to the resorts of the Turkish Mediterranean - both by air and by land.

Prices for all-inclusive hotels in Turkey: from $45

We won’t calculate food prices in Turkey - why, if you can stay in a decent hotel and eat and drink on an all-inclusive basis? Moreover, it is very inexpensive! When you look at hotels, don't forget to check the "All inclusive" box:

Tips for booking all-inclusive hotels in Turkey: on the most popular booking system Booking.com All-inclusive hotels are sometimes too expensive. The same hotels with the same “opinclusive” can be found on other booking systems for many times cheaper. Therefore, we recommend looking for hotels not through Booking, but through hotel search engine Hotellook— it compares prices for the same hotels in different booking systems and gives you the best price options. In addition, Hotellook, unlike Booking, gives you the opportunity to sort hotels operating on the All Inclusive system. When you select a hotel, Hotellook will transfer you to the booking system website (Booking.com, Agoda.com, Ostrovok.ru, etc.), where the booking takes place.

Total: a week's holiday in Turkey costs from $635 for two

Airfare to Alanya and back: from $320
Hotel accommodation 7 days all inclusive: from $315

Where to relax at sea abroad inexpensively: Turkey has always been and will be a warm, hospitable country. And after the ban on the sale of package tours, tourists had the opportunity to see the local flavor and beautiful nature behind the endless “all inclusive” packages.

Thailand: affordable exotic

Of those countries where you can inexpensively relax at sea in summer and winter, Thailand is the most exotic. And at the same time very accessible and familiar: none of the countries in Southeast Asia is visited by tourists as much as Thailand; There are not so many flights from Russia to any of the Southeast Asian countries as to Thailand, and there is not so much varied information on the Internet about any of the neighboring countries. Including on our website. Here, as an example, are a few of our articles that will help you spend your holiday in Thailand brightly and at the same time inexpensively:

And now let’s learn more about prices in a country where you can have an inexpensive holiday at sea abroad at any time of the year.

Airfare to Thailand: from $200

  • Air ticket Moscow - Bangkok: from 200 dollars
  • Air ticket St. Petersburg - Bangkok: from 220 dollars
  • Flight Novosibirsk - Bangkok: from 260 dollars
  • Flight Moscow – Phuket: from 240 dollars
  • Air ticket St. Petersburg - Phuket: from 265 dollars
  • Air ticket Novosibirsk - Phuket: from 370 dollars

Hotel prices in Thailand: from 12 dollars

Food prices in Thailand (for two): from $16 per day

Breakfast (omelet or sandwich + coffee): $3
Lunch (rice with Khao Pad meat + water): $3
Dinner (soup + beer): $10

Total: a week's holiday in Thailand costs from $1000 for two

Airfare to Bangkok and back: from $800
Hotel stay 7 days: from $84
Meal 7 days: from $112

Thailand is one of those countries where you can have an inexpensive holiday at sea abroad at any time of the year.

Vietnam: how much does beer cost under communism?

Together with Thailand Vietnam is one of the countries where cheap seaside holidays are possible at any time of the year. For many, Vietnam is even more comfortable as a holiday destination than Thailand. One of the reasons is that local cuisine is much more familiar to the European stomach - years of communication with the French and Russians have had an effect. Moreover, the communication is so close that the main resorts of Vietnam today are completely Russified: you can’t walk a hundred meters in Nha Trang or Mui Ne without encountering the obligatory “Matryoshka” cafe or at least the “USSR” store. And prices for many products here are even lower than in Thailand. For example, beer or bread costs half a dollar, wine costs 5 dollars. Read more in our articles:

  • Where can you relax inexpensively at sea in the summer, except Turkey and Bulgaria? As always, in Vietnam! In June, July and August the weather here is hot, dry and windless.
    Photo: InterContinental Nha Trang.

    Dear readers, can you recommend where to have an inexpensive holiday at sea abroad? You can leave reviews, or you can send us entire stories with photos on info@site– we will definitely publish them! And don’t forget - we send only the most necessary and useful things. Happy and budget-friendly trips to you!

