Moscow. Photo: Shutterstock Russian Foreign Ministry: No Obstacle to Israeli Tourism - Package Sales Await Approval.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced today (Friday) to the Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) that there is currently no restriction on Russian citizens visiting Israel. The announcement came in response to a letter from the association, following a request from the Israeli Ministry of Tourism's office in Russia for wholesalers to act on the matter in their country.
Tourism Minister Haim Katz welcomed the decision: “I welcome the decision by the Russian Foreign Ministry and expect other countries to lift the travel warning to Israel. The Russian market is significant and will aid the recovery of the Israeli tourism industry. The Ministry of Tourism has worked throughout the war period to realize the tourism potential in markets with favorable audiences, and was involved in the decision by Red Wings airline to resume flights to Eilat.”
In an official letter sent on 25.08.2025 to the Director General of the Russian Travel Agents Association, Maya Lomidze by the Director of the Consular Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, it was stated that given the relative stability in the security situation in Israel, “there is no restriction on visits by tourists from Russia.” However, a recommendation was made to exercise increased caution, avoid areas close to the borders with Syria and Lebanon, and refrain from visits to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, while adhering to regulations issued by the Israeli authorities.
However, the renewal of package sales depends on another regulatory step: lifting the previous recommendation by the Ministry of Economic Development and granting permission for wholesalers to market holidays to Israel. The Association of Russian Tour Operators has already approached this regulator, along with the position of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
This step was made possible following an initiative by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism’s office in Moscow, which, together with local authorities, has developed an up-to-date situation overview and emphasized the hospitality safety procedures in Israel.