Visa-free countries for Russians (2016): list, rating, design features and reviews

Every Russian tries to plan his vacation. In this regard, the question may arise: what visa-free countries are for Russians in 2015-2016, where can I relax without additional papers, or where can Russian businessmen come to work on business matters without formalities?

Where can I go without a passport?

When it comes to a vacation spot, everyone wants to go there quickly, without wasting time on preparing a visa. This is especially true for those who do not even have a foreign passport. There are countries of visa-free or simplified entry for citizens of Russia, border crossing with which is possible by internal passport. These include Tajikistan, South Ossetia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and others. Ukraine is also included in visa-free countries for Russians (2016), the list of required documents to enter its territory is still supplemented with a foreign passport.

As a rule, in order to travel, in any case, an identity card for each adult and a birth certificate for children are required. In addition, the documents of the child should have a stamp confirming the citizenship of the Russian Federation, even if the family travels to visa-free countries for Russians, where a visa and an international passport are not needed .

Most often in such states it is allowed to stay up to three months, and at the border, tourists will have to fill out a questionnaire or receive a migration card, which is issued on a train or plane for free.

The most popular holiday destinations on the national passport of the Russian Federation

Visa-free countries for Russians are very attractive as places for traveling (2016). The list of places where you do not need a passport includes the following areas:

1. First of all, it is recommended to go to Abkhazia. Rest here is relatively inexpensive. You can go to the mountains, stay in a sanatorium or by the sea, at the discretion of vacationers. Here everyone will find something to do, so you can safely take the whole family with you. The most popular with tourists are such settlements as Gagra, New Afron, the capital of the republic of Sukhum and others.
2. Some believe that the friendly republic of Belarus, which is included in visa-free countries for residents of Russia in 2016, does not have the necessary resources for a good rest. In fact, this is not only a state where you can easily come without a passport, but also a place with developed infrastructure. Unique flora and fauna, resorts, clubs and restaurants, historical sights and interesting places are waiting for everyone to have a great time.
3. It should be noted Kazakhstan, a country with a visa-free regime for the Russians. Astana and Alma-Ata are interesting cities with a chic historical heritage and distinctive culture. The legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome is no less attractive for visitors. There are also ski resorts, the underground mosque Becket Ata and many other interesting places.

Kyrgyzstan is also included in visa-free countries for Russia for 2015 and 2016. It is strikingly different from the Russian Federation, which attracts Russian tourists. This is where the wonderful famous Issyk-Kul Lake, the Koshoi-Gorgon hillfort and many other interesting places are located. Kyrgyzstan does not require a passport, and holidays in this country are relatively inexpensive, which you should definitely use to plunge into the mysterious local culture.

Where to go in 2016?

The list of visa-free countries for Russian tourists includes many countries where you can come without a visa on a passport and have a good rest for up to 3 months. But in each state, as you know, its own rules of stay and conditions, which must be strictly observed.

The most exotic visa-free countries for Russians in 2016:

1. Antigua and Barbuda is a wonderful state, which is located on the three sunny islands of the Caribbean. When paying a fee of $ 135, Russian tourists are allowed to relax on the paradise beaches. You can stay here without a visa for up to 30 days. The islands have the simple names A, B and R. The first two are more expensive due to the developed resort business and modern beaches, and the latter enchants with the beauty of pristine nature and pleases with a small number of tourists.
2. Argentina is another southern state included in visa-free countries for Russians (2016). The list of advantages of this region goes on and on. The most popular cities for tourists here: Cordoba, Ushuya, Buenos Aires, Salta. In addition to them, you can visit the world famous Tierra del Fuego. Here, Russians can stay without a visa for up to three months.
3. Barbados is another country where you can go without a visa and enjoy the exotic, but no more than 28 days. The rest here is fabulous, so that Russians tired of megalopolises can relax and forget about everything when they are here. The wonderful climate, white sand, developed tourism industry and the Atlantic Ocean will make your vacation unforgettable.
4. The Republic of Paraguay is also included in visa-free countries for Russians (2016). The list of features of local tourism should begin with the fact that in this country there are a large number of monuments that are dedicated to famous Russian people. There are many resorts for lovers or those who relax with their families. You can stay in the territory of this state without a visa for up to three months.
5. Botswana is also ready to accept Russians without a visa for up to 90 days. This state attracts real adventurers and travelers who are attracted by the unknown. Here you can see many exotic plants, birds and animals, canoe along the river, taste the local cuisine and much more.
6. If we talk about visa-free countries for Russians (2015-2016), the list would not be complete without the "land of happiness" - Vanuatu. You can come here for a month without a visa and enjoy an exotic vacation in full. Few Russian tourists risk flying to such a distant land, so vacation in this country is currently not the most popular. Go to the sunny islands of the Pacific Ocean is for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of unity with nature and themselves. Ecotourism, diving, volcanoes, coral gardens and many other adventures await the Russians in this country.
7. Venezuela gives Russian travelers the opportunity to stay on this land without a visa for three months every six months. However, this direction is still poorly studied and is not popular today among tourists from Russia. Nevertheless, there is something to admire: beaches, exotic nature, the beautiful city of Caracas, the highest in the world, the stunning Angel Falls, the Caribbean Sea and much more.
8. Israel is the most popular state among tourists, included in visa-free countries for Russians (2016). The list of various options for how to relax in the holy land is huge. Here are the monuments of ancient Judaism, beautiful objects of architecture, the best motels on the planet and, of course, the warm sea coast. That is why tourists from all over the world come here all year round. And for Russians there is a unique opportunity to get into this region of biblical mythology without a visa, but for no more than three months.
9. Costa Rica allows Russian visitors to stay in the country without a visa for up to thirty days. This state is not suitable for families with children, as the journey here is very tiring and long. But extremals will definitely like it here! A sunny beach, wild animals, foggy jungle - all within the safari genre.
10. Micronesia today is one of the most popular countries for beach holidays. Russians can bask in the sun on local beaches for no more than thirty days. The state is included in visa-free countries for Russians. A complete list of the pleasures of tropical relaxation coming here for single tourists and families is provided. Outlandish marine life, corals, white beach, outdoor activities, excursions - there is something for everyone!

