Russian Tourists Flock to the Maldives –  Bringing business and popularity

The Maldives has witnessed a significant influx of Russian tourists, with over 180,000 Russians having visited the Indian Ocean archipelago since the beginning of the year, constituting approximately 11.5% of the total foreign tourist arrivals. Russian nationals benefit from a visa-free stay of up to 90 days, requiring only their “foreign” passport for entry. The country’s Ministry of Tourism reports a 12.8% increase in international visitors during the first ten months of 2023, totalling 1.56 million, and anticipates reaching 1.9 million by the year-end, averaging around 5,000 daily arrivals.

The Maldives has become a favoured destination for international tourists, with a notable surge in Russian and Indian visitors contributing significantly to the country’s tourism sector. The convenience of visa-free travel for Russians, coupled with the allure of the tropical island nation, has resulted in a substantial portion of the total tourist influx. The Maldives’ strategic location and visa policies have also attracted visitors from India and China, securing the second and third spots in terms of tourist arrivals, as well as properties like the Atmosphere Kanifushi and other examples of Maldives water villa resorts helping to provide a good stay.