As global tensions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine continue to reshape international travel, the latest research and reporting reveal that visiting Russia has become a far more complicated—and, for some, contentious—journey than in years past. Despite Western sanctions, flight route disruptions, and dramatic changes to digital and financial infrastructure, thousands—including sizeable numbers from Asia and the Middle East—still make the trip each year. Understanding the new landscape is crucial for Thai citizens and all potential travelers as the realities of 2025 require unprecedented preparation and vigilance. This report distills the most up-to-date advice and developments for those considering travel to Russia, with special attention to safety, logistics, and implications for Thai travelers.
Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, tourism from Western countries to Russia plummeted due to a perfect storm of flight bans, banking restrictions, and consular warnings. The chill in visitor numbers is especially visible for those from the United States, Canada, and Western European states, where governments now recommend against all travel and warn their citizens already in Russia to leave immediately. The U.S. State Department, for example, maintains a high-level travel advisory citing “arbitrary enforcement of local laws” and the “risk of harassment or wrongful detention by Russian security officials," points that are echoed by the governments of Canada, the UK, France, and Germany (The Moscow Times, 2025).
Yet, not all nations adopt the same stance. Countries such as China, Brazil, and India do not issue similarly stringent warnings. Russia-friendly nations, including Serbia and Hungary, strike a nuanced tone: while stopping short of discouraging all travel, their foreign ministries publicly advise increased caution, particularly in areas near the Ukrainian border, which continue to experience drone and missile strikes. Notably, while cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg retain a relatively low risk profile, the dangers in southern and western regions are ongoing and unpredictable, a reality that all travelers must factor into their plans.
Among the most significant logistical hurdles for travelers is the evolving visa regime. Applicants from the European Union may qualify for newly expanded short-term electronic visas, but others, including U.S. passport holders, must pursue traditional application processes at local Russian consulates and embassies. With demand for Russian visas in Western nations at historic lows, some have reported shorter wait times. Thai nationals, meanwhile, should consult the Russian Embassy in Bangkok for the most current guidance, as requirements can shift rapidly in the present climate.
Physical arrivals in Russia now demand considerable pre-travel strategizing. Due to ongoing airport closures since early 2022—especially in the embattled south—most travelers arrive via indirect flights routed through countries like Turkey or the United Arab Emirates. Land entry remains possible, notably via bus from Estonia or Lithuania to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, but border crossings involve rigorous security checks and bring new restrictions, such as European Union bans on the transport of euro cash to Russia through EU borders, a consequence of heightened sanctions (EC Sanctions, 2022).
For most foreign visitors, Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport is widely recommended as the most accessible gateway, with smoother processing than Domodedovo, which has gained a reputation for longer and more forceful security inquiries. Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg is also frequently cited as traveler-friendly. However, the experience is not uniform: some report being questioned at every entry, while others pass through with minimal scrutiny. Security staff possess discretion to search mobile phones—particularly for content that references Ukraine—and non-cooperation can mean denied entry. Experts strongly recommend that travelers erase messages, photos, and documents on these topics before arrival.
Cash management is another crucial planning point. The removal of Visa and Mastercard services from Russia in the spring of 2022 has left most international bank cards inoperable at point of sale or ATMs. For now, Chinese UnionPay cards continue to function, but the consensus among seasoned visitors is to bring enough unblemished, undamaged cash to cover the entire trip. All travelers are permitted to bring up to US$10,000 (or equivalent) in cash without declaration, but those entering from the EU cannot carry euro notes—an idiosyncratic result of sanctions, affecting many Asian and Thai travelers who transit Europe on their way to Russia. Exchanging currency in major cities is reportedly straightforward, with competitive rates, but banks routinely reject marked or worn bills.
Mobile connectivity now presents a formidable challenge for foreign nationals. As of July 2025, Russian law requires that all visitors registering for a local SIM card submit biometric data (facial photo and voice sample) to the national Unified Biometric System and obtain a Russian social-security number (SNILS). This bureaucratic process requires multiple visits—first to the Moi Dokumenti government center and then to a service provider—but is generally regarded as too cumbersome for short-term visitors. International eSIM services (such as eSIM.sm) provide a workaround, but Thai tourists should note the possibility of sudden regulatory changes disrupting these alternatives. In some cases, foreign mobile operators now offer special high-fee roaming in Russia, but coverage and data packages vary substantially between countries.
