Rostourism advises against travel to countries that imposed sanctions on Russia

MOSCOW. March 2 (Interfax) - The Federal Tourism Agency (Rostourism) has advised against travel to countries that have imposed sanctions and restrictions on Russia and suggested that tour operators stop selling such tours, the agency press service said on Wednesday.

"Under the circumstances, Rostourism strongly recommends that all Russian citizens traveling abroad as tourists or on business abstain from visiting countries that have imposed sanctions and restrictions on Russia whenever possible, considering that such trips are fraught with risks to the timely and safe return to Russia," the agency said.

The agency recommended travel to countries that are open to tourists and have imposed no restrictions on Russia. "At this point, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Vietnam and some other countries are accessible for tourists," it said.

The agency urged Russians to closely follow the information provided by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Rostourism and the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) on the changing status of the available tourist destinations.

"A number of destinations, including certain countries in Latin America, are not available to tourists because of airspace restrictions imposed by the European Union and Canada and the high risk of such travels. These are Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Venezuela," the agency said.

In addition, Rostourism recommended that tour operators stop selling tours to countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia, as well as to Caribbean countries the way to which goes through the closed airspace of the European Union and Canada. Travelers who have booked such tours can contact their operators and choose another destination.

Besides the available foreign destinations, vacations can be booked in the Russian territory, the agency said.