Russia sent 17.4 million tourists abroad in 2024, a 15.4% increase compared with the previous year, according to the Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR). Turkey captured the largest share of this outbound market, welcoming 6.7 million Russian visitors, or 38.5% of the total. And this trend continues in 2025.
Data from ATOR shows that Turkey remains the leading destination for Russians despite ongoing visa restrictions and geopolitical tensions. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, 2.7 million Russian tourists arrived in Antalya, underscoring the country’s continued dominance in the market.
EU destinations face declining Russian arrivals
Since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, the number of Russian travelers choosing European Union destinations has fallen, although the figures remain significant. In 2024, 1.4 million Russians still visited EU member states despite mounting visa difficulties. By contrast, Turkey’s visa-free access and geographic proximity have boosted its position as a convenient alternative.
Several EU countries are now pressing Brussels to impose a complete ban on tourist visas for Russian citizens, according to reporting by Euractiv. If adopted, such restrictions could redirect hundreds of thousands of Russian holidaymakers toward destinations outside the bloc, with Turkey positioned as the strongest substitute.
Visa issuance patterns in Europe
European data shows that in 2024, a total of 552,629 Schengen visas were issued to Russian nationals. Italy granted the largest share, issuing 152,000 visas. France followed with 123,000, Spain with 111,000, and Greece with 60,000. These countries accounted for the bulk of Russian tourist arrivals in the EU last year.
Despite visa challenges, many Russian travelers managed to reach Europe by land routes. Of the 1.4 million Russians who visited EU countries, 800,000 traveled by road, while 600,000 flew through Turkey or Georgia before entering the bloc. This trend underscores the ongoing demand for European holidays, even amid restrictions.
Turkey consolidates role as central hub
Turkey’s role as a primary hub for Russian tourists has expanded in recent years as alternatives in Europe narrow. The strong showing in Antalya during the first eight months of 2025 reflects both leisure demand and the ease of travel arrangements for Russians in Turkey. Tour operators report that the combination of visa-free access, short flight times, and competitive package deals keeps Turkey ahead of competitors.
Industry observers note that Turkey’s dominance may grow further if the European Union moves forward with a visa ban. The redirection of 1.4 million Russian travelers away from the EU would significantly benefit destinations that remain accessible. For Turkey, this could mean additional inflows on top of the millions already visiting annually.
According to ATOR, Russia’s outbound tourism sector continues to demonstrate resilience despite sanctions, rising costs, and logistical challenges. The figures indicate that while EU travel is increasingly restricted, overall demand for international holidays among Russian citizens remains strong, with Turkey leading the way in absorbing that demand.
