Russia proposes bilateral visa-free regime agreement with Mozambique – Embassy

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Russia proposes bilateral visa-free regime agreement with Mozambique – Embassy

8:22 CAT | 07 Oct 2025

File photo: Yle News

Russia has proposed a bilateral visa-free regime agreement with Mozambique, the Russian Embassy in Mozambique told RIA Novosti on Monday. “The Mozambican side is currently reviewing a draft bilateral agreement proposed by Russia to abolish visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports.

Meanwhile, Russian daily newspaper Izvestia reports that Russians will be able to stay up to 90 days without a visa in Zambia, up to 30 days in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini. The drafts of the relevant documents are under consideration by these countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Izvestia. Thus, Russians will be able to visit 15 countries of the region without a visa. Interest in exploring the African continent continues to grow, according to the travel industry. On average, the tourist flow increases by one and a half to two times annually, some travellers become regular buyers of tours.

Currently, the possibility of concluding bilateral intergovernmental agreements on the mutual cancellation of visa requirements for short-term trips of citizens with Zambia (up to 90 days), as well as with Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini (up to 30 days) is being explored. The drafts of the relevant documents are under consideration by foreign partners. It is too early to talk about specific dates for signing agreements,” the Foreign Ministry said, cited by Izvestia.

Currently, Russians can visit 11 African countries without a visa. Russian passport holders can stay in Morocco, Namibia, Tunisia and South Africa for up to 90 days, Cape Verde and Mauritius for up to 60 days, Angola, Botswana, Malawi and the Seychelles for up to 30 days, and Sao Tome and Principe for up to 15 days.

Given the difficulties in obtaining visas to travel to EU countries, the African destination has become more well-known in recent years, experts say. In addition to Egypt and Tunisia, which are traditionally popular among Russians, trips to Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa are also of interest.

Tour operators state that compared to last year, sales of safari tours in South Africa increased by 18%, to Kenya — by 25%, and to Tanzania – by 16%. In 2024, the Russian tourist flow to Kenya and Tanzania increased by more than 2,000 people. This type of vacation is mainly chosen by families and groups of friends.

Every year, the increase in African destinations is one and a half to two times. People are becoming regular customers of African destinations. After visiting Kenya, they want to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar on their next trip. After visiting East Africa, people go to South Africa, then choose Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. The pandemic has shown that it is better to look for vacation destinations where people do not go in droves, but where there is an opportunity to retire to nature, which residents of megacities lack