The authorities have announced the timing of the launch of a payment card for tourists

A payment card for foreign tourists could be launched in Russia at the beginning of 2024, said Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov.

The Deputy Minister explained that at the moment foreigners cannot pay in Russia with bank cards. They do not have the ability to book hotels. After the start of the military operation in Ukraine and sanctions against the Russian financial sector, the international payment systems Visa and Mastercard left Russia. Their foreign cards do not work in Russia, and their Russian cards do not work abroad.

A year ago, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov spoke about the possibility of implementing the “Tourist Card” project at the beginning of this year. The goal of the initiative is to increase the incoming tourist flow, the minister explained.

“I hope that early next year we will put this system into commercial operation. Everything depends on the banks here,” said Dmitry Vakhrukov.

The “Tourist Card” project involves non-cash payments by foreign citizens in Russia. Cards must work based on the Mir payment system. Foreign tourists will be able to open accounts in Russian banks while abroad, after which they will be issued a virtual card. If desired, upon arrival in Russia you can receive it in a physical version.