The Russian Union of Travel Industry Announced the de facto Cessation of the Trips from Russia to the United States

The US State Department is suspending visa processing for citizens of Russia and 74 other countries pending a review of screening procedures. The decision will take effect on January 21 for an indefinite period. In addition to Russia, this list includes Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and other countries.

The Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) reported that over the past year, the market has seen an increase in demand for US visas from Russians. In the first nine months of 2025, approximately 162,000 Russian citizens visited the United States, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 

«With the suspension of visa issuance, the flow of tourists from Russia to the United States has actually stopped indefinitely», - the RUTI concluded.

The Association of Travel Aggregators stated that the United States has not been a popular destination for Russian tourists for several years due to visa difficulties and the lack of direct flights. Last year, the share of hotel and airfare bookings by Russian travelers to the United States through domestic travel aggregators amounted to less than 1% of all outbound bookings. This decision by Washington may only impact Russians with relatives living in the United States.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov noted in December that Russia does not intend to retaliate with reciprocal measures in response to the restrictions on U.S. visas for Russian citizens. He stated that Moscow is interested in maintaining contacts and exchanges, as there are «human ties that cannot be simply destroyed».
Photo by Vladimir Trey