Conditions for entry

Before embarking on a journey, you need to find out under what conditions Russians are allowed to enter visa-free countries (2015). Their full list includes, as a rule, the period of the international tourist passport, the availability of a ticket for the return trip, restrictions on the time of stay, as well as an invitation from the residents of this state or a reserved hotel room. They may require a statement from the bank accounts of a Russian in order to make sure that he has something to live in this country.

After a person makes a choice, he should learn more about the conditions of travel to the territory, prices for registration of tourists after crossing the border (if any), and so on.

Inaccessible Europe

This part of the planet is difficult to access for Russian citizens, and without additional formalities, few manage to get into its territory. However, there are countries that are not members of the European Union and the Schengen area, where a Russian tourist or businessman can enter without additional bureaucratic ceremonies.

Visa-free European countries for Russians (2016):

1. The list is opened by Serbia, which is one of the most supportive states of Europe towards Russia. To visit her, a citizen of the Russian Federation must have an international passport, the validity of which will expire later than the moment when the tourist leaves Serbia. In addition, it is necessary to register no later than 48 hours after arrival at the place of stay.
2. Macedonia is another state whose conditions for visiting Russians are simplified. Residents of the Russian Federation can stay here for three months without additional conditions, except for a valid passport and a tourist medical certificate.
3. A Russian tourist can go to Montenegro for a whole month without a visa. But when leaving the country, you will need to pay a special fee at the airport.
   If someone has a desire to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, then this can easily be done without a visa, provided that the stay of tourists in the country does not exceed one month. In addition, you need a voucher from a travel agency and a booked hotel room.
4. Turkey is a country that is trying to join the number of European states. On its territory without a visa, a Russian can stay for no more than two months. In this case, you need a voucher from the tour operator, a valid international identification card, a booked hotel room, a ticket for the return trip.

Popularity rating

Currently, according to official figures, there are more than a hundred different states that allow Russian tourists or businessmen to enter their territory without special formalities.

Top 10 visa-free countries for Russians in 2016:

• Israel;
• Cuba;
• Tunisia;
• Egypt;
• Vietnam;
• Turkey;
• Dominican Republic;
• Maldives;
• Montenegro
• Northern Cyprus

Which visas can I apply for online?

There is a simplified border crossing procedure in some countries when a citizen applies for a visa through the Consulate’s email. If the government allows the foreigner to enter, then a stamp on the passport permitting to stay in this country is placed directly at the airport upon arrival. This is convenient, because you don’t have to run with papers.

This method is characteristic, for example, of India and Bahrain. Prior to your trip to Cyprus, a preliminary visa can also be issued online. Entry into Mexico can be obtained via the Internet, and it is valid for six months. If a Russian is going to Rwanda, then a visa will have to be paid, but it is also allowed to use the Internet resource. Payment in this case will be $ 60. Similar rules are established by the Government of Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Visa-free transit

Certain states allow Russians to stay on their territory without a visa. In this case, the stay is extremely limited. In order to legally spend time in a country that is on the route of a tourist, you must have a foreign passport and a valid ticket, which confirms that the tourist has the right to stay in this territory for a certain time.

For example, during the day a tourist can stay in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Maarten. Only 9 hours is permitted to travel in Panama. If you have a visa to Romania, and that is where the passenger follows, then Bulgaria will receive a transit guest for 36 hours. If the traveler went to Cyprus or has a Schengen visa, Romania will accept it for 5 days. Within 72 hours, you can transit in Japan and Brunei, while Singapore and the UAE accept transit tourists for 96 hours.

Two week trip

As a rule, the vast majority of Russians go to distant countries to relax. Two weeks is enough for this. In this connection, individual states provide an opportunity for tourists from Russia to come to their territory, get acquainted with culture and attractions without having to apply for a visa. For 2016, including Tunisia, the Netherlands Antilles, Laos, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Interesting Facts

It should be noted some features of the visa-free regime of various states. In particular, the Republic of Fiji allows Russians to live legally on their territory without a visa for up to 120 days, and in Armenia you can stay for as long as six months!

A very interesting tourism system in China. In each region, Russians are allowed to live without visas for different times. For example, 14 days in Hong Kong, a whole month in Macau and only 72 hours in the capital of this state. This is due to the fact that in each province there are regional authorities and their own laws.

In Tunisia, a visa-free regime applies only to those tourists who arrived in an organized package tour. The authorities of South Korea allow without a visa to be only on a separate island of Jeju, in addition, a tourist should be a regular in this country (visit her from ten times).