Russian tourism shifts from Europe toward North Korea

Russian tourism patterns are shifting significantly due to geopolitical tensions and changing visa policies. The number of Russian tourists traveling to EU countries has dropped more than tenfold compared to pre-pandemic levels. This decline follows ongoing restrictions and potential new EU sanctions, including proposals to further limit visas for Russian citizens and ban entry for those involved in military actions in Ukraine.

Conversely, tourism between Russia and North Korea is seeing growth. Oleg Koremyako, the head of the Primorsky Krai administration, stated that tourist flows through the region to North Korea could reach 7,000 people this year. This follows the completion of a road bridge over the Tumen River, which was celebrated by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korean Premier Pak Pong-ju. Tourism numbers to North Korean resorts have risen from 2,000 in 2024 to over 5,000 in 2025.