Significant changes are taking place in the sphere of international tourism and visa formalities, directly affecting Russian travellers. Countries are actively revising their visa policies – some moving towards complete visa abolition, others introducing modern electronic systems.
Russia expands visa-free list
According to the Ministry of Economic Development, Russian authorities have stepped up negotiations on abolishing the visa regime with three Asian states. Priority is given to Indonesia, Malaysia and Kuwait, with talks expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
In addition, consultations with Vietnam on a group visa-free entry agreement for Vietnamese citizens travelling to Russia are scheduled for August 2026. It is noted that Russian tourists can already visit Vietnam without visas.
Earlier, the visa-free regime with China was extended until the end of 2027, and similar agreements are already in place with Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Global trend: e-visas and card payments
Alongside the simplification of rules, a number of countries are introducing e-visas, which makes the application process more modern but also imposes certain restrictions. A key new requirement is that the consular fee must be paid exclusively with cards from foreign banks (Visa/Mastercard):
• Taiwan launched an e-Visa system for Russians on 7 July 2026 in test mode for one year. Cost: $55; length of stay: up to 30 days.
• Nepal is introducing e-visas from 17 August 2026. Visas on arrival remain available, but online application will eliminate airport queues.
• Egypt launched a digital visa-on-arrival system (QR code) at Cairo airport from 1 August 2026. Cost: $36; payment is also only by foreign cards. However, for Russians, cash payment at a bank in the arrivals hall is still available.
Results and prospects
Simplification of visa formalities is already showing results: in the first five months of 2026, the flow of foreign tourists to Russia increased by 23%. At the same time, the global shift to e-visas with payment by foreign cards requires Russian tourists to be better prepared when planning trips. We recommend contacting Confidence Group consultants for up-to-date information.
Frequently asked questions:
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Which countries introduced a visa-free regime for Russians in 2026?
In 2026, Russia is holding active negotiations on visa abolition with Indonesia, Malaysia and Kuwait. The visa-free arrangement with China has also been extended until 2027. -
How can Russians now obtain a visa for Taiwan?
From 7 July 2026, Russians can apply for an e-visa online through the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Payment is accepted only by foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard); Russian cards are not accepted. -
What has changed in obtaining a visa for Egypt?
From 1 August 2026, a digital visa-on-arrival system (QR code) was launched at Cairo airport. For Russians, cash payment at a bank in the arrivals hall is still available. -
Is Nepal introducing e-visas for Russians?
Yes, from 17 August 2026, Nepal is launching an e-visa system. Visas on arrival will remain available. -
Will there be a visa-free regime with Indonesia?
Russia is negotiating visa abolition with Indonesia, and this is one of the key objectives for 2026. However, the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia noted that so far it is a matter of perspective, and at the current stage only simplification of visa formalities is being discussed. -
Which cards are suitable for paying for e-visas?
For paying for e-visas in most countries (Taiwan, Nepal, Egypt), only cards from international payment systems Visa and Mastercard issued by foreign banks are accepted. -
Are visa-free arrangements planned with Malaysia and Kuwait?
Yes, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development has confirmed that negotiations on abolishing the visa regime with Malaysia and Kuwait should be completed by the end of 2026. -
What is the group visa-free regime with Vietnam?
In August 2026, Russia plans to hold consultations on an agreement on group visa-free entry for Vietnamese citizens into the Russian Federation. This will help increase inbound tourist flows. Russian tourists already visit Vietnam without visas.
