Barbados, Bhutan, Eswatini, Jordan, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan and Zimbabwe Soon to Get Simplified Visa Policy to Travel to Russia – Travel And Tour World

The Russian Federation is once again updating its e-Visa system, with major implications for international travelers looking to visit the country. On December 5, 2024, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishoustin signed an order expanding the list of countries eligible for the simplified electronic visa (e-Visa), designed to facilitate entry for tourists, business travelers, and those visiting for humanitarian purposes. The expansion of this system highlights Russia’s efforts to make entry easier and more streamlined for travelers worldwide.

As per the new updates, citizens of 11 additional countries—Barbados, Bhutan, Eswatini, Jordan, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, and Zimbabwe—will soon be able to apply for the Russian e-Visa. This brings the total number of countries eligible for the Russian e-Visa to 64. This step is part of Russia’s larger plan to encourage tourism and business growth while ensuring a simplified and more efficient visa application process.

At the same time, two countries, Andorra and Serbia, have been removed from the e-Visa list following bilateral agreements signed with Russia that established a visa-free travel regime for their citizens. This move is part of Russia’s continued efforts to engage in direct diplomatic relationships that benefit both countries.

The e-Visa system, relaunched on August 1, 2023, has been designed to simplify the visa process and make it more accessible to travelers. Travelers applying for an e-Visa do not need to provide traditional documents such as hotel reservations or invitation letters. Instead, the process is done entirely online through the official Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at evisa.kdmid.ru.

The key features of the Russian e-Visa include its validity for multiple visit types, including tourism, business, humanitarian, and private visits. This flexibility makes the e-Visa an attractive option for a wide range of travelers. The application process is also fast, with e-Visas typically being processed in less than five days. Furthermore, e-Visa applications are free for children under the age of six, making it an appealing option for families traveling to Russia.

The expansion of the e-Visa program is expected to generate an increase in the number of travelers visiting Russia for both tourism and business purposes. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 541,000 e-Visas were issued from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, representing a 70% increase compared to all other types of visas issued during that time. This positive trend is a clear indication that the simplified visa application process is resonating with international travelers.

In addition to expanding the list of eligible countries, the Russian government is also considering further changes to the e-Visa system. A draft law currently under public discussion proposes two significant amendments to the e-Visa framework. First, it suggests extending the validity of the e-Visa from 60 to 120 days. Second, it proposes increasing the duration of stay allowed under the e-Visa from 16 to 30 days.

These changes reflect the growing demand for the e-Visa system and aim to make Russia a more attractive destination for tourists, business travelers, and those visiting friends or family. A longer stay period would offer greater flexibility to those wishing to explore Russia’s vast cultural and historical sites or engage in business activities.

The proposed amendments are also expected to enhance Russia’s competitiveness as a destination for international travelers, as many countries have already implemented long-term e-Visa or visa-waiver programs to attract more visitors. By expanding the e-Visa validity and extending the length of stay, Russia hopes to position itself as a more accessible and attractive destination for both tourism and business ventures.

The changes are also aligned with Russia’s broader goals for tourism and foreign relations. The country’s tourism industry is growing, and the government sees the simplification of visa procedures as an essential component of its strategy to increase foreign visitors. Russia aims to welcome more international tourists, provide them with an easier way to access the country, and bolster the economy by increasing international spending in sectors like hospitality, tourism, and services.

For now, the e-Visa remains a single-entry visa, meaning that travelers will not be able to enter and exit Russia multiple times under the same visa. However, this restriction is not expected to hinder the growing interest in the e-Visa, as the process is designed to be quick and hassle-free, making it more efficient for travelers who only need a single entry.

Travel experts believe that the e-Visa system will significantly impact the number of international visitors coming to Russia. This will be especially beneficial to the tourism sector, which was hit hard by the pandemic. By simplifying visa processes and extending the range of travelers who can benefit from this system, Russia is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism market.

With the expansion of the e-Visa system to 11 new countries and the potential extension of its validity and stay duration, Russia is taking decisive steps toward increasing its attractiveness as a global destination for both leisure and business travel. The government’s analysis of the system’s early success—indicated by the 541,000 e-Visas issued in just one year—demonstrates that the program is meeting its objectives. The system’s success is expected to continue as it evolves, with Russia aiming to further streamline entry procedures and attract more visitors from around the world.

The decision to update the e-Visa system and extend its validity comes at a time when global tourism is seeing a steady recovery. As countries around the world begin to re-open their borders and resume normal travel operations, Russia’s move to simplify visa processes will help it stand out among other popular travel destinations. With new markets opening up, Russia is ready to attract travelers from across the globe, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry and fostering international relationships.

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