Russia is set to change the way package holidays are sold, with tour operators and travel agents required to give customers far more detailed information before they book. The new rules take effect in September 2026 and are designed to make holiday purchases more transparent.
Under the regulation, companies will have to tell travellers not only about hotels, transport and meals, but also about any other details that could affect the trip. That includes entry requirements, local rules, cultural restrictions and possible risks during travel.
The changes are expected to affect large tour operators, smaller agencies and sub-agents alike. Industry observers say the move could reduce disputes and complaints by making contracts and pre-sale information clearer.
The new system marks a wider shift in how travel products are presented to consumers in Russia. Package holiday contracts, which have often focused on the basic elements of a trip, will now need to include a fuller picture of what customers may face at their destination.
That means agencies will need to go beyond price and accommodation when selling a holiday. Travellers should also be told about the rules that apply in the destination country and any conditions that could affect their plans while they are away.
The update is also expected to increase the administrative burden on travel businesses. Agents will need to keep more detailed records of the information they provide to customers, which could create extra work during the sales process.
Supporters of the change argue that better disclosure will help people make more informed decisions before they buy. They say the rules could strengthen consumer protection by making it easier for travellers to understand what is included in a package and what risks may exist outside it.
The measure also aims to build trust between the sector and customers. By setting out more of the practical and legal realities of a trip in advance, officials hope to reduce misunderstandings after bookings are made.
The new obligations are not limited to the biggest companies in the market. Smaller agencies and sub-agencies will also have to comply, meaning the rule change will reach much of the country’s package tour sales chain.
Tourism specialists say the reform reflects a broader trend towards greater transparency in travel sales. For consumers, the biggest difference may be that buying a holiday in Russia will soon involve a more detailed conversation about where they are going, what rules apply and what could go wrong.
