MOSCOW, October 1 – Novosti. The last week of September in tourism turned out to be eventful. On the good side, the State Duma clarified the rules for the movement of citizens who fell under mobilization, Japan and Canada announced the abolition of almost all covid restrictions on entry, and the situation at the Upper Lars checkpoint has finally stabilized. However, on the night of this Friday, Finland closed its borders to Russian tourists. About the most important – in the Novosti digest.
On the night of September 30, Finland closed the border for Russian tourists. Now entry is allowed only for family members of citizens of the country and EU member states , employees of the transport industry, business travelers, property owners, diplomats. Also allowed to study, treatment, work and “good personal reasons.” Each case is considered individually at the border control.
The situation at the Upper Lars checkpoint has stabilized . According to the head of North Ossetia , Sergei Menyailo , there are 2,580 cars in line at the border with Georgia on Friday, which is about a thousand less than three days ago. A life-support town has been set up at the entrances to the checkpoint: people are brought water, food, and, if necessary, medical assistance is provided.
State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin explained the rules for traveling around the country and abroad for Russians who fall under the draft. “ Since the mobilization is partial, the norm of Article 21 of Law 31-FZ does not apply. In connection with this, the movement of citizens registered with the military does not require the permission of the military commissariats, ” he explained on his Telegram channel on Thursday.
Two more countries reported simplification of entry rules for foreign tourists. From October 1, requirements for PCR tests and vaccination certificates are canceled in Canada , and from October 11, almost all restrictions are lifted by Japan . In particular, the issuance of visas will resume, and not only organized but also independent travelers will be admitted.
Dushanbe City Bank on Monday suspended the service of Mir cards due to technical problems in the work of the Russian payment system. Now tourists can withdraw money only at ATMs of Sberbank of Tajikistan.
Possible ways to solve the problem of using Mir cards in Turkey, which also abandoned the Russian payment system, are being worked out , Zarina Doguzova, head of Rostourism , wrote in her Telegram channel.
Airfare prices to Turkey , the United Arab Emirates , Armenia and Kazakhstan began to decline. Already in mid-October, it will be possible to fly to Istanbul for 24 thousand rubles, to Dubai – for 65 thousand, to Yerevan – for 14, and to Alma-Ata – for 13 with a transfer and for 23 on a direct flight.
Rostourism asked to return money for vouchers to mobilized citizens on a priority basis and without deduction of actually incurred expenses. The head of the department, Zarina Doguzova , has already sent corresponding letters to tour operators and hoteliers.
