Myanmar extends visa exemption for Russian tourists for one year

Russian tourists visiting Myanmar

Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Phyo Zaw Soe said in a meeting with delegations, including tour operators and tour agencies from the Russian Federation, that Russian tourists holding ordinary passports have been granted one additional year of visa exemption.

According to statistics released by the ministry, before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 0.5 billion travellers globally in 2019, and the tourism industry received an income of US$1.8 trillion, accounting for 10.3 per cent of global GDP and creating 330 million jobs.

Until August 2024, a total of 2,544 Russian tourists entered Myanmar, and the number of Russian tourists increased by 819 over the same period in 2023.

Russian tourists have been granted visa-free travel since July 2022, and regular direct flights between Russia and Myanmar have been launched. Currently, to be able to visit the main destinations in a short period of time connecting with Chaungtha and Ngwehsaung beaches, Yangon-Pathein-NyaungU-Mandalay round-trip flight has been scheduled since 13 October, the deputy minister added.

A commemorative tree planting ceremony was held at Mount Pleasant Hotel Nay Pyi Taw on 21 October and attended by representatives of tourism operators and travel agencies from the Russian Federation who came on the Familiarization Trip (FAM Trip) to promote Myanmar-Russia tourism. — Htun Htun/ZN/ED

*The Global New Light of Myanmar