Russia is actively negotiating travel agreements to waive visa requirements for short-term trips, typically up to 90 days, with some friendly countries.
As the authorities have revealed, the country is currently working on visa-free travel agreements with some African and Middle Eastern countries.
These negotiations, involving nine countries from Africa and the Middle East, promise easier and more accessible international travel in the near future, VisaGuide.World reports.
Russia Aims for Visa-Free Travel With 11 More Countries
Previously, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Russia was in talks to simplify visa regimes with several African nations, including Zimbabwe. On the other hand, Moscow already has visa-free agreements in place with seven destinations, which are as follows:
- Angola
- Mozambique
- Malawi
- São Tomé
- Príncipe
- Tunisia
- Morocco
Similarly, in March 2024, the country also discussed establishing visa-free travel with 11 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and all Persian Gulf nations. The specific countries under discussion for these visa-free travel agreements include countries such as:
- Saudi Arabia
- Barbados
- Haiti
- Zambia
- Kuwait
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Trinidad
- Tobago
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
Russia has been increasing its presence in Africa, particularly in Sahel countries, which are experiencing political upheaval. However, Russia remains an unpopular holiday destination for Africa’s political elite, corporate leaders, and middle class, who tend to prefer vacations in the United States, Europe, or, increasingly, certain Asian destinations.
Following the first symbolic Russia-Africa summit in Sochi in October 2019, both regions adopted a joint declaration to enhance cooperation. Critics argue that Russia unintentionally contributes to its isolation by not capitalizing on opportunities for developing first-class tourism.
Russia to Simplify Visa System for BRICS & Other Nations
In July of this year, Russia announced plans to simplify its visa system for several BRICS countries, along with some Latin American and African nations whose citizens currently need visas to enter Russia.
In this regard, Russian Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, stated that since launching the e-visa service last year, approximately 300,000 foreign tourists have visited Russia, with over 60 percent coming from BRICS nations.
Among the BRICS countries, citizens from China, India, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia still require a visa to enter Russia, although holders of diplomatic and service passports from these nations can travel without a visa.
Moreover, the mutual tourist flow between Russia and BRICS countries in the first half of this year reached 1.5 million people, marking a fourfold increase compared to last year. This figure is projected to rise to 20 million by 2030, accounting for ten percent of the total international tourist numbers in BRICS countries.