Turkey ranks second for Russian e-visas: Large tourist flows expected
Turkey has established itself as the second most popular destination for Russians seeking an electronic visa, signalling a significant and persistent flow of tourists.
In the period from 1 January to 12 October 2026, Russia issued a total of 361,100 electronic visas.
Of these, a full 55,800 visas were issued to travellers with Turkey as their destination.
This underlines Turkey' s strong position in the Russian tourism market and provides important insight into travel trends. These impressive visa figures indicate a robust and enduring demand from Russian tourists for Turkey as a holiday destination.
Such a concentration of visitors from a single market can have noticeable consequences for the travel experience, particularly in Turkey' s most popular coastal areas and cultural cities such as Antalya and Istanbul, where capacity may be challenged. Expectations of increased crowdsThe fact that Turkey is the recipient of such a high number of e-visas from Russia means that the country is a primary choice for many Russian holidaymakers.
This trend may contribute to increased crowding at popular hotels, at key attractions, and on public transport, particularly during the busiest holiday periods.
Travellers should therefore prepare for the fact that destinations such as Side, Alanya, and the major cities may be experienced as more crowded than usual. Consequences for travel planningFor tourists, foreign residents, and Nordic travellers planning a holiday to Turkey, the increased demand from the Russian market may indirectly affect both prices and availability.
Hotels and flights to Turkey may experience increased pressure, which could potentially lead to rises in the prices of accommodation, package holidays, and certain tourist services.
It is recommended to book travel and accommodation well in advance to secure the best options and avoid the highest prices. This development confirms Turkey' s status as an attractive destination for international visitors.
The significant influx from Russia is actively helping to shape the tourism landscape in the country, which may have practical consequences for anyone planning a visit in the near future.
Source: Turizmguncel
