The probability of the start of mass tourist trips to the DPRK was estimated In Russia
The new modern resort of Wonsan, recently built and equipped in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, may soon become popular with Russian tourists. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference following talks with DPRK Foreign Minister Choi Son Hee in Wonsan.
«Our North Korean friends are interested in having more Russians at the wonderful resort of Wonsan and other resorts in the DPRK. I have no doubt that this will happen»,- Lavrov emphasized.
However, according to Dmitry Gorin, Vice President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI), it is still difficult to talk about the start of mass tourist trips from Russia to the DPRK.
From a tourism point of view, this is a destination for which trips should only be planned on organized tours. Independent tourist trips to this country are currently impossible.
Nevertheless, Rosaviatsia has already issued permission for Nordwind to operate flights between Moscow and Pyongyang; flights will be operated twice a week.
Also, after a five-year break, the Pyongyang-Moscow train has resumed service, arriving at Moscow's Yaroslavsky Station on June 25. The train will operate twice a month, with travel time being just over eight days.
#DPRK
The new modern resort of Wonsan, recently built and equipped in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, may soon become popular with Russian tourists. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference following talks with DPRK Foreign Minister Choi Son Hee in Wonsan.
«Our North Korean friends are interested in having more Russians at the wonderful resort of Wonsan and other resorts in the DPRK. I have no doubt that this will happen»,- Lavrov emphasized.
However, according to Dmitry Gorin, Vice President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI), it is still difficult to talk about the start of mass tourist trips from Russia to the DPRK.
From a tourism point of view, this is a destination for which trips should only be planned on organized tours. Independent tourist trips to this country are currently impossible.
Nevertheless, Rosaviatsia has already issued permission for Nordwind to operate flights between Moscow and Pyongyang; flights will be operated twice a week.
Also, after a five-year break, the Pyongyang-Moscow train has resumed service, arriving at Moscow's Yaroslavsky Station on June 25. The train will operate twice a month, with travel time being just over eight days.
#DPRK
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Russian citizens are in first place in terms of the number of tourist visits to Georgia
From January to June 2025, 581,090 Russian citizens visited Georgia for tourism purposes, which is 10% more year-on-year, the National Tourism Administration (NTA) under the Government of Georgia reported. According to the NTA, in the first half of this year, Georgia was visited by 2.27 million tourists from different countries, which is 14.5% more than in the same period last year.
In terms of the number of tourist visits to Georgia, Russians rank first. They are followed by citizens of Turkey (their number in the first half of this year was 533,61 thousand, which is 14.5% less year-on-year), Armenia (390,78 thousand, which is 0.8% more year-on-year), Israel (171,29 thousand, an increase of 35.7%), Azerbaijan (135,24 thousand, an increase of 36%).
The growth in demand among Russians for beach holidays in Georgia has increased, among other things, due to the expansion of the flight program from major Russian cities to Batumi. The growth in popularity of the destination has predictably led to a 5-10% increase in the price of tours to the Georgian Black Sea coast this summer.
#Georgia
From January to June 2025, 581,090 Russian citizens visited Georgia for tourism purposes, which is 10% more year-on-year, the National Tourism Administration (NTA) under the Government of Georgia reported. According to the NTA, in the first half of this year, Georgia was visited by 2.27 million tourists from different countries, which is 14.5% more than in the same period last year.
In terms of the number of tourist visits to Georgia, Russians rank first. They are followed by citizens of Turkey (their number in the first half of this year was 533,61 thousand, which is 14.5% less year-on-year), Armenia (390,78 thousand, which is 0.8% more year-on-year), Israel (171,29 thousand, an increase of 35.7%), Azerbaijan (135,24 thousand, an increase of 36%).
The growth in demand among Russians for beach holidays in Georgia has increased, among other things, due to the expansion of the flight program from major Russian cities to Batumi. The growth in popularity of the destination has predictably led to a 5-10% increase in the price of tours to the Georgian Black Sea coast this summer.
#Georgia
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Spain has begun checking the availability of transit visas for Russian citizens
The Spanish authorities have started checking Russian citizens for transit visas when transferring at Spanish airports, even if they do not leave the international zone, the kingdom's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. This measure came into force on July 12, 2025.
Previously, Russians could transfer in Spain without a visa if they met certain conditions, but now this opportunity has been cancelled. The new rule applies only to holders of regular (non-biometric) passports and does not apply to persons with a valid Schengen visa or residence permit in EU countries.
