Russians' Vacation Abroad in 2025: Destinations, Visas, and Prices

In the spring and summer of 2025, more and more Russians are planning to vacation abroad. Interest in foreign destinations is supported by a variety of routes, improved logistics, and the expansion of tourist programs. This article covers popular countries, demand dynamics, spending patterns, and market expert assessments.

Russian Tourists' Spending Plans

About 40% of Russians planning trips in the coming months expect to spend between 50,000 and 300,000 rubles ($555–$3,330) per person on vacation, writes RBC, citing a VTB survey. More than a third of respondents (34%) expect their vacation budget to be between 50,000 and 100,000 rubles ($555–$1,110), with the highest number in the Volga, Northwestern, and Central Federal Districts. Another quarter of respondents are willing to spend between 100,000 and 300,000 rubles ($1,110–3,330), and about 25% will limit their spending to between 20,000 and 50,000 rubles ($220–555). The highest expenditures, exceeding 300,000 rubles, are only affordable for 5% of respondents, primarily from the Southern Federal District.

Furthermore, more than half of respondents said they plan to travel during the May holidays. Of these, 34% will spend them at their dachas, 18% will travel within Russia, and 4% will travel abroad. Another 28% will stay home, and 12% will work. Those staying home during the holidays were especially numerous in the Far East (41%).

Experts note that the strengthening of the ruble and the depreciation of the dollar in February 2025 contributed to increased interest in tour bookings. However, Artur Muradyan, Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), emphasized that there is no rush, although demand remains stable; tourists have become more active in inquiring and monitoring prices. According to expert Maya Kotlyar, a significant surge in sales could occur if the dollar drops to 80 rubles. On March 29, 2025, this figure reached 83.68 rubles, and a further decline is possible amid geopolitical changes.

Russian Tourists' Interest in Europe

According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, in 2025 there will be a significant increase in sales of excursion tours to Europe. Demand for spring-summer programs has reportedly increased by 15 to 50% compared to last year, and in some cases even more. Specifically, Space Travel and Russian Express saw growth of 15-20%, BSI Group saw growth of up to 25%, and ICS Travel Group saw growth of over 50%.

The growing interest in European destinations is driven by several factors. Firstly, the geography of convenient and affordable routes has expanded: in addition to the traditional hub in Istanbul, connections via Tbilisi, Yerevan, and Baku are actively used, especially for flights to Southern and Eastern Europe. Tickets from Moscow to Paris or Rome remain relatively affordable in the spring – from 50,000 to 60,000 rubles ($555–$665) roundtrip with baggage.

Secondly, the new Schengen visa application process has already become commonplace. In 2024, [url=https://internationalinvestment.biz/tourism/5553-rost-chisla-shengenskih-viz-dlja-rossijan-v-2024-godu-trevozhnaja-tendencija-ili-vosstanovlenie-turizma.html]more than 565,000 such entry permits were issued to Russians, a 25% increase from 2023. Italy, France, and Germany led the way. The pent-up demand accumulated during the pandemic is also having an impact: many travelers who previously explored the Middle East and Asia are now returning to European destinations.

Other Russian Outbound Tourism Destinations

According to experts, the choice of visa-free countries remains the same. The most popular are Thailand, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey. Trips to Turkey are often planned for the spring and summer, while trips to the UAE and Egypt are booked 2-3 weeks in advance. Trips to Thailand are booked more than a month in advance, but this is due to tickets traditionally selling out quickly. The situation for this destination is likely to change following the earthquake that occurred on March 28.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) explained that the earthquake primarily affected Myanmar, but tremors were also felt in some northern and central regions of the kingdom, including Bangkok. One building under construction collapsed. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha stated that damage from the earthquake was minor and there was no risk of a tsunami. The situation at the beach resorts remains calm, according to authorities, although tremors were felt in Pattaya. However, the incident may not