Middle East Travel Restrictions Lifted for Russian Tourists

In a significant development, Russia's Ministry of Economic Development has revoked its recommendation to suspend tour sales to the Middle East. This move comes on the heels of the Russian Foreign Ministry's decision to lift its advisory against travel to the Persian Gulf countries. As of June 19, 2026, the Ministry of Economic Development announced that Russian citizens are no longer advised against visiting Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia for private purposes, including tourism. The decision is attributed to a change in the regional situation. With this update, tour operators are once again permitted to sell tours to these destinations, opening up new travel opportunities for Russian tourists. The reversal of the travel advisory is expected to boost tourism to the region, and travel companies are likely to resume offering packages to the Middle East. Russian travelers can now explore the rich culture and history of the region, from the modern cities of the UAE to the ancient ruins of Saudi Arabia. As the travel industry adapts to this change, tourists can look forward to a wider range of options for their next vacation.