A transit visa allows the traveler to stay only in the international zone of the airport and does not give you the right to enter the country.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry recommends to apply for a visa in advance and check in advance for all the necessary documents, including tickets, a passport, and a completed application form.
The Spanish authorities have started checking Russian citizens for transit visas when transferring at Spanish airports, even if they do not leave the international zone, the kingdom's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. This measure came into force on July 12, 2025.
Previously, Russians could transfer in Spain without a visa if they met certain conditions, but now this opportunity has been cancelled. The new rule applies only to holders of regular (non-biometric) passports and does not apply to persons with a valid Schengen visa or residence permit in EU countries.
A transit visa allows the traveler to stay only in the international zone of the airport and does not give you the right to enter the country.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry recommends to apply for a visa in advance and check in advance for all the necessary documents, including tickets, a passport, and a completed application form.
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Unexpected results of the tourist season in Armenia
Armenia remains one of the popular destinations among Russians, despite the steady decline in tourist flow from Russia. This is evidenced by the data provided by travel companies and experts from the Russian Federation surveyed by Sputnik Armenia.
According to data for January-May 2025, 256 367 Russian citizens visited Armenia. This is…
https://russtd.com/unexpected-results-of-the-tourist-season-in-armenia.html
Armenia remains one of the popular destinations among Russians, despite the steady decline in tourist flow from Russia. This is evidenced by the data provided by travel companies and experts from the Russian Federation surveyed by Sputnik Armenia.
According to data for January-May 2025, 256 367 Russian citizens visited Armenia. This is…
https://russtd.com/unexpected-results-of-the-tourist-season-in-armenia.html
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Beach holidays in Europe: preferences of Russians
The interest of Russian tourists in summer holidays in European countries is steadily growing, Russian tour operators note, citing their sales data. Demand there this summer is not massive, but steady. Montenegro, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain, and Cyprus are the most popular among tourists.
In addition to package tours, tourists book only…
https://russtd.com/beach-holidays-in-europe-preferences-of-russians.html
The interest of Russian tourists in summer holidays in European countries is steadily growing, Russian tour operators note, citing their sales data. Demand there this summer is not massive, but steady. Montenegro, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain, and Cyprus are the most popular among tourists.
In addition to package tours, tourists book only…
https://russtd.com/beach-holidays-in-europe-preferences-of-russians.html
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What happens with tourists in Kamchatka after the earthquake
After a powerful earthquake off the coast of Kamchatka on July 30, 2025, the resulting tsunami quickly spread from the epicenter across the Pacific Ocean. Problems also affected air traffic between the continental United States and Hawaii. Several planes heading to Honolulu were forced to return. In Japan, the runway at Sendai Airport was temporarily…
https://russtd.com/what-happens-with-tourists-in-kamchatka-after-the-earthquake.html
After a powerful earthquake off the coast of Kamchatka on July 30, 2025, the resulting tsunami quickly spread from the epicenter across the Pacific Ocean. Problems also affected air traffic between the continental United States and Hawaii. Several planes heading to Honolulu were forced to return. In Japan, the runway at Sendai Airport was temporarily…
https://russtd.com/what-happens-with-tourists-in-kamchatka-after-the-earthquake.html
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The King of Malaysia is studying Russia, and the demand for Malaysia from Russians is growing
The King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, arrived in Russia on a state visit on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. This is the first visit to Russia by a Malaysian head of state since diplomatic relations were established in 1967. The king's visit also shows that Malaysia intends to strengthen relations with Russia in all strategic sectors, including…
https://russtd.com/the-king-of-malaysia-is-studying-russia,-and-the-demand-for-malaysia-from-russians-is-growing.html
The King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, arrived in Russia on a state visit on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. This is the first visit to Russia by a Malaysian head of state since diplomatic relations were established in 1967. The king's visit also shows that Malaysia intends to strengthen relations with Russia in all strategic sectors, including…
https://russtd.com/the-king-of-malaysia-is-studying-russia,-and-the-demand-for-malaysia-from-russians-is-growing.html
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Georgia presented its cuisine at the prestigious festival in the UK
Georgian cuisine was presented at one of the largest gastronomic festivals in the world, The National Geographic Traveler Food Festival in London, the Georgian National Tourism Administration reports.
Georgian dishes (khinkali, lobiani, khachapuri, gebzhalia) were presented to guests of the festival by famous Georgian chefs.
The…
https://russtd.com/georgia-presented-its-cuisine-at-the-prestigious-festival-in-the-uk.html
Georgian cuisine was presented at one of the largest gastronomic festivals in the world, The National Geographic Traveler Food Festival in London, the Georgian National Tourism Administration reports.
