The expert spoke about the introduction of new rules for hotel services from March 2026

Starting from March 1, 2026, new rules for the provision of hotel services will come into force in Russia, which simplify the process of checking in and canceling bookings for tourists, as well as increase market transparency. Kirill Yakovlev, Program Director of the RANEPA Faculty of Hospitality and Sports Industry, announced this on December 17.

"A change in the rules for the provision of hotel services and other accommodation facilities has long been suggested. The regulatory framework in this area is being fully updated for the first time since 2020. The document unifies regulation for all types of accommodation facilities: hotels, recreation centers, campsites and others," he said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Yakovlev clarified that among other changes is a new cancellation system. Now tourists will be able to cancel their reservation before the day of arrival and receive a full refund. In case of late cancellation, late arrival or no-show, the hotel can only charge for one night. The practice of "non-guaranteed booking" is also canceled, in which the tourist had to arrive before a certain time, otherwise the reservation burned out.

In addition, hotels will be required to provide full information about the size of the rooms, the terms and conditions of cancellation, as well as the refund of the prepayment, the expert noted. Also, all hotels and accommodation facilities must now be registered in a special registry, which will increase market transparency and consumer protection, and reservations in non-accredited locations will become impossible.

Also, starting in March 2026, hotels are not required to provide boiling water, Yakovlev said, but they must have blood pressure monitors for guests.

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On December 16, Vladimir Gureev, Chairman of the Public Council (OS) at the Federal Bailiff Service (FSSP) of Russia, said that departure from Russia may be limited due to a debt of 10,000 rubles, including alimony. He explained that a ban on leaving the country can be imposed if the debtor fails to comply with a court decision within the time limit set by the bailiff for voluntary fulfillment of obligations.

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