Moscow negotiates new travel rules with four African countries

Russia is preparing to ease its visa regime with several African nations, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini, and is also considering expanding the list of African countries whose citizens can apply for an electronic visa to enter the country.

The announcement was made by Anatoly Bashkin, Director of the Department for African States (south of the Sahara) at the Russian Foreign Ministry, in an interview with the African Initiative, as per Russian media.

When asked which African nations were close to finalising agreements with Moscow on visa simplification, Bashkin said, “Relevant agreements are currently being worked out with Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini. The draft documents have been sent to foreign partners and are currently under review.”

He further stated that Moscow is considering widening the scope of its e-visa program. “Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Eswatini are included in the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for electronic visas. We do not rule out that other African states may be added to it,” he said.

According to earlier reports, tourist flows from Africa to Russia have surged by nearly 60 per cent since 2023. The Deputy Director General of the Centre for Strategic Research (CSR) has noted that Moscow intends to actively promote tourism in Russia among African countries.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa, emphasising that over the past decades, African nations have significantly increased their influence and standing on the global stage.

By Tamilla Hasanova