Russian Tourists Face Payment Restrictions in the Maldives
The Maldives’ leading financial institution, Bank of Maldives, has suspended all transactions connected to Russia since late October 2026. This move has created significant obstacles for Russian travelers trying to pay for accommodations while vacationing in the Maldives. As a result, some hotels are requesting additional payments or refusing to check in Russian guests due to these payment difficulties.
By November 6, 2026, the total amount of blocked transfers reached approximately two million US dollars. The Bank of Maldives confirmed that Russia is classified as a restricted country, with the ban affecting both inbound and outbound payments. Bank officials stated that this measure aligns with legal and regulatory requirements. Payments were declined even when processed by companies registered outside Russia.
Consequences for the Tourism Sector
The Russian Travel Industry Union has appealed to Russia’s Ministry of Economy and the Russian ambassador to the Maldives, urging efforts to resolve the payment blockade. According to tourism figures, 258,100 Russian visitors arrived in the Maldives by November 1, 2026, marking an 11.3% increase over the previous year. Russia remains the Maldives’ second-largest source of tourists after China, with Russians accounting for 14.3% of all visitors during the first ten months of 2026.
The average cost of a Maldives vacation package in November 2026 was 585,600 rubles, a rise of 14.6% compared to the prior year. By contrast, trips to Egypt averaged 246,000 rubles. Meanwhile, from November 1, 2026, Montenegro eliminated visa-free entry for Russian citizens, requiring visas for entry. This change also applies to travelers from Belarus, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting Montenegro’s alignment with European Union visa policies.
This situation highlights the increasing challenges Russian tourists face due to political and economic restrictions imposed by various countries.
The payment restrictions in the Maldives—a favored destination for Russian travelers—could lead to a decline in Russian arrivals, affecting the local economy that heavily depends on tourism. Combined with Montenegro’s new visa requirements, Russian tourists are encountering multiple barriers across popular destinations, potentially prompting them to alter their travel plans moving forward.
The ongoing payment restrictions in the Maldives have raised concerns among Russian travelers, especially as they look for alternative destinations. Interestingly, despite increased limitations, a significant number of Schengen visas were still granted to Russians in 2025, indicating a complex travel landscape for those seeking vacations abroad.