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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. The move is expected to improve travel between Russia and countries concerned, boosting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order on December 5 updating Russia’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. The addition of these 11 countries brings the total number eligible for the scheme to 64. A list of the other countries able to apply for e-visas can be seen here.
We provide a quick snapshot of the new e-visa recipient countries as follows:
Barbados (Caribbean)
Population: 281,000
GDP (PPP): US$5.4 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 3.9%
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$18,750
Bhutan (Himalayas)
Population: 750,000
GDP (PPP): US$10.2 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 4.9%
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$14,300
Eswatini (Southern Africa)
Population: 1.25 million
GDP (PPP): US$14 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 5%
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$11,900
Jordan (Middle East)
Population: 11.5 million
GDP (PPP): US$132 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 2.4%
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$12,800
Kenya (East Africa)
Population: 52.5 million
GDP (PPP): US$375 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 4.7%
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$7,160
Papua New Guinea (Southeast Asia)
Population: 11.8 million
GDP (PPP): US$42 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 2%
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$3,400
Saint Lucia (Caribbean)
Population: 180,000
GDP (PPP): US$3.5 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 4.3%
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$19,000
Tonga (Polynesia)
Population: 100,000
GDP (PPP): US$655,000
2024 GDP Growth: 1.8%
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$6,500
Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean)
Population: 1.5 million
GDP (PPP): US$45 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 1.5%
GDP per capita:US$31,000
Turkmenistan (Central Asia)
Population: 7 million
GDP (PPP): US$126 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 2.4%
GDP per capita: US$19,900
Zimbabwe (Africa)
Population: 17 million
GDP (PPP): US$44.5 billion
2024 GDP Growth: 2%
GDP per capita: US$2,750
The system, which was launched in August last year, permits travellers from these nations a single entry into Russia and a stay of up to 16 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.
The decision comes at a time when Moscow is deepening partnerships with several countries in a variety of fields, particularly in Africa, and will go a long way to easing mutual visa issuance for Russian nationals on a reciprocal basis. Other countries, especially in the Caribbean and Polynesia, are more geared, for the same reason, to allow Russian tourists access to exotic markets. Others, such as Turkmenistan, are geared to allow some seasonal migrant labour.
Speaking at 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, saying that 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.”
Further Reading
China, Saudi Arabia and Germany Are Top Users Of Russia’s E-Visa System
