Russia has announced an expansion of the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for its single-entry electronic visa (e-visa), including three African countries: Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
Confirmed over the weekend, the move is expected to improve travel between Russia and the named countries, boosting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.
“The Government of Russia has expanded the list of countries whose citizens can visit the Russian Federation with a single electronic visa. The list now includes following African countries: Kenya, Eswatini and Zimbabwe,” Moscow’s embassy in Kenya wrote on X on Sunday.
On December 5, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order updating the Kremlin’s e-visa policy. Aside from Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe, the list includes Barbados, Bhutan, Jordan, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turkmenistan. According to a press release on the Russian government’s official website on Saturday, the addition of 11 states brings the total number of countries eligible for the scheme to 64.
The system, which was launched in August last year, permits travelers from these nations a single entry into Russia and a stay of up to 16 days. The e-visa is currently valid for 60 days.
“To obtain an electronic visa, no invitations, hotel reservations, or any other documents confirming the purpose of travel are required. Registration takes no more than four days. Children under six years of age receive a visa free of charge,” according to the press statement.
The decision comes at a time when Moscow is deepening partnerships with several countries in a variety of fields, particularly in Africa, despite Western opposition to its growing influence.
France and its allies have accused Russia of spreading anti-Western propaganda on the African continent, where Paris and the US have suffered military and diplomatic failures. However, Sahel states, which have severed defense ties with Paris and Washington, have in recent years sought counterterrorism agreements with Russia, whom they regard as a preferred partner.
Kenyan President William Ruto, despite being a key US ally, told visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last year that his government would deepen relations with Moscow in order to increase trade volumes. In May, Kenya became the first sub-Saharan African country to be named a major non-NATO ally by the US.
Speaking at a plenary session of the VTB Investment Forum, ‘Russia Calling!’ last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a decision to establish a special fund to foster cooperation between Moscow and Africa. He said the continent holds a special place for Russia, rooted in shared values of sovereignty and self-determination.
“We are united, particularly by the promising development of the African continent. Of course, we will do everything to increase this level,” Putin stated.