Russian tourists visiting Việt Nam. — Photo courtesy of Anex Tour Việt Nam

MOSCOW — Việt Nam is a safe tourist destination without any restrictions for Russian visitors, according to recommendations by the Federal Agency for Tourism of Russia.

The recommendations were announced by the nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 2 regarding locals travelling abroad as many countries are imposing sanctions and restrictions on Moscow following the special military operation it launched against Ukraine.

Russian authorities advise citizens not to travel to countries that have imposed sanctions and restrictions on Russia, because staying there can bring risks to their return to the homeland in a timely and safe manner. The tourism agency believes that some destinations, including several Latin American countries, are no longer available to local tourists due to restrictions on airspace by the EU and Canada.

It also recommended tour operators suspend the sale of tours to countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia, as well as to Caribbean nations because related air routes have to go through the closed airspace of the EU and Canada.

Việt Nam has been calling for de-escalation, dialogue and peaceful resolution in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, but has not introduced sanctions against Russia.

Việt Nam plans to fully reopen international tourism activities from March 15 after over two years of disruptions due to COVID-19.

Pre-pandemic, Russia contributed a significant part to the tourism market in Việt Nam, and they were also among the first to be welcomed back to Việt Nam under the pilot COVID-19 vaccine passport programme.

The Ukraine situation has rattled many tourism and hospitality businesses who are expecting a robust revival, especially in the south-central coastal localities like Nha Trang (Khánh Hoà) or Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu, which are popular destinations among Russian tourists. — VNS