The most popular visa-free destinations for Russians in the summer of 2026 have been named

Russians have been listed the available countries for visa-free holidays in the summer of 2026.In the summer of 2026, Russians are increasingly choosing foreign destinations that do not require a visa in advance. The priority remains countries with convenient logistics, short flights and the ability to quickly organize a vacation without unnecessary formalities. Oksana Vlasenko, an expert at the OnlineTours package tour booking service, told Izvestia about this on June 13.

According to her, the interest of tourists has long been not limited to traditional destinations. In addition to popular resorts, travelers are increasingly considering Asian countries, island states and neighboring regions.

Resorts on the Black Sea coast and Crimea remain in high demand among domestic destinations. Tourists are attracted not only by beaches, but also by gastronomic routes, wine tourism, sightseeing programs and active recreation. An additional advantage is the well-developed infrastructure of modern hotels and the absence of currency restrictions.

"Abkhazia remains one of the most sought-after foreign destinations. Tourists choose it for a combination of seaside holidays, mountain scenery and affordable prices. Gagra, Pitsunda and Sukhum are popular, as well as excursions to Lake Ritsa, New Athos and the waterfalls of the Tkuarchal district," the expert explained.

She noted that Turkey is still the leader of mass summer tourism. Travelers are attracted by the all inclusive system, a wide range of resorts and a well-developed flight program from Russian cities. Antalya and Belek are more often chosen for family holidays, while young people prefer Bodrum and Marmaris.

​​​​​​​Natural expanses: tourist flow to national parks and reserves of the Russian Federation may grow to 25 million

The total contribution to the economy from ecotourism is estimated at 120-150 billion rubles — what needs to be done for this

Interest in Egypt remains consistently high. Despite the hot summer weather, tourists are attracted by affordable prices, an all-inclusive format, and opportunities for diving and snorkeling on the Red Sea coast.

According to Vlasenko, experts name Vietnam as one of the most sought-after Asian destinations. Nha Trang and Da Nang resorts are particularly popular, where the weather is pleasant and the sea calm in summer. Tourists are attracted by low prices, a variety of sightseeing programs and good transport accessibility.

"Demand remains for Thailand, although the rainy season begins here in summer. However, lower prices for accommodation and air tickets allow many tourists to consider the country as a profitable vacation option," the speaker emphasized.

In addition, Russians are increasingly choosing the Maldives. Despite the stereotype that the archipelago is suitable only for winter holidays, the weather remains warm in summer, and the cost of tours becomes noticeably lower compared to the high season.

Montenegro continues to attract tourists' attention among European destinations. Travelers are interested in the beaches of the Adriatic coast, the Mediterranean atmosphere and the opportunity to relax without a Schengen visa.

The heat wave has arrived: demand for resorts on the Black Sea coast has grown to 95%

Why Russians choose domestic destinations and how the cost of holidays has changed

Indonesia is also popular, especially Bali Island. In summer, the high season continues here, which is favorable for beach holidays, surfing and traveling around the island.

Georgia and Armenia are also among the most sought-after destinations, Vlasenko added. Tourists go there for the sake of gastronomic routes, cultural attractions, mountain landscapes and rich excursion programs. Many travelers combine visits to both countries as part of a single trip to Transcaucasia.

Ilya Umansky, President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (PCT), announced on May 27 that interest in tours in Russia for the upcoming summer season decreased by 4.8% compared to 2025. Thus, after the saturation of the market and the strengthening of the ruble, foreign destinations have become more attractive for travel. He noted that such a correction occurred after the saturation point of the market in the tourism industry. In 2024, the demand for domestic tourism increased by more than 15%, and last year ended in the range of 5%.