Online Reporter
Emmanuel Kafe
ZIMBABWEANS no longer need invitations, hotel reservations or any other documents confirming the purpose of their travel when visiting Russia.
This development follows Russia’s decision to relax its visa requirements for Zimbabweans, who now only need an electronic visa, with registration taking no more than four days.
Children under six years of age are granted a visa free of charge, a policy that also applies to citizens of Kenya and Eswatini.
Russia has expanded the list of countries eligible for its single-entry electronic visa (e-visa), a move expected to improve travel between Russia and the listed 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 the following African countries: Kenya, Eswatini and Zimbabwe,” Moscow’s embassy in Kenya wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
On December 5, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order updating the Kremlin’s e-visa policy.
In addition to Kenya, Eswatini and Zimbabwe, the new list includes Barbados, Bhutan, Jordan, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turkmenistan.
According to a statement on the Russian government’s official website, including these 11 countries brings the total number of nations eligible for the e-visa scheme to 64.
Launched in August of the previous year, the system allows travellers from these nations to enter Russia once and stay for up to 16 days.
The e-visa is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
“To obtain an electronic visa, no invitations, hotel reservations or other documents confirming the purpose of travel are required. Registration takes no more than four days. Children under six years of age are granted a visa free of charge,” the statement reads.
This decision comes at a time when Moscow is strengthening its partnerships with several countries, particularly in Africa, across various sectors.
