Russia, Myanmar may sign visa-free travel agreement on Eastern Economic Forum sidelines

MOSCOW. June 10 (Interfax) - Russia and Myanmar are ready to sign an intergovernmental visa-free travel agreement in September, the Russian Economic Development Ministry said.

The issue was addressed at a meeting of Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov and Myanmar Minister of Hotels and Tourism Kyaw Soe Win at the Travel international tourism forum in Moscow.

"Signing an intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel will be an important step in further developing tourism. Russia is ready for the signing, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has given related instructions. The document is due to be signed on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in September," the ministry press service said.

Russians are increasingly interested in Southeast Asia, and around 2.5 million Russian tourists visited the Asia Pacific region in 2024, Reshetnikov said. Besides, the number of tourist arrivals in Myanmar grew 60% YoY in the first quarter of 2025.

"Growing tourist arrivals result from the active work of the Myanmar side on the Russian market and participation in exhibitions and forums," he said.

Before the agreement takes effect, citizens of Myanmar can apply for e-visas to Russia. Demand for such visas has grown, with the number of issued visas doubling in the first four months of 2025, compared to the same period of 2024.

Another incentive for tourism is the resumption of flights between Yangon and Novosibirsk. From October, Myanmar's national carrier will operate flights twice a week - on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The sides highlighted investment cooperation, in particular the development of the Dawei Special Economic Zone, which has industrial as well as significant tourism potential.