On Wednesday last week Russia announced a temporary entry ban for tourists, workers, students and private travelers who are Chinese nationals, effective the next day.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said it has stopped issuing work visas and electronic visas to Chinese nationals, but continues to grant business, humanitarian and transit visas.

Around 1.5M Chinese tourists visited Russia - with which China shares a 2500-mile border - in 2019. The ban could cost Russia $44M in tourism revenues in February and March; 10X that if the ban continues into the summer.

Stay tuned for updates.