Moscow Eyes More Visa-Free Travel to Africa, But Deals Still on the Drawing Board

Russian travelers hoping for easier access to more African destinations will have to wait a bit longer, as the Foreign Ministry confirms that talks are ongoing but no concrete agreements are in place yet.

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Alexei Klimov, head of the ministry's consular department, said the push to expand the list of visa-free countries across Africa is a continuous effort. He noted that discussions with several African nations about scrapping visa requirements for mutual travel are actively underway. However, he cautioned that it's too early to announce specific timelines or finalized pacts, as negotiations are still in progress.

Currently, Russian passport holders can enter 11 African countries without a visa. Klimov did not name which nations are in talks, leaving travelers to speculate which sandy beaches or safari hotspots might be next. The statement reflects a broader diplomatic push by Moscow to strengthen ties with the continent, though turning goodwill into travel convenience often takes time.

For now, the message is clear: plans are moving forward, but patience is advised. Frequent flyers should keep an eye on embassy updates, as any new visa-free arrangement would likely be announced once both sides are ready to sign.