The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has informed the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) that there is currently no impediment for Russian citizens to visit Israel. This significant announcement was received in response to a letter from ATOR, which followed an appeal from the Israeli Ministry of Tourism office in Russia urging tour operators to take action on the matter in their home country.

Israeli Tourism Minister, Haim Katz, welcomed the decision, stating, “I welcome the decision by the Russian Foreign Ministry and expect more countries to lift their travel advisories for Israel. The Russian market is significant and will aid in the recovery of the Israeli tourism industry. The Ministry of Tourism has worked throughout the entire period of the war to realize tourism potential in markets with favorable audiences, and among other things, was a partner in the decision by Red Wings to resume its flights to Eilat”.

In an official letter sent on August 25, 2025, to Maya Lomidze, CEO of the Association of Tour Agents in Russia, from the Director of the Consular Department of the Russian MFA, it was stated that given the relative stability of the security situation in Israel, there is “no impediment to the visit of tourists from Russia”. The letter did, however, recommend exercising increased caution, avoiding areas near the borders with Syria and Lebanon, and refraining from visiting the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, while strictly adhering to the instructions of the Israeli authorities.

Despite the MFA’s clearance, the resumption of package sales hinges on one further regulatory step: the cancellation of the previous recommendation by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development and the granting of permission for tour operators to market vacations to Israel. ATOR has already approached this regulator, including the position of the Russian MFA.

This development was made possible following a proactive appeal by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism office in Moscow, which collaborated with local authorities to formulate an updated situation assessment and emphasize the safety protocols for hosting visitors in Israel.