Should Russia open its borders?
The last World Cup in Russia last year attracted a huge number of foreign fans. The influx of tourists stimulated the development of the hotel and entertainment business, and, in general, contributed to improving the image of our country. Now it is decided to expand this positive experience of short-term visa-free entry at the highest level.
Formally, it is estimated that about 30 million people entered the Russian Federation last year. At first glance, this is a lot. But according to statistics, two-thirds of them come to us from only six former republics of the Soviet Union, including Ukraine. In reality, no more than a fifth of the total number of foreigners come to the Russian Federation for tourist purposes. For the most part, these people enter the country to earn money, that is, they don’t bring money to Russia the economy like tourists, and take them out of it.
According to some estimates, about 5 million people entered our country last year. Today, the contribution of tourism to Russia's GDP is only 3,4%, but its growth potential is very high. How can you speed it up?
For traveling abroad, the main obstacle is the visa barrier. Residents of our vast country have to go to consulates in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities to get the desired visa, spending both time and money. But after all exactly the same difficulties are faced by those foreigners who would like to visit our country. The Russian president proposed moving on to granting short-term visa-free entry permits for foreigners, as well as simplifying the possibility of obtaining an electronic visa.
In fact, such a simplified procedure already exists in relation to Vladivostok, Primorye, Kamchatka and Chukotka. Now it is planned to extend it to Kaliningrad, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Today, visitors have the right to move only within the region where they entered in a simplified manner. But in the future, it is proposed that these restrictions be removed and extended to the entire country.
Probably, simplification of the visa regime can significantly increase the tourist flow to the Russian Federation. However, immediately there is a question of ensuring security from unwanted guests. Domestic law enforcement agencies are extremely negative about opening borders, as Vladimir Putin himself admits:
But the president is a supporter of the idea of a more open Russia, therefore he is ready to "overcome their position." So the work of law enforcement agencies will increase, but the tourism sector will receive an incentive for development, and much more foreigners will be able to make a personal impression of the realities of life in our country.
Formally, it is estimated that about 30 million people entered the Russian Federation last year. At first glance, this is a lot. But according to statistics, two-thirds of them come to us from only six former republics of the Soviet Union, including Ukraine. In reality, no more than a fifth of the total number of foreigners come to the Russian Federation for tourist purposes. For the most part, these people enter the country to earn money, that is, they don’t bring money to Russia the economy like tourists, and take them out of it.
According to some estimates, about 5 million people entered our country last year. Today, the contribution of tourism to Russia's GDP is only 3,4%, but its growth potential is very high. How can you speed it up?
For traveling abroad, the main obstacle is the visa barrier. Residents of our vast country have to go to consulates in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities to get the desired visa, spending both time and money. But after all exactly the same difficulties are faced by those foreigners who would like to visit our country. The Russian president proposed moving on to granting short-term visa-free entry permits for foreigners, as well as simplifying the possibility of obtaining an electronic visa.
In fact, such a simplified procedure already exists in relation to Vladivostok, Primorye, Kamchatka and Chukotka. Now it is planned to extend it to Kaliningrad, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Today, visitors have the right to move only within the region where they entered in a simplified manner. But in the future, it is proposed that these restrictions be removed and extended to the entire country.
Probably, simplification of the visa regime can significantly increase the tourist flow to the Russian Federation. However, immediately there is a question of ensuring security from unwanted guests. Domestic law enforcement agencies are extremely negative about opening borders, as Vladimir Putin himself admits:
I must honestly say that their position is often justified, but it is still necessary to move, because with the help of prohibitions we will not solve the development problems precisely either in the tourism sector or in other areas.
But the president is a supporter of the idea of a more open Russia, therefore he is ready to "overcome their position." So the work of law enforcement agencies will increase, but the tourism sector will receive an incentive for development, and much more foreigners will be able to make a personal impression of the realities of life in our country.
Information