Georgian dishes (khinkali, lobiani, khachapuri, gebzhalia) were presented to guests of the festival by famous Georgian chefs.
The…
https://russtd.com/georgia-presented-its-cuisine-at-the-prestigious-festival-in-the-uk.html
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The Russian Ministry of Transport has predicted a record growth in air traffic between Russia and the UAE this year
The Russian Ministry of Transport expects that by the end of 2025, the volume of passenger air traffic between Russia and the United Arab Emirates will be a record. This was announced on August 7 by Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin. According to him, cooperation in the field of transport between Russia and the UAE is developing very well, and the…
https://russtd.com/the-russian-ministry-of-transport-has-predicted-a-record-growth-in-air-traffic-between-russia-and-the-uae-this-year.html
The Russian Ministry of Transport expects that by the end of 2025, the volume of passenger air traffic between Russia and the United Arab Emirates will be a record. This was announced on August 7 by Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin. According to him, cooperation in the field of transport between Russia and the UAE is developing very well, and the…
https://russtd.com/the-russian-ministry-of-transport-has-predicted-a-record-growth-in-air-traffic-between-russia-and-the-uae-this-year.html
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Experts named three conditions for attracting Russians to Saudi Arabia
At the moment, the launch of direct flights from Moscow to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has not given a noticeable boost to sales in the tourism sector at the moment, although direct flights are certainly a huge help for business contacts, Space Travel notes. Nevertheless, the company does not rule out that the low demand at the moment is due, among other things, to seasonality. And closer to December, the effect of direct flights may be more noticeable.
The main points of attraction for discerning tourists from Russia are not Riyadh, but Al-Ula, the Red Sea resort and Jeddah. These regions are of interest to tour operators. There are direct flights from Riyadh to these resorts, but this is a connecting flight.
Most large tour operators call Saudi Arabia a 99% independent destination. At the same time, there are requests for combinations with neighboring Middle Eastern countries, for example, with the UAE, as well as sea cruises.
Experts name three conditions for attracting Russians to vacation in Saudi Arabia and popularizing this destination:
Abolition of visas (or at least simplification of entry), or reduction of the cost of a visa (currently it is 105 US dollars). A visa allows staying in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days;
The second important topic for Russians is the complete ban on alcohol in the country. In order to compete with other Arab countries in terms of tourist flow, Saudi Arabia needs to lift the ban on alcohol in resort hotels for foreigners;
Increasing the recognition of Saudi Arabia among Russian travel agents is another effective way to increase sales. Information tours are needed. And this should be a mass story, not small groups with a huge price that travel agents are not ready to pay.
At the moment, the launch of direct flights from Moscow to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has not given a noticeable boost to sales in the tourism sector at the moment, although direct flights are certainly a huge help for business contacts, Space Travel notes. Nevertheless, the company does not rule out that the low demand at the moment is due, among other things, to seasonality. And closer to December, the effect of direct flights may be more noticeable.
The main points of attraction for discerning tourists from Russia are not Riyadh, but Al-Ula, the Red Sea resort and Jeddah. These regions are of interest to tour operators. There are direct flights from Riyadh to these resorts, but this is a connecting flight.
Most large tour operators call Saudi Arabia a 99% independent destination. At the same time, there are requests for combinations with neighboring Middle Eastern countries, for example, with the UAE, as well as sea cruises.
Experts name three conditions for attracting Russians to vacation in Saudi Arabia and popularizing this destination:
Abolition of visas (or at least simplification of entry), or reduction of the cost of a visa (currently it is 105 US dollars). A visa allows staying in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days;
The second important topic for Russians is the complete ban on alcohol in the country. In order to compete with other Arab countries in terms of tourist flow, Saudi Arabia needs to lift the ban on alcohol in resort hotels for foreigners;
Increasing the recognition of Saudi Arabia among Russian travel agents is another effective way to increase sales. Information tours are needed. And this should be a mass story, not small groups with a huge price that travel agents are not ready to pay.
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Intourmarket invites you to lake Baikal in autumn
The international tourism exhibition Intourmarket is now held several times a year in different regions of Russia. The nearest project is «Intourmarket. Baikal»: September 25-27, 2025, Irkutsk, exhibition complex «Sibexpocentre».
