As they bundled up in woolly hats and warm coats, hundreds of people braved Moscow’s chilly weather to form a queue. They are not here to see a celebrity, or an exclusive exhibit. What they want is Japanese visas.
As most of Europe has banned direct flights to Russia and Japan offers free visas, Russians explore new holiday destinations. They also make the most of a strengthening rouble as well as a rise of real wages fuelled the economic recovery caused by Moscow’s heavy investment in the war in Ukraine.
Japanese airlines no longer offer direct flights to Russia, but the Japanese Embassy in Moscow stated that Russian visitors are increasing as a result of the increased availability of connecting flights.
Dmitry Gorin told Reuters that the number of Russians who travel to Japan this year will double from the 100,000 that visited in 2024. Gorin said that the queues at the embassy were understandable because Japan’s famous cherry trees in spring are a popular attraction.
“The most important aspect is that there aren’t any complicated visa formalities, and the flight is affordable,” he said.
In November, Japan ceased requiring Russian visitors submit documents in order to confirm that they had paid for hotel rooms. Gorin stated that return tickets with connections in China often start at around 40,000 rubles (USD 477.64).
Elizaveta told Reuters that the easier visa process encouraged her to purchase tickets. “We have wanted to go a long time,” said she. Today, it’s much more difficult to travel to Europe. We decided to travel to Japan because it takes only four to five working days to get a Japan visa. The people Reuters interviewed at the embassy declined their family names.
‘LONG-TIME DREAM’
Before Moscow started the conflict in Ukraine, in February 2022 millions of Russians visited Europe every year. These trips are now more expensive, as they must use indirect routes, since the majority of European airspace is not open to Russian carriers. Gorin says that the current annual visitor numbers, which are around 300,000, are 90 per cent lower than 2019 levels.
The Russian economy was briefly affected by sanctions but has since recovered. Consumer demand, especially for air travel, is on the rise, contributing to an overheating. The sharp appreciation of the rouble this year, on the hope that improved ties between Washington DC and Moscow would lead to a resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, has only helped Russians who are heading to Japan and other countries. Most international travel is now aimed at countries that haven’t imposed sanctions on Moscow.
The strengthening of the rouble directly affects consumer interest and the cost of holidays abroad, said Lyubov Voronina, head of international project at tourism comparison website sletat.ru.
Voronina stated that depending on what tourists plan to do during their trip, they can save between 10% and 30%. For some, the combination of a higher income and lower prices is just what they need.
Nikita, at the embassy said: “It’s a dream I have had since childhood.” “Now that I have the money, I decided to go.” Moreover, prices have dropped.
The long queue is the only obstacle for Russians. When asked if he worried about running out of time that day to submit his application, Anton simply replied: “Well then, I’ll be there tomorrow.”