Last minute tours to visa-free countries are more popular than travel to countries with strict visa controls. And this is not surprising. Many Russian tourists, going on vacation abroad, have repeatedly encountered bureaucratic red tape associated with the need to obtain entry documents. Going through all the formalities takes a lot of time and effort, so when planning their next vacation, Russians are already consciously choosing visa-free tourist destinations. This not only allows you to save on the cost of the trip, but also saves your time and nerves. Let's talk in this article about which countries were included in the list of visa-free countries for Russians in 2017? We will also tell you where a visa will be issued under a simplified scheme?

Every year, more and more states demonstrate a loyal attitude towards Russian citizens visiting their territory. So, there are countries with simplified visa access; the visa issuance procedure takes place upon arrival, which is very convenient. Indeed, in this case, you initially will not have to settle issues with the travel agency and the consulate regarding obtaining permits. When going through control at the airport of arrival, it will be enough to present your international passport; in isolated cases, you will need to confirm the trustworthiness of your intentions and show a sample form of a tourist voucher or return air tickets.

When passing control, in addition to your passport, you may be asked to present a return ticket, voucher, health insurance, invitation and confirm your solvency with a certain amount of money. There is no universal visa-free period of stay for all visa-free countries, so each country resolves this issue separately. Usually the period is 30 days, in some countries – up to 90 days, sometimes – only two weeks.

Where can you go on vacation without a visa?

Let’s take a closer look at which visa-free destinations you can choose for your holiday in 2017, and tell you about these countries. The list of the most popular and inexpensive visa-free countries includes:

  • Türkiye. Such favorite holiday destinations for Russians as Kemer, Antalya and Alanya do not need any introduction. The visa is obtained at the airport of the country of arrival and is valid for 60 days.
  • Egypt. Although the political situation here can hardly be called stable, many Russians remain faithful to their choice and continue to vacation in Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. A visa is automatically issued to everyone upon arrival, valid for 30 days.
  • Thailand. Anyone planning to stay in Thailand for 30 days or less is given an arrival stamp in their passport at the airport. A visa needs to be issued only to those who want to spend 2-3 months in this country, for example, the whole winter. A single-entry visa for 60 days will cost $40 and can then be extended for another 30 days.
  • Russians can stay in Vietnam without a visa for 15 days. If the period is longer, then here, as in many countries, you can apply for a Visa on arrival right at the airport for free.
  • Israel. Russians can enter Israel with one foreign passport, and the maximum period of stay in this country is 90 days for our tourists.
  • Georgia. A foreign passport is sufficient for entry.
  • Tunisia. A popular visa-free country for our citizens. To visit, you only need a foreign passport valid for more than 3 months from the date of application.
  • Morocco. The popularity of Morocco among Russian tourists began to grow about 3-4 years ago, and since then the trend has not weakened. This was largely possible due to the fact that you do not need a visa to visit this country.
  • Dominican Republic To get to the Dominican Republic, you just need to apply for a tarjeta del tourista - a tourist card and pay a fee of 10 euros for it. It allows you to stay in the republic for up to 30 days.
  • Cuba. You do not need a visa to travel to Cuba. A passport must be valid only for the duration of the trip.
  • China (Hainan Island). If a tourist from Russia flies to Hainan on his own, he can apply for a visa upon arrival at the airport. If you are part of a tourist group, then Russians do not need a visa.
  • Mexico and India. These countries require a formal visa. It can be easily completed online.
  • Jordan. You do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to Jordan. Tourists receive a permit for 40 dinars right at the airport.

Which European countries are easy to get a visa for?

Cyprus. Aphrodite Island attracts tourists with its luxurious beaches, ancient architecture and amazing nature. To get to heaven on earth you will need to apply for a visa online, valid for 90 days.

Bulgaria. Happy holders of a valid Schengen visa will not have to obtain a visa, the period of stay is limited to 3 months. If there is no multiple visa, then the permit is issued at the Bulgarian visa center or the visa issuing department at the consulate.

Montenegro. In this country, visa-free stay is allowed for 30 days, from here you can visit any visa-free neighbor - Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Herzegovina.


Serbia. You can safely travel around Serbia without a visa if your trip does not exceed 30 days.

Macedonia. Visa-free entry to Macedonia for Russians will be valid at least until March 2018.

Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you are traveling to this country for tourist purposes and for no more than 30 days, then you do not need to obtain a visa.

Greece. A short-term visa to Greece costs 35 euros. And although the procedure for obtaining a document is almost the same as in the case of obtaining a visa to any other country of the Schengen Union, Greece is the most loyal to tourists from Russia.

Which countries can you travel to with a Russian passport?

Don’t forget about the most popular resort countries, entry into which is allowed with an internal Russian passport. Feel free to go there for new experiences, but remember that the period of stay for Russian tourists on their territory is limited to 90 days.

  • Abkhazia is a sunny region with amazing mountain nature, ancient caves and healing mineral springs.
  • Belarus is definitely where neither acclimatization nor the language barrier can prevent you from enjoying your vacation to the fullest.
  • Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Average prices for last-minute tours to visa-free countries from Moscow

Traveling to countries without a visa on a last-minute tour is the ideal and most common holiday option. The cost of such tours is actually 30-40% lower than regular options, and the visa-free regime makes organizing the trip easy. You can choose a tour 4-5 days before the expected date, buy it and quickly get ready. There is no need to worry about whether you will be given a visa or not.

Many exotic countries require visa-free entry; they are slightly less popular among tourists, since holidays in them are more expensive. But nevertheless, last-minute tours departing from Moscow are sold there more often than to countries where Schengen is required.

How about a weekend abroad? We have compiled for you the TOP 10 countries to which you can go without first obtaining a visa.

The number of countries where you can travel without first obtaining a visa is slowly but surely increasing. Why not take one of them on an express tour this coming weekend? WomanJournal.ru has prepared the TOP 10 visa-free countries for Russia.

Visa-free country Montenegro

Entry into the territory of this country without a visa is possible only for tourism purposes and for a period of no more than 30 days. A tourist voucher is issued at the border. Travel time when departing from Moscow will be 2 hours 50 minutes.

This visa-free country is unique in its own way, as it provides the opportunity for a decent holiday for different categories of tourists. For lovers of extreme sports, there are many options for active leisure activities: rafting, diving, rock climbing, hiking. If you prefer passive relaxation on the shore, 73 kilometers of beaches are at your service.

You can also devote a weekend to studying the history of Montenegro. On the territory of this visa-free country, many ancient fortresses, monasteries and ancient cities have been preserved.

Many tourists fall in love with Montenegro after their first trip and devote a lot of free time to it. Moreover, there is something to see in such resort towns as Budva, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Becici, Rafailovici, Herceg Novi, Igalo, Milocer, Ulcinj, Kotor, Perast and Risan.

Visa-free country Serbia

Three hours of flight - and you are in Serbia. For Russians, entry into this country is visa-free for a period of 30 days.

Serbia is recommended for those who prefer an ecological holiday. Serbs are very proud of the nature of their country and preserve it in every possible way. There are more than 30 lakes, five nature reserves, and mud resorts.

Serbia is a country of ancient culture, medieval monasteries and castles. Here you can see the capital of the country Belgrade, visit the thermal resorts: Vrnjacka Banja, Banja Koviljaca, Zlatibor, Buyanovacka Banja, Soko Banja, Niska Banja, and go up to the ski resorts. If you visit the Jahorina ski resort, you will see the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics.

For tourists, Serbia, thanks to its warm climate, is attractive throughout the year.

Visa-free country Croatia

To enter Croatia you will not need a visa if you do not plan to visit other countries during your stay in this country. In the period from May 1 to October 31, you can come on vacation even without a travel voucher or letter of guarantee.

For a beach lover, the best conditions are, of course, in the summer at a comfortable temperature of 25–29 degrees Celsius. Here you can relax on the sandy, pebble and stone beaches of the Adriatic coast. Yachting is well developed.

If the goal of an express tour is a walk in the mountains, then you will not be disappointed, as they are of stunning beauty in Croatia.

And you can splash around in the mud baths to your heart's content. Croatia is one of the popular balneological resorts.

This visa-free country has a very regular way of life. Croats are friendly but slow. This is probably the reason why you can’t find exclusively youth hotels here. Almost all of them are quiet and calm. If you are looking for a little peace and harmony with nature, a three-hour flight and you are already in Croatia.

