The Russian government has announced an expansion of its electronic visa (e-visa) program in a move aimed at bolstering international ties and facilitating travel.
In an update on Sunday, December 8, the Russian Embassy in Kenya confirmed the development, highlighting the simplified process for citizens of the newly added countries.
The updated list of eligible countries now includes Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
“The Government of Russia has expanded the list of countries whose citizens can visit the Russian Federation with a single electronic visa," the embassy stated.
The e-visa program enables travelers to apply for and receive a visa online, significantly reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
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The system covers travel for purposes such as tourism, business, or humanitarian visits, with the added advantage of being faster and more accessible compared to traditional visa processes.
Russia's e-visa program began on August 8, 2017, initially allowing citizens from 18 countries to apply for visas to the Far Eastern Federal District.
It was later expanded to include more regions and countries over time, with the current system starting on August 1, 2023.
As of now, citizens from 56 countries can apply for the e-visa, which allows stays of up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period.
In August 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin directed an expansion of the electronic visa by including more categories of travelers.
“The Government of the Russian Federation, in collaboration with the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, the executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and the Russian Science Foundation, must develop and implement measures to attract leading researchers and specialists (including foreigners) to participate in scientific research and development conducted in the Russian Federation”, an order published on the Kremlin’s website read.
Putin said the initiative will allow foreign scientists and specialists to enter Russia more easily for research and development purposes.
“The Russian government must ensure “the creation of favorable conditions for these individuals and their family members, including providing housing and simplifying the processing of documents required to enter and work in Russia, by expanding the practice of issuing electronic visas for these purposes,” the order further read.
