Russians could soon visit more African countries visa-free — media

The list of countries Russian citizens can visit without a visa may soon expand to several African countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Eswatini, according to a report by Moskovsky Komsomolets.

Russian authorities are considering lifting visa requirements for these states.

A State Duma committee noted that Africa is not yet a major tourist destination for Russians, but interest in travel to the continent remains steady.

Sangadzhi Tarbaev, head of the Committee on Tourism and Development of Tourism Infrastructure, said that by the end of 2025, Russian citizens will be able to visit around 120 countries and territories either visa-free or with simplified visa procedures.

In recent months, Russians were granted visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days. Negotiations with India on a visa-free regime for tourist groups are ongoing. Additionally, agreements were reached in 2025 with several Middle Eastern countries: Oman and Jordan now allow Russians to stay for up to 30 days without a visa, and Saudi Arabia will follow once internal procedures are completed.

Tarbaev also clarified that 12 African countries remain fully visa-free for Russians. Stays of up to 90 days are allowed in Morocco, Namibia, Tunisia, and South Africa; up to 60 days in Cape Verde and Mauritius; up to 30 days in Angola, Botswana, Malawi, and the Seychelles; and up to 15 days in São Tomé and Príncipe.

By Khagan Isayev