Africa – Russia Tourism Volumes Rising In A New Growth Trend

African Tourists visiting Russia have become a growth trend, and have risen by nearly 60% over the past two years, according to Yulia Maksutova, the deputy director general of the Center for Strategic Research (CSR) in Moscow.

Maksutova highlighted a rising demand for travel, powered by expanding business and educational exchanges. She said that flight connections between Russia and Africa are expanding, with direct routes now available to and from Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, the Seychelles, and Ethiopia. Currently, 143 flights depart from Russia to these destinations each week, 128 of which are to Egypt. The return traffic includes 144 flights, with the same majority coming from Egypt.

However, this is diversifying. Citizens of Botswana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Namibia, Tunisia, South Africa, and the Seychelles already have a visa-free entry regime to Russia.

Maksutova said that while the number of tourists from African countries has grown by nearly 60% over the past two years, the overall figures remain relatively low, with about 37,000 African visitors recorded annually, making up less than 1% of Russia’s total inbound tourism. However, she said that initiatives such as the formation of a Russian-African working group on tourism in the Central African Republic (СAR) could help boost mutual travel.

Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), said that “Africans primarily travel to Russia for business, personal, work, or study purposes, as well as for individual tours across the country. With proper joint efforts from both the government and businesses, a foundation can be laid for increasing traditional tourist flows.”

In December, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order on December 5 updating Russia’s eVisa policy, adding three new African countries: Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. In turn, Russian citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Tunisia and Morocco. In Angola, Russians can stay for up to 90 days, while in Mozambique and Malawi, the limit is 30 days. In Sao Tome and Principe, Russian visitors are allowed up to 15 days.

The number of Russian visitors to Africa has also risen significantly, according to Anatoly Bashkin, director of the Africa Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. He attributed the surge to Africa’s unique culture, diverse natural beauty, and the coexistence of modernity with deep-rooted traditions, making it one of the world’s most fascinating travel destinations.

Bashkin noted that Russians are currently attracted to island states – Mauritius, Seychelles, East African destinations – Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia. Visiting the southern part of the continent – South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia – is becoming increasingly fashionable.

‘In general, the vast majority of African countries are still undiscovered by our citizens tourist potential, in each you can find something special’ – said Anatoly Bashkin.