Accommodation booking for travelers is also in transition: major global platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are unavailable. Russian alternatives, notably Ostrovok.ru and Sutochno.ru, are now the primary tools for booking hotels and apartments, with direct payment on arrival often possible. Visitors staying at hotels will have their registration with Russian authorities handled by hotel staff, a legal requirement that, if overlooked, can cause difficulty when exiting the country. However, those staying in private residences must self-register at local government branches—another unfamiliar requirement for travelers from Thailand.
Another major development is the persistent crackdown on digital freedoms. Key Western social media and information platforms—including Instagram and Facebook—remain blocked. While virtual private network (VPN) services have provided a workaround, the largest VPNs are now blocked, leaving travelers to search for lesser-known providers whose availability may change at short notice. The strong advice is to download multiple VPNs in advance and ensure they are pre-installed before arrival, as VPN websites themselves may be unavailable inside Russia. For many Thai travelers accustomed to the always-on social media ecosystem, this restriction can cause significant difficulties for both leisure communication and business connectivity.
From a broader perspective, the tightening digital and financial controls reflect Russia’s efforts to assert sovereignty and withstand the pressures of international sanctions. As highlighted by experts interviewed by The Moscow Times, the introduction of biometrics, the expansion of Russia-only digital infrastructure, and the closure of Western platforms are all part of a wider campaign to insulate the Russian economy and society. This is of particular note to Thai businesspeople, students, and IT professionals whose activities may depend on access to global financial networks and communications tools.
Thailand’s own Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while stopping short of an outright travel ban, concurs with international partners in recommending heightened caution for Thai citizens visiting Russia, especially those considering travel to regions bordering Ukraine or involved in international business in Russia. In recent public briefings, officials with the Consular Affairs Department advised that all travelers regularly check for updated guidance, keep their Embassy registration up-to-date while in Russia, and retain contact details for the Thai diplomatic mission in Moscow in case of emergency.
Culturally, the diminished volume of Western travelers has created space for closer intra-Asian ties and new opportunities for Thailand-Russia cultural exchange, tourism, and business—despite the broader political headwinds. Russian destinations such as Irkutsk, Kazan, and Vladivostok, long popular among Asian visitors, may see revived interest as travelers from countries less affected by sanctions seek unique experiences.
Looking ahead, the future of tourism and cross-cultural connection between Thailand and Russia will remain unpredictable. Industry forecasts anticipate that, barring any détente in the Ukraine conflict, infrastructure restrictions and the demand for exhaustive documentation will intensify rather than relax. The prospect of Russia further limiting VPNs or imposing new digital searches at the border exists. At a minimum, travelers must prepare for longer entry times, increased physical and digital scrutiny, and more elaborate trip planning.
In conclusion, for Thai travelers considering a journey to Russia, the message is clear: extensive preparation is not just wise, it is now essential. Practical recommendations include:
- Consult official travel advisories from both the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian Embassy before scheduling any trip.
- Plan your payment strategy—bring sufficient unmarked cash, consider UnionPay issuance in advance, and avoid reliance on international credit cards.
- Download and configure VPNs and essential travel apps before arrival in Russia.
- Ensure all personal digital devices are scrubbed of sensitive or politically risky content before travel.
- Use Russian accommodation platforms and be proactive about mandatory registration at your place of stay.
- Stay informed about border policies and internal travel restrictions, especially when moving near southern or western regions.
- Equip yourself with emergency contact details for the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow.
Amid adversity, the enduring appeal of Russia’s rich heritage and its evolving social landscape may still beckon, but prudent travelers must navigate new complexities with open eyes and thorough research. Travelers are urged to monitor updates from official sources, authoritative travel guides, and credible news platforms such as The Moscow Times for the latest changes.
Source citations: The Moscow Times, 2025, EC Sanctions, 2022.