Visit Russia: New AI-Powered Travel App to Help Foreign Tourists Explore the Country
Starting in December, international tourists will find it much easier to explore Russia on their own, thanks to a new mobile application called Visit Russia. Powered by artificial intelligence, the free app will help travelers plan trips, calculate budgets, obtain e-visas and insurance, book tickets and accommodations, and even claim tax refunds on purchases.
A Travel Agency in Your Pocket
Launching on December 19, Visit Russia will be available for download in Google Play, the App Store, and Russia’s RuStore.
The app includes a voice assistant powered by artificial intelligence that speaks 36 languages. While only the web version is currently active, the mobile release will go live later this year.
The app is designed to accompany travelers through every stage of their journey — from choosing Russia as a destination to returning home.
Users can estimate travel budgets, apply for electronic visas and insurance, book flights and hotels, rent accommodations, activate an eSIM, and even claim tax-free refunds before departure. Essentially, Visit Russia acts as an all-in-one digital concierge for foreign travelers.
A Free One-Stop Platform
Visit Russia integrates all the tools and services needed to organize a trip across the country. Beyond booking and travel logistics, the app offers location-based recommendations — from restaurants and currency exchanges to sightseeing highlights in each city or region. Best of all, it is free for users.
The project is backed by several major partners, including hotel booking service Ostrovok, cruise operator Vodokhod, flight aggregator Aviasales, tour operator RZD Tour, and insurance provider Attollo Assistance. For guests from Arab countries, the app also includes a 'GCC-friendly' feature, highlighting halal dining options, suitable hotels, and nearby mosques.
Tackling Cashless Payment Barriers
The large-scale project was developed with support from the Russian Union of Travel Industry and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and is currently being showcased in Saudi Arabia.
Developers are now working to address one remaining issue — limited access to cashless payments. Industry experts and banks are collaborating to resolve this gap. As Sergey Teplyakov, Russia’s trade representative in Saudi Arabia, explained, the lack of seamless cashless payment options remains a significant barrier for both foreign visitors in Russia and Russian tourists abroad. Even so, the Visit Russia app is expected to increase inbound tourism by simplifying trip planning and improving access to accurate information — traditionally a major obstacle for international travelers.
Digital Tourism as Economic Growth
The launch of Visit Russia represents more than just a convenience tool — it’s a catalyst for Russia’s tourism and digital sectors. A rise in inbound tourism could drive infrastructure development in both major cities and smaller regions, create new jobs, and strengthen the competitiveness of Russian tourism.
Smart tourism platforms like Visit Russia also enhance service quality and improve the country’s global image as a diverse and accessible destination. In the future, the app could evolve into a comprehensive platform for all international travel needs, integrating regional content and becoming part of a broader digital tourism strategy.
Its multilingual AI capabilities give it potential for export to markets across the Global South, positioning it as a showcase of Russia’s growing digital expertise.