The exhibition will present all the possibilities of active and educational recreation in the Baikal region,…
https://russtd.com/%C2%ABinturmarket%C2%BB-priglashaet-osenyu-na-bajkal.html
The international tourism exhibition Intourmarket is now held several times a year in different regions of Russia. The nearest project is «Intourmarket. Baikal»: September 25-27, 2025, Irkutsk, exhibition complex «Sibexpocentre».
The exhibition will present all the possibilities of active and educational recreation in the Baikal region,…
https://russtd.com/%C2%ABinturmarket%C2%BB-priglashaet-osenyu-na-bajkal.html
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Protests in Nepal: what about tourists from Russia
Mass protests took place in Nepal on Tuesday, September 9, amid the blocking of a number of social networks. Nepal's international airport is currently closed, all flights have been cancelled. A curfew has been imposed in Kathmandu and some other cities. Under the current curfew, the Nepal Tourism Board together with the Tourist Police, is launching…
https://russtd.com/protests-in-nepal-what-about-tourists-from-russia.html
Mass protests took place in Nepal on Tuesday, September 9, amid the blocking of a number of social networks. Nepal's international airport is currently closed, all flights have been cancelled. A curfew has been imposed in Kathmandu and some other cities. Under the current curfew, the Nepal Tourism Board together with the Tourist Police, is launching…
https://russtd.com/protests-in-nepal-what-about-tourists-from-russia.html
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Aeroflot returns direct flights to Seychelles
Starting October 2, Aeroflot will resume flights to the Seychelles (they were suspended for technical reasons since May 2023). Until October 26, flights will be operated twice a week - on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and from October 28, another frequency will appear - on Mondays. The airline will serve the route with Airbus A350 liner in a three-class…
https://russtd.com/aeroflot-returns-direct-flights-to-seychelles.html
Starting October 2, Aeroflot will resume flights to the Seychelles (they were suspended for technical reasons since May 2023). Until October 26, flights will be operated twice a week - on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and from October 28, another frequency will appear - on Mondays. The airline will serve the route with Airbus A350 liner in a three-class…
https://russtd.com/aeroflot-returns-direct-flights-to-seychelles.html
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The number of trips of Russian tourists to Europe increased by 15-20% this summer
The relative stability of regulations and logistics for flights through third countries led to a 15-20% increase in the number of Russian tourist trips to Europe this summer, according to Artur Muradyan, Vice President of International Tourism at Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) and CEO of tour operator Space Travel.
The main beneficiaries…
https://russtd.com/the-number-of-trips-of-russian-tourists-to-europe-increased-by-15-20-this-summer.html
The relative stability of regulations and logistics for flights through third countries led to a 15-20% increase in the number of Russian tourist trips to Europe this summer, according to Artur Muradyan, Vice President of International Tourism at Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) and CEO of tour operator Space Travel.
The main beneficiaries…
https://russtd.com/the-number-of-trips-of-russian-tourists-to-europe-increased-by-15-20-this-summer.html
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Israel: flight program from Russia and its development plans
Russia remains among the top five countries among key suppliers of tourists to Israel (ranking fourth). However, tourist flow from Russia to Israel from January to August 2025 decreased by 11,8%, due to well-known geopolitical factors.
From January to August 2025, 42,600 tourists from Russia (excluding Israeli citizens) visited Israel, compared to 4,300 in August.
Despite the decline in tourist flow from Russia to Israel, airlines have increased flight frequency to 32 flights per week and are planning to open a new route from Krasnodar, although details regarding this potential flight program are not yet available.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, flights to Israel's largest airport, Ben Gurion International Airport, currently operate from four Russian cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, and Mineralnye Vody). There are 32 direct flights per week operated by three airlines (El Al, Red Wings and Azimuth Airlines).
Russia remains among the top five countries among key suppliers of tourists to Israel (ranking fourth). However, tourist flow from Russia to Israel from January to August 2025 decreased by 11,8%, due to well-known geopolitical factors.
From January to August 2025, 42,600 tourists from Russia (excluding Israeli citizens) visited Israel, compared to 4,300 in August.
Despite the decline in tourist flow from Russia to Israel, airlines have increased flight frequency to 32 flights per week and are planning to open a new route from Krasnodar, although details regarding this potential flight program are not yet available.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, flights to Israel's largest airport, Ben Gurion International Airport, currently operate from four Russian cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, and Mineralnye Vody). There are 32 direct flights per week operated by three airlines (El Al, Red Wings and Azimuth Airlines).
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International Tourism Exhibition and Forum "Inturmarket. Baikal" 2025
From September 25 to 27, the Intourmarket International Tourism Exhibition and Forum was successfully held in Irkutsk at the Sibexpocenter Exhibition Center.
