Moscow’s tourism officials are optimistic about the Russian electronic visa program, which now includes citizens from six countries. They expect this initiative to attract migrants residing in the UAE.
Although the UAE and Russia already have agreements allowing citizens from both countries to travel without a visa for up to 9 days, Russian authorities are encouraging UAE residents to use the new electronic visa system.
Bulat Normokhanov, Deputy Head of Moscow’s Tourism Committee, emphasized the ease of applying for the electronic visa, which is available to citizens of countries such as India, China, Austria, Japan, Bahrain, and several other European countries.
He stated that the electronic visa is now available for citizens of around 20 countries, including India, China, Iran, and most European countries. Normokhanov added that the visa application process is simple, and applicants can apply online and receive their visa within four to five business days. Previously, the electronic visa was valid for 16 days, but it has now been extended to 30 days for business and leisure travel.
Regarding the possibility of expanding the visa-free travel policy for UAE residents, Normokhanov said that while it would be a great idea, visa policies are determined by federal authorities. However, they hope that the federal government will consider such a proposal in the future.
Tourism from UAE to Moscow
Despite the ongoing war with Ukraine, tourism from the UAE to Moscow has increased significantly. Normokhanov stated that in the first nine months of last year, over 1 million tourists from the UAE visited Moscow, compared to only 200,000 in 2023.
Attracting UAE Tourists
Dubai quickly became a popular destination for wealthy Russian tourists after the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. In that year, 878 Russians traveled to Dubai, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year. By mid-2023, Russia had become the second-largest source of tourists to Dubai, after India.
