From Thailand to China: Entry rules for Russians during the winter season

In winter, many Russians dream of sun, beaches, and warm seas, but before traveling, it's important to consider entry regulations for different countries. At the start of the high season, experts and tour operators have prepared a cheat sheet of sorts on the requirements for tourists in eleven popular beach destinations among Russians, along with information on direct flights.

Travel agents note that a significant portion of tourists are not fully aware of the entry requirements. For example, Thailand and Malaysia require immigration cards to be obtained in advance, while India has introduced an online application form for arrivals. It's important to heed these requirements to avoid border issues and unnecessary delays. Furthermore, in India, entry for Russian tourists sometimes depends on the disposition of a specific border guard. Tourists report being turned away at the immigration counter without explanation—even with a return ticket and no previous overstays. And speaking of beach holidays in India, our compatriots have recently been leaving Goa, a favorite destination for Russians. The immigration service is, as they say, "fierce," but these problems are more likely to affect relocators than tourists.

Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for the 2025/2026 winter season. To travel, a passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip. Russian citizens can stay in the country visa-free for up to 60 days; they can extend their stay by a month at the immigration office for a fee. Starting in 2025, all tourists must apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online three days before arrival. The registration process is simple and available in five languages, including Russian. After completing the application, it is important to save the QR code on your phone or print it out.

Health insurance is not mandatory in Thailand, but experts strongly recommend it, as medical services in the country are quite expensive. Furthermore, tourists should be aware of strict regulations regarding e-cigarettes and vapes. Their import, production, sale, and use are prohibited throughout Thailand. Violations of the law carry large fines of up to 2.5 million rubles and possible imprisonment.

For the 2025/2026 winter holidays, direct flights to Thailand are offered by airlines such as AZUR Air, Red Wings, Ikar, Nordwind, S7, and Aeroflot. This allows tourists to plan their trip conveniently and without transfers, reducing travel time and making the journey more comfortable.

Overall, a winter vacation in Thailand promises to be attractive for Russian tourists, but careful adherence to entry regulations and local laws will ensure a safe trip and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Vietnam is becoming an increasingly attractive winter vacation destination for Russian tourists, offering sun, sea, and a warm climate. However, to ensure a smooth vacation and avoid any unpleasant surprises at the border, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the entry regulations in effect for the 2025/2026 season in advance.

Firstly, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, and preferably have two blank pages for a stamp. Russian tourists do not currently require a visa if their planned trip does not exceed 45 days —Vietnam offers visa-free travel for stays up to this period. For longer trips, an electronic visa (e-visa) should be applied for through the official portal. An e-visa can be valid for up to 90 days and allows for single or multiple entries.

Upon entry, you must complete an arrival immigration card—blank forms are issued either on the plane or upon arrival at the airport. This is an important administrative step and cannot be skipped. Regarding visa policy, it's also worth noting: as of August 2023, Vietnam expanded its visa-free list to include Russia, allowing visa-free stays of up to 45 days .

It's also important to consider the rules of conduct and import restrictions. Although health insurance isn't officially mandatory, it's highly recommended—the quality of healthcare is good, but services can be expensive. It's also important to remember that numerous sources indicate the introduction of strict controls on vapes and e-cigarettes. Effective January 1, 2025, Vietnam will ban the import, production, sale, and use of these devices; violations will be subject to fines and administrative penalties.

Direct flights from Russia may soon become even more convenient, increasing Vietnam's appeal as a nonstop winter vacation destination. However, even with convenient flights available, Russian passport holders should check the current regulations in advance and ensure all travel requirements are met.

If you're planning to trade snow for palm trees this winter and head to the UAE, it's a great idea. But for a comfortable and carefree vacation, it's important to understand the entry regulations, visa requirements, and travel details in advance. Below is what every Russian planning a trip to this country should know.

To enter the UAE, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. This is a general requirement, as outlined in official sources.

Russians enjoy visa-free travel: they can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a separate visa. This means that if your planned vacation is less than three months, no formal visa procedures are required—just arrive, get a stamp, and that's it. However, it's important to remember: if you exceed your stay, or if the purpose of your trip is work, study, or long-term residence, you will need the appropriate permit.

