Russia and Myanmar are preparing to sign a landmark visa-free travel agreement this September, a move that promises to significantly enhance tourism flows and bilateral connectivity. The announcement was made following a meeting between Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov and Myanmar’s Minister of Hotels and Tourism Kyaw Soe Win at the International Travel Forum in Moscow.
The visa-free deal is expected to be finalized during the upcoming Eastern Economic Forum, with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin having already issued supporting directives. Reshetnikov noted that the agreement represents a key milestone in simplifying travel and expanding tourism cooperation between the two nations.
“Signing an intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel will be an important step in further developing tourism,” Reshetnikov said.
The agreement comes amid rising demand for Southeast Asian destinations among Russian travelers. In 2024, 2.5 million Russians visited Southeast Asia, while Myanmar reported a 60% increase in tourist arrivals in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year.
Myanmar’s consistent engagement in the Russian market — through trade shows, forums, and government-led promotion — has played a critical role in this growth. These efforts have not only boosted visibility but also driven qualified leads from Russia's high-spending outbound segment.
Additionally, the number of e-visas issued to Myanmar citizens doubled in the first four months of 2025, even before the visa-free policy is in place. Direct air connectivity is also being restored, with Myanmar’s national airline launching biweekly flights between Yangon and Novosibirsk starting this October.
The upcoming visa-free regime is more than a diplomatic milestone — it’s a strategic opportunity for tourism businesses, destinations, and DMCs targeting the Russian market. For MITT exhibitors, this development underscores the power of presence.
Myanmar’s visibility and inbound growth have been directly linked to active participation in exhibitions like MITT, where buyers and decision-makers from over 80 Russian regions gather in one place. By exhibiting at MITT, destinations gain exposure to high-intent trade visitors, media platforms, and tourism professionals actively seeking new travel partnerships.
As Russia strengthens ties across Asia, MITT becomes a critical launchpad for tapping into this momentum — offering a direct route to market expansion, government-to-government engagement, and measurable lead generation.
Source: Interfax & Russia’s Pivot to Asia
MITT 2026 takes place 11–13 March at Crocus Expo, Moscow.
