Russia is one of the largest countries in the world, offering foreign tourists a unique combination of cultural heritage, natural landscapes and modern cities. In 2025, traveling around Russia has become more structured and safer thanks to digital innovations, the development of tourism infrastructure and increased border controls.

Since June 30, 2025, a new entry procedure has been in effect for foreign citizens, providing for digital registration through the RU ID application. A tourist can apply for entry 72 hours before arrival, indicating passport details, biometrics and the route. After that, a personal QR code is generated, which is presented at the border. However, as the Ministry of Digital Development specifies, this procedure is voluntary for tourists and is not mandatory. This simplifies entry for organized groups and elderly travelers who find it difficult to use digital services.

Russia offers a variety of destinations: from the architectural monuments of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the natural wonders of Lake Baikal, Kamchatka and Altai. In 2024, the country was visited by about 24 million foreign tourists, which is 12% more than in 2023. The main flow was made up of guests from China, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Germany and the UAE. The average trip duration is 7.4 days, and the average tourist spends about 820 US dollars.

The safety of tourists is ensured by increased patrolling in tourist areas, video surveillance, the availability of English-speaking support services and insurance programs. There are tourist information centers in large cities, and certified guides in popular regions. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the crime rate in tourist areas decreased by 8% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

For a comfortable trip, it is recommended to take out medical insurance, use official transport services (for example, Yandex Go, Citymobil), book accommodation through trusted platforms and avoid unauthorized excursions. In regions with limited access (for example, border zones), a special permit is required, which can be obtained through a tour operator.

Russia is actively developing domestic tourism, which has a positive effect on the quality of service. In 2025, within the framework of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”, more than 300 new hotels were opened, 120 tourist routes were modernized and digital guides based on artificial intelligence were introduced.

Thus, traveling around Russia in 2025 can be interesting, rich and safe if you follow basic recommendations and use official channels. The country offers a rich selection of cultural, natural and gastronomic experiences, and new technologies make the trip more convenient and predictable.