The senior official explained that more than 7.5 million foreigners visited Russia in the first nine months of 2022, so the government considered requesting the Ministry of Economic Development to create such cards.

Chernyschenko expressed that the card could be virtual or plastic, one of the Mir type, which would allow any non-resident of Russia to quickly activate it upon entering the country, transfer the necessary amount of money to it and, upon leaving, transfer these funds back to his or her card.

Previously, Russia’s deputy Prime Minister instructed the agencies concerned, to work on the creation of a tourist payment card intended for foreign travelers.

Moscow anticipates that this measure will stimulate the flow of tourists to Russian regions that traditionally attracted the interest of visitors from other countries, Chernyshenko noted.

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