Russians told where to relax instead of Montenegro after the introduction of visas

Montenegro officially notified Russia of the introduction of a visa regime from November 1. For Russian travelers, this destination remains a niche, besides it has many visa-free alternatives, experts told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

As noted by Candidate of Law, Associate Professor of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation Marchel Kyrlan, before the innovations, the key advantage of the direction was the opportunity to decide on a trip almost at the last minute. Now the cost of flight and accommodation is added to the need to prepare entry documents in advance. The lawyer stressed that the most noticeable changes will affect independent tourists, short trips and spontaneous bookings.

“At the same time, it is wrong to talk about a complete cessation of tourist flow. Montenegro has simultaneously expanded the possibility of submitting documents through visa centers in Russia, he said.

According to Anna Ovsyannikova, associate professor at the Financial University, Russians have a wide choice of visa-free destinations – China, Turkey, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia. The most attractive she called Turkey and China, offering sea, sightseeing and active recreation. Thus, the new rules will rather overlap the geography of tourist trips, but will not limit the choice of travelers.

The most obvious and widespread alternative, the economist believes, will be Turkey. Kirlan Marchel agrees with her: this country can benefit from the redistribution of tourist flow due to visa-free travel, large volumes of direct flights and developed package tourism. For those who are interested in the sea, mountains and independent travel, Georgia is suitable - Russians can stay there without a visa for a year. However, as expert Roman Gareev draws attention, Georgia is inferior to Montenegro in terms of the quality of beach infrastructure.

Serbia remains among the Balkan destinations: with a regular passport, a visa for a stay of up to 30 days is not required. It will not replace Montenegro as a seaside resort, but competes with it for tourists who care about the Balkans and urban tourism. For those ready for long-distance flights, visa-free Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China (including Hainan) and the UAE are preserved, offering a beach holiday of a different class and price logic, Gareev summed up.

Earlier, the ambassador revealed when it will be possible to resume flights with Montenegro.

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