Russia's Travel Industry Reports No Group Tours to Iran, Israel Amid Security Warnings

MOSCOW, Feb 28 – Organized group travel from Russia to Iran and Israel has effectively ceased, according to the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry (RCT). Arthur Abdyukhanov, head of the RCT press service, confirmed the situation in a statement.

"At the moment, there is practically no organized tourist flow to these destinations," Abdyukhanov said. He explained that major tour operators are not assembling package deals for either country. Travel remains possible only on a strictly individual, self-organized basis.

The halt follows ongoing security advisories from Russia's Ministry of Economic Development, which are based on assessments from the Foreign Ministry. The government continues to notify travel companies and citizens of a persisting security threat in both the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel.

Earlier, the Ministry of Economic Development recommended Russian citizens avoid travel to Iran until further official notice. Those already in the country are advised to exercise extreme caution, steer clear of large crowds and public gatherings, and avoid areas near military or government installations.