EU Travel Sanctions on Russia Backfire, Says Russian Lawmaker

A senior Russian lawmaker has warned that the European Union's latest sanctions, which bar European companies from offering travel-related services in Russia, will primarily hurt European businesses by cutting them off from a lucrative market. Sergei Krivonosov, deputy head of the State Duma's tourism committee, told RIA Novosti that the restrictions mean European travel firms lose access to a destination that continues to attract foreign visitors.

The EU ban, announced as part of broader sanctions, prohibits European operators from selling tours, promoting Russia as a travel destination, or providing any direct tourism services within the country. Krivonosov argued that the move is politically motivated and contradicts the EU's long-stated principles of free movement and fair competition. He noted that European tourists were historically among the top visitors to Russia before the restrictions took effect.

Meanwhile, Russia is pivoting its tourism strategy toward new partners. Krivonosov emphasized that Moscow is actively expanding ties with nations in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the CIS, while streamlining electronic visas and digital services for foreign travelers. The lawmaker clarified that the EU ban does not prevent individual Europeans from entering Russia; they simply must arrange their own flights, accommodations, and itineraries without the help of European travel agencies.