4 visa-free countries for Russians. We do not offer Turkey and Egypt

Traveling is not just about detailed planning, booking hotels six months in advance and worrying about visas. Often the best trips happen spontaneously: all you have to do is take the next flight and get your visa stamped at the border.

The selection does not include all countries where you can travel without a visa. Together with the expert we offer several options for traveling.

President of Pro-Vision, author of the Vinogradov.story community

We have chosen more interesting destinations than such obvious ones as Turkey and Egypt.

Cuba

The island of freedom fully justifies its name: staying in Cuba without a visa is allowed up to 30 days. This is enough to experience the whole range of positive emotions – from delight at the sight of Caribbean beaches to a pinch of nostalgia in a cab converted from Soviet “Zhiguli”.

The paradoxical combination of luxury elements and signs of victorious socialism, the heritage of the strict colonial past and the freedom-loving present gives rise to a feeling of absolute eclecticism in everything: gastronomy, culture, language and traditions. The best thing you can do in Cuba is to rent a convertible from the classics of the American automobile industry and drive the island in a circle, from Varadero to Havana, making stops for salsa and rum. A month will be enough to spare.

Iran

This country has only recently opened for travelers, and therefore even in the era of a glut of visual content it has a very important advantage over its neighbors – the very secret attraction, for which people go to the East.

What can you do in seven days, for which you get a visa upon arrival? To visit the ruins of the pearl of Persia, the legendary Persepolis, to ride jeeps or camels into the interior desert regions, to go on a tour to the places sung by Omar Khayyam. And also – try dozens of kebabs and never decide which of them is the best.

United Arab Emirates

Unlike Iran, Russians have known its neighbor in the Persian Gulf, the UAE, for a long time. Moreover, tourists from Russia even have formed expectations about vacationing in the Emirates: beautiful, expensive, luxurious. Ultra-modern Dubai, the capital Abu Dhabi and beach Sharjah are studied by compatriots back and forth, leaving no room for imagination. The UAE is not about the joy of discovery, but rather about the happiness of being “in the party”. That, however, does not diminish their appeal for travelers with a clear request for the highest level of comfort.

Nepal

Traveling in Nepal risks stretching for several months – the Himalayas do not just let you go. Fortunately, the country’s authorities are quite loyal to travelers and are ready to accept them on their territory without a visa for up to 90 days. Something will have to be sacrificed, but a few locations and activities are a must.

First, trekking at the foot of Appapurna – a kind of test of strength even for experienced travelers. Secondly, a “paid sunrise” in one of the mountain villages overlooking the Kathmandu valley (I recommend Nagarkot). The early rise at four in the morning is compensated many times over by the revitalized paintings of Roerich – the amazing play of light on the slopes of the Himalayas.

Finally, the genuine joy of informal interaction with animals in Chitwan Park. Bathing together with elephants in a small Nepalese lake, you dream only about one thing – to make this moment last as long as possible.

And for those who like solo travel, we have collected a selection of places where you can go alone.