The Union of Orthodox Banner Bearers, a Russian conservative group, urged the government of the Rostov region to prohibit minors from traveling to Cuba due to the legalization of gay marriage on the island.
The request, which extends to children from all over Russia, was sent to the relevant committees and to the head of the Main Directorate of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Valentina Kazakova, by the deputy head of this organization, Igor Miroshnichenko, according to a report from the Russian media PanRam.
In line with the strong restrictions faced by the LGBTI community in that country, the ban would also include other countries such as Thailand, where same-sex marriage is legalized.
"Despite protecting citizens with the law against LGBT extremism within Russia, we put children in danger abroad. The travel ban will strengthen traditional values," said Miroshnichenko after submitting the petition.
"There are enough places for recreation in Russia, which will become an alternative to expensive destinations abroad. This will help the economy and preserve our cultural heritage," he emphasized.
PanRam explains that the initiative will face several obstacles, such as the resistance from tourism operators, as well as Russian legislation itself, which does not address the restriction of its citizens' travel to other countries.
Moreover, Cuba and Thailand are popular destinations for Russians. According to official figures, the demand for these countries increased by 30 to 40% in 2024.
"Most children travel with their parents, who decide for themselves where to go. Prohibitions will only create unnecessary barriers," stated the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry (RST).
Between January and March 2025, Cuba received just 571,772 international visitors, far below official targets and pre-pandemic levels. Russia has been one of the few countries that maintained a steady flow of tourists to Cuba, although it has also reduced its numbers in recent months.
On Saturday, it was revealed that the Cuban regime sealed a new agreement with the Russian agency Rus Cuba Dive to promote diving tourism in the Ciénaga de Zapata, as announced during the International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2025).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ban on Russian Children Traveling to Cuba
Why is the Union of Orthodox Ensigns requesting a ban on Russian children traveling to Cuba?
The Union of Orthodox Standards has requested the Russian government to prohibit children's travel to Cuba due to the legalization of gay marriage on the island. This conservative group believes that such a prohibition would help protect Russia's traditional values against what they consider a negative influence from abroad.
What other countries could be included in the travel ban for Russian minors?
In addition to Cuba, the Russian conservative group has suggested that the travel ban could be extended to other countries where same-sex marriage is legal, such as Thailand. The intention is to prevent Russian minors from visiting places that, according to them, do not respect traditional Russian values.
What obstacles will this travel ban proposal face?
The proposed travel ban will face several challenges, such as the resistance from tour operators and Russian legislation that does not include restrictions of this kind for overseas travel. Additionally, countries like Cuba and Thailand are popular destinations among Russians, which could generate further resistance to the implementation of this measure.
What repercussions could this prohibition have on Russian tourism to Cuba?
A travel ban for minors could impact the flow of Russian tourists to Cuba, a country that has maintained a steady stream of Russian visitors even during times of tourism crises. This measure could further reduce tourism figures in Cuba, which is already facing a significant decline.
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