Russian tourist hotel payments face reversals in Maldives and other destinations
Hotel payments for Russian tourists are being reversed in the Maldives starting October 18, 2026, and similar banking difficulties are reported in Seychelles, Thailand and South Africa. The situation affects travelers, hotels and tour operators relying on Russian visitor spending.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Bank of Maldives began returning transfers for Russian hotel bookings
- Timing
- Reversals started on October 18, 2026 and continue
- Who is affected
- Russian visitors and tourism businesses in Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand and South Africa
The details
Maldives payment reversals
Russian tour operators reported that the Bank of Maldives started returning transfers meant for hotel stays on October 18, 2026. The Russian Union of Travel Industry estimates about $2 million in payments have been delayed or returned.
- Hotels may request a second payment or refuse accommodation if the original transfer is rejected
- Bank of Maldives later denied imposing a blanket restriction, citing correspondent banks’ compliance decisions
Sanctions impact in Seychelles and Thailand
Seychelles Finance Minister Pierre Laporte said sanctions‑related banking restrictions are complicating Russian tourism payments and considered raising the cash allowance from $3,500 to $10,000. In Thailand, Russian‑issued Visa and Mastercard cards remain unusable, while the Mir network is not accepted; UnionPay and QR‑code alternatives exist but are inconsistent.
- Russian visitors are Seychelles’ largest source market with 21,185 arrivals early 2026
- Thai businesses report difficulty settling Russia‑related commercial transactions
Potential exposure in South Africa
South Africa has not confirmed a Maldives‑style hotel‑payment dispute, but tourism businesses receiving Russia‑linked transfers may face screening, delays or rejection by correspondent banks. The risk varies by bank, payment route and parties involved.
- No confirmed nationwide reversal, but banks remain subject to international sanctions compliance
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with Russian bookings in the Maldives should confirm payment status with hotels before arrival
- Visitors to Seychelles and Thailand should verify accepted payment methods and cash allowance limits
Cost and documents
- No new fees are mentioned, but additional payment may be required if original transfer is rejected
- Travelers may need to carry higher cash amounts where card payments are limited
What you need to do
- Russian tourists should check with their tour operators whether a second payment is needed
- Hotels should communicate alternative payment options to guests in advance
- Businesses should monitor correspondent‑bank notices for possible transaction rejections
Who this affects
-
Russian tourists in the Maldives
Hotel‑payment transfers are being returned by the Bank of Maldives
What to do Confirm payment acceptance with the hotel and be prepared to pay on arrival
-
Russian tourists in Seychelles
Sanctions‑related banking restrictions are affecting payment processing
What to do Check cash allowance limits and possible need for cash payments
-
Russian tourists in Thailand
Russian‑issued Visa and Mastercard cards are unusable and Mir is not accepted
What to do Use accepted alternatives such as UnionPay or QR‑code payments
-
Tourism businesses receiving Russia‑linked transfers
Banks may reject transactions under sanctions compliance
What to do Monitor correspondent‑bank policies and consider alternative settlement routes
-
South African tourism operators handling Russian payments
Potential exposure to banking compliance checks without confirmed reversals
What to do Stay alert to possible delays and prepare contingency payment methods
Frequently asked questions
Why are hotel payments for Russian tourists being reversed in the Maldives?
Bank of Maldives began returning transfers for Russian hotel bookings on October 18, 2026, citing that international correspondent banks may reject the transactions under their own compliance requirements.
Do Russian tourists need to bring more cash to the Maldives?
The report does not specify a cash requirement for the Maldives, but travelers should be prepared to pay on arrival if the original bank transfer is rejected.
What payment methods work for Russian visitors in Thailand?
Russian‑issued Visa and Mastercard cards are not accepted, Mir is unavailable, but UnionPay and QR‑code payment arrangements can be used where merchants support them.
Is there a new cash allowance limit for Russian travelers in Seychelles?
Seychelles Finance Minister Pierre Laporte mentioned a possible increase from $3,500 to $10,000, but no final decision has been announced.
Will South African hotels face the same payment reversals as the Maldives?
No confirmed Maldives‑style reversals have been reported in South Africa, though tourism businesses may still encounter screening or delays from banks complying with sanctions.
