In a move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening diplomatic ties, Russia is set to implement a visa-free system with Saudi Arabia, Oman, Malaysia, Bahrain, Myanmar, and several African countries by 2025.
Nikita Kondratiev, the Director of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Ministry announced the initiative with optimism, noting a significant demand from Russian tourists to visit these countries and an increase in incoming tourist flow.
Kondratiev highlighted that the Ministry is actively collaborating with the Russian Foreign Ministry to liberalize the visa regime with these key partner nations.
Currently, agreements are being drafted to abolish visas with Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Bahrain, and certain African countries, particularly Kenya. A visa-free agreement with Myanmar is expected to be signed shortly, building on the existing visa-free arrangement for Russian tourists visiting Myanmar.
The goal is to establish reciprocal visa-free access, allowing citizens of Myanmar to visit Russia without visas. “We have taken such steps and agreed on a draft agreement with the Myanmar side,” added Kondratiev.
Earlier reports from Izvestia, citing the Russian Embassy in Amman, indicated that Russia and Jordan are nearing the final stages of an agreement to cancel entry visas between the two countries.
Additionally, Alexey Klimov, Head of the Consular Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, revealed ongoing talks about mutual visa abolitions with nine additional countries, noting that Russia already has visa-free arrangements with 65 nations.
This development marks a significant stride in Russia’s efforts to enhance global connectivity and cultural exchange, promising easier access for tourists and strengthening international relationships.
Russia announced plans to initiate direct flights from Russia to Saudi Arabia starting in early 2025.
Kondratyev revealed that efforts are underway to establish direct air links not only with Saudi Arabia but also with Malaysia.
“We expect to launch direct flights to the Kingdom by the beginning of 2025. This should double or even triple the tourist influx from these countries,” Kondratyev stated.
