Safe Sands: Where Russian Tourists Are Heading After Gulf Travel Warnings

MOSCOW, March 9 – With official travel advisories now in place for the United Arab Emirates and several other Gulf states, Russian tourists who had planned March getaways to Dubai or Abu Dhabi are scrambling for alternatives. The recommendations, issued by the Foreign and Economic Development Ministries, have left travel agencies fielding a surge of requests for secure, warm beach destinations with established tourist infrastructure.

Travel operators report a clear shift in bookings. Egypt remains the dominant choice, offering a proven, budget-friendly package. A week for two at a four-star hotel with flights can start around 90,000 rubles, with all-inclusive five-star options available from approximately 120,000. While the Red Sea might be brisk in March, many resorts feature heated pools.

Turkey presents a familiar, logistically simple alternative with its short flight times and vast inventory of resorts tailored to Russian visitors. Prices for an all-inclusive five-star trip begin near 120,000 rubles for two in March, rising into the summer.

For those seeking guaranteed heat and a more exotic experience, Thailand is in peak season. A week with flights and four-star accommodation starts around 148,000 rubles. Vietnam is also gaining traction, transforming from a niche pick to a mainstream contender, with direct flights to destinations like Nha Trang. Similar packages there start near 162,000 rubles.

Other long-haul options include China’s Hainan island and Bali, with weekly packages from 170,000 rubles. The Maldives, while offering direct flights, sits at the premium end, with four-star resort stays beginning at 320,000 rubles.

The key difference for travelers accustomed to the Gulf will be climate and style. Egypt and Turkey most closely mirror the large, all-inclusive resort model, while Southeast Asian destinations often blend beach time with cultural excursions and feature more boutique-style hotels.