A migration card or equivalent is not required for standard tourist travel. Everything is completed upon entry, a stamp is placed in the passport, and no additional paperwork is typically required.

Insurance, as in Vietnam, is not officially mandatory, but most tourists and experts recommend it: healthcare in the UAE is very high-quality, but services can also be more expensive than average. This is especially important during winter vacations, as everyone faces risks, from minor injuries to unexpected illnesses.

Unlike some other resort countries, the use of e-cigarettes and vapes is permitted for personal use in the UAE. The main thing is to ensure that importing them does not violate the country's customs regulations: importing large quantities, selling, or using the devices without the appropriate permit is prohibited.

It's also worth keeping in mind local cultural and legal considerations: a resort atmosphere doesn't mean complete freedom from the rules. For example, public consumption of alcohol outside of permitted areas can result in fines or adverse consequences.

Direct flights from Russia to the UAE are available for the 2025/2026 winter season, making the destination even more attractive for tourists seeking a nonstop vacation. Airlines serving the destination include Ural Airlines, Utair, Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia, Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Pobeda, and Red Wings. The convenience of the flight is a significant advantage.

If you've decided to spend your winter vacation in the surfer's paradise, the pearl of the Indian Ocean—Sri Lanka—it's important to understand the country's entry regulations and specifics in advance. For the 2025/2026 winter season, media outlets and travel experts are highlighting several key points to help avoid surprises and ensure a comfortable vacation.

The first and most important requirement is that the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. This requirement is confirmed by official sources, including a statement from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Immigration.

Regarding visa requirements, tourists from Russia are advised to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). A stamp can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport. Tour operators note that despite outdated reports about visa-on-arrival abolition, Russian tourists should still obtain an ETA in advance "to avoid unnecessary surprises." A return ticket is not officially required, but if you are flying to the island from, for example, India, local airlines will definitely require a ticket from Sri Lanka.

The duration of stay under a tourist ETA is usually 30 days, with the possibility of extension to 90 days, 180 days, and 270 days.

Medical insurance is the same as for Vietnam: it's not mandatory, but it's best to get it for your own benefit. Healthcare in Sri Lanka is well-developed, but it's not free. When vacationing abroad, it's best to have some extra money to cover unexpected expenses.

One of the topics that raises many questions among Russian tourists is the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes. Sri Lankan law formally prohibits the import, sale, and production of electronic cigarettes and vaping products. However, in practice, tourists note that inspections of such devices are extremely rare, and only "the most unlucky" can get caught. Some sources note that enforcement is not always clear-cut, and that seizures are rare. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that all electronic cigarettes are officially prohibited, and arguing with customs is not recommended. Regular cigarettes, however, are readily available but very expensive: a pack can cost almost 1,000 rubles or more, prompting many Russians to bring cigarettes from their home country.

If you're planning a winter trip abroad—and China is on your list of possible destinations—it's worth paying attention to the travel regulations for the 2025/2026 season. Below is a detailed analytical overview of the current rules, conditions of stay, and how to make your trip as comfortable and as hassle-free as possible.

Important: When entering China, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip. This is a mandatory requirement and should be verified in advance.

Separately: from September 15, 2025 to September 14, 2026, Russian citizens holding regular passports can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or transit. A visa is required for longer stays or other purposes (work or study).

Upon arrival in China, you will need an Arrival Card. It is usually issued on board the plane or at the airport before border control. You can also apply for one online, if available.

Although the official status of medical insurance as a mandatory entry document is not always emphasized, travel industry experts recommend purchasing it: healthcare in China is of a high standard, but the costs can be significant, especially if emergency assistance or transportation is required.

Therefore, include in your travel budget not only the cost of flights and accommodation, but also a reserve for unexpected medical needs.

The regulations surrounding e-cigarettes and vaping products in China are somewhat complex. Technically, the import and sale of e-cigarettes are strictly regulated. According to regulations, e-cigarettes are considered tobacco products, and the import of such devices must meet specific requirements.

According to Reddit communities and individual tourist reviews, cases of tourists' vapes being confiscated in China are not that common if they are intended for personal use only. However, if in doubt, it's best to check in advance, and if the device contains flavored liquids or non-standard components, there are risks.

Direct flights from Russia to China are available for the 2025/2026 winter season. Airlines include Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, and Russian carriers.