Russia's 2025 inclusive tourism law aims to break travel barriers for millions
A new law on inclusive tourism came into force in Russia at the end of 2025. It requires all tourist facilities to become fully accessible for people with disabilities. The move aims to address a long-standing gap, as only 6% of the country’s disabled population can currently use tourist services—despite most wanting to travel. Russia’s push for accessibility began over a decade ago. Sochi became the first city to create a barrier-free environment in 2014, ahead of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. But by 2026, it no longer ranks among the top ten inclusive destinations.
Public transport in Sochi remains a major hurdle. Buses with lifts are rare, and many pedestrian crossings are unsafe for wheelchair users. Even Russian Railways, which improved some services, has not fully resolved accessibility issues. No shopping mall in the city’s Central District is equipped for independent use by people with disabilities.
The problem extends beyond Sochi. With 11.5 million disabled citizens—about 8% of the population—Russia has set a July 2026 deadline for regions to report on accessibility progress. The Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) has also launched a project to map accessible routes and gather data on tourist destinations.
Yelena Popova, an ATOR advisor, stresses the importance of travel for disabled individuals. She argues it fosters social connections, emotional well-being, and personal development. Yet, despite high demand, most still face barriers when planning trips. The 2025 law marks a legal commitment to inclusive tourism, but challenges remain. Regions must now submit progress reports by mid-2026, while ATOR works to improve travel options. For millions of disabled Russians, the changes could finally open doors to destinations long out of reach.
