The Russian Travel Industry Association has proposed raising the undeclared foreign currency import limit from the current 10,000 dollars to 30,000 dollars. The suggestion came from Alexander Musikhin, a member of the inbound tourism working group at the association, as reported by several newspapers. News outlets note that the sanctions have disrupted ordinary payment channels, complicating how foreign visitors settle bills for goods and services in Russia.
Musikhin explained that sanctions have left many payment methods unusable, particularly cards issued by foreign banks. This gap in payment options means travelers face difficulties in paying for accommodation, meals, and activities during their stay. He argued that increasing the cash limit would alleviate this friction, either as a temporary measure or on a lasting basis, to help keep tourism flowing under current constraints.
The proposal echoes a similar suggestion made by the Association of Russian Banks last year. That body proposed raising the limit tenfold to 100,000 dollars, but the proposal did not receive government backing at the time. The current discussion reflects ongoing concerns within the domestic tourism sector about how to adapt to restricted international financial services while trying to sustain visitor numbers and spending.
Industry observers note that any change to currency import rules would need careful assessment of potential risks and benefits. The debate underscores the broader challenges facing Russia’s tourism market as it navigates sanctions, exchange controls, and evolving traveler expectations. Stakeholders emphasize the need for clear guidance from authorities to ensure travelers understand permissible methods of payment and to maintain trust in the tourism experience.