Russian nationals wanting to visit the Philippines for business and tourism purposes can now travel to the country without the usual hassles of securing entry permits. The Department of Tourism (DOT), together with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration, recently announced the implementation of its visa-free entry program for Russian tourists beginning October this year.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano welcomed the arrival of the policy, stressing that such move augurs well with the government’s objective of encouraging more tourists into the country.

“We expect that the privilege will attract more Russian visitors into the Philippines. It will help strengthen our travel trade industry as it boosts revenues among hotel and leisure establishments, as well as increase business for shops and transport services” Durano said.

The visa-free entry feature was made possible through Foreign Service Circular No. 125-07 dated August 17, 2007 issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), upon the recommendation of concerned agencies including the DOT.

The decision further acts on the proposal of Executive Order 408 or the Tourism Promotion Program.

Under the circular, Russian nationals visiting the Philippines for 21 days or less on business or tourism purposes can enter the country without visas, provided that they hold valid tickets for their return journey to their port of origin or next port of destination and that their passports are valid for the next six months.

If they wish to stay in the country for more than 21 days, visitors will have to secure temporary visitors visa with the Bureau of Immigration.

Durano added that the memo complements other on-going efforts of the DOT to reach and increase the patronage of the Russian travel market, noted for its fondness for shopping and preference for diving spots and beautiful beaches.

“Russian tourists are the second biggest spenders out of Europe in terms of expenditure in the Philippines and stay in the country for an average of 21 days. This is a very crucial market to explore and the new policy will greatly enhance their experience in our islands,” explained Durano.

The Secretary revealed that this latest development has already been communicated to the Russian community through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He further reiterated the invitation to visit the Philippines as he led a 56-member delegation at the Otdykh-Leisure 2007 Travel Fair in Moscow Russia.

The department, together with its partners in the travel trade sector, has also concluded a selling mission in Far East Russia to further explore business and tourism opportunities in the said region.

In line with this, Vladavia Air Company has opened regular weekly charter flights on board a 150-seater TU-154 aircraft to Manila from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the major gateway in Far East Russia. The airline is one of the Russia’s the largest carriers and transports about 700,000 passengers annually in its international and domestic flights.

From January to August 2007, tourist arrivals from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) grew by 7.2 percent compared to the same period last year, and is currently the Philippines’ 7th biggest source of tourists from the European region. (http://www.tourism.gov.ph/news/news2.asp?id=475)