In his welcoming speech, the head of the State Duma Tourism Committee Mr. Tarbayev, noted that Intourmarket is a recognized platform with a worldwide reputation and makes a significant…
https://russtd.com/international-tourism-exhibition-and-forum-inturmarket.-baikal-2025.html
From September 25 to 27, the Intourmarket International Tourism Exhibition and Forum was successfully held in Irkutsk at the Sibexpocenter Exhibition Center.
In his welcoming speech, the head of the State Duma Tourism Committee Mr. Tarbayev, noted that Intourmarket is a recognized platform with a worldwide reputation and makes a significant…
https://russtd.com/international-tourism-exhibition-and-forum-inturmarket.-baikal-2025.html
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The number of tourists from abroad visiting Moscow has increased by 10% in the first half of 2025.
Most of the visitors came from China, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Cuba. This increase in international tourism has a significant impact on the economy of the city.
During the first six months of this year, there were 500,000 more tourists from overseas than in the same period last year. China…
https://russtd.com/the-number-of-tourists-from-abroad-visiting-moscow-has-increased-by-10-in-the-first-half-of-2025.html
Most of the visitors came from China, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Cuba. This increase in international tourism has a significant impact on the economy of the city.
During the first six months of this year, there were 500,000 more tourists from overseas than in the same period last year. China…
https://russtd.com/the-number-of-tourists-from-abroad-visiting-moscow-has-increased-by-10-in-the-first-half-of-2025.html
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What's really going on around the owner of Russian tour operators Anex and Intourist
On October 7, media reports the arrest of Anex Turizm Group owner Neshet Koçkar. His companies control the tour operators Anex and Intourist. However, the situation became clear soon.
Anex Turizm Group lawyers officially stated in the press that Neshet Koçkar had not been arrested and that the company and brand had no connection to the…
https://russtd.com/whats-really-going-on-around-the-owner-of-russian-tour-operators-anex-and-intourist.html
On October 7, media reports the arrest of Anex Turizm Group owner Neshet Koçkar. His companies control the tour operators Anex and Intourist. However, the situation became clear soon.
Anex Turizm Group lawyers officially stated in the press that Neshet Koçkar had not been arrested and that the company and brand had no connection to the…
https://russtd.com/whats-really-going-on-around-the-owner-of-russian-tour-operators-anex-and-intourist.html
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Biometrics are now required to obtain a visa to Cyprus
Starting October 6, 2025, Russian citizens will be required to provide biometric data to obtain a Cyprus visa.
This new requirement, announced by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Moscow, requires the applicant to be present in person when submitting documents. Children under 12 are exempt from submitting fingerprints. Therefore,…
https://russtd.com/biometrics-are-now-required-to-obtain-a-visa-to-cyprus.html
Starting October 6, 2025, Russian citizens will be required to provide biometric data to obtain a Cyprus visa.
This new requirement, announced by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Moscow, requires the applicant to be present in person when submitting documents. Children under 12 are exempt from submitting fingerprints. Therefore,…
https://russtd.com/biometrics-are-now-required-to-obtain-a-visa-to-cyprus.html
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Arab tourists conquer Russian slopes
After visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg, tourists from the Persian Gulf countries are increasingly visiting the mountain resorts of Sochi.
Tour operators note that tourists from the UAE and Bahrain are the most frequent visitors to Sochi, with an increasing number of tourists from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. These are typically those…
https://russtd.com/arab-tourists-conquer-russian-slopes.html
After visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg, tourists from the Persian Gulf countries are increasingly visiting the mountain resorts of Sochi.
Tour operators note that tourists from the UAE and Bahrain are the most frequent visitors to Sochi, with an increasing number of tourists from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. These are typically those…
https://russtd.com/arab-tourists-conquer-russian-slopes.html
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Sri Lanka and India update entry rules
Starting October 15, 2025, visas on arrival in Sri Lanka will no longer be available: entry will be possible only with a pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This must be obtained through the official Online Visa Application portal. Authorities believe this change will reduce queues at airports during peak season by reducing congestion…
https://russtd.com/sri-lanka-and-india-update-entry-rules.html
Starting October 15, 2025, visas on arrival in Sri Lanka will no longer be available: entry will be possible only with a pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This must be obtained through the official Online Visa Application portal. Authorities believe this change will reduce queues at airports during peak season by reducing congestion…
https://russtd.com/sri-lanka-and-india-update-entry-rules.html
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