Visa-free country Türkiye

A little more than two hours of flight when departing from Moscow - and you are in Turkey. You can enter this country without a visa; it is issued at any customs point. The validity of the foreign passport must be more than three months from the end of the trip.

If you are attracted by sea holidays, choose any of the four seas - Black, Aegean, Mediterranean or Marmara.

In Turkey it is worth visiting: Erciyes, where snow slopes operate from November to April, the capital of this visa-free country, Istanbul, the resort of Side, where you can not only relax on numerous beaches, but also see the relics of ancient history, Kemer with its beautiful landscapes, beaches and bays , the “capital” of tennis and golf Belek, Antalya is a tropical paradise with plantations of bananas, cotton and citrus fruits.

Visa-free country Russia (Sochi)

Of course, if we are talking about traveling without a visa, then the main visa-free country for us, of course, remains our home country - Russia. Holidays here can be found to suit every taste, in particular in the sensational Sochi.

The capital of the future Winter Olympics is a worthy place for a weekend getaway. During an express tour to Sochi, you can gain strength for the coming week, soak up the rays of the warm sun, which is always in abundance here, or simply take a walk between the palm trees.

If a quiet weekend is not your thing, go to Krasnaya Polyana. The ski season in Sochi begins in November and lasts until March. Thanks to the construction of Olympic facilities, modern ski lifts and well-prepared trails will be at your service.

Sochi is also famous for its winemaking. Even if you don’t know much about wines, you can taste some interesting samples. Don’t forget to take your favorite one home so that over a glass of wine you can remember how nice it was on the Black Sea coast.

The journey to Sochi by air will take you just over two hours, including departure from Moscow.

Visa-free country Ukraine (Yalta)

Why not go to the “heart” of Crimea - Yalta for the weekend?! In summer, this city bustles with the busiest tourist life. In winter he is calm and seems to fall asleep. But even in the off-season, Yalta is interesting, since this Ukrainian city is famous for its combination of architectural monuments inscribed in the mountainous terrain. There are many ancient buildings, museums, parks and squares.

A trip to Yalta is recommended not only for lovers of architecture, but also for everyone who misses the warm sun. This is especially true now. The sun shines there approximately 2,250 hours a year. This is the same as in the famous Nice, Cannes and San Remo.

Yalta is also famous for its winemaking. Crimean grape varieties are surprisingly fragrant due to the generous sun. Yalta residents are proud of their wines and recommend that city guests taste them.

The pride of the city is the embankment, which you should definitely take a stroll along.

If you go to Yalta now, you can still catch the almond blossoms. At this time, the air is filled with a tart aroma.

To visit Yalta, you need to fly to Simferopol, and from there travel by car to the visa-free country of Ukraine.

Visa-free country Sri Lanka

You can also see all the beauties of Sri Lanka without first obtaining a visa. If the duration of the tourist trip does not exceed 30 days, a visa is issued upon arrival. To obtain it, you must have a passport valid for at least three months from the end of the trip, a migration card filled out in English, confirmation of a hotel reservation, funds for the duration of your stay in Sri Lanka, as well as a return ticket with a fixed departure date .

Despite the fact that Sri Lanka is just a small island in the Indian Ocean, it offers tourists a lot of interesting things: stunning beaches, excellent conditions for diving and surfing, numerous cultural and historical monuments, ancient ruins.

This visa-free country is a shopaholic's paradise. Prices here are low and the range is wide. You cannot go back, for example, without precious stones. In Sri Lanka, sapphires, amethysts, garnets and moonstone are mined.

It is also worth paying attention to local textiles, which in Sri Lanka are of good quality and at the same time very cheap.

To feel the flavor of Sri Lanka and understand that you want to come back here again, you have to spend nine hours on the road.

Israel

Holidays in Israel are different from visiting other countries. Here tourists not only spend their free time interestingly, but also come into contact with Christian history.

Thanks to the hot climate, myriad attractions and unique geography: snow-capped mountains, forests, desert and sea, every guest of this visa-free country for Russia has “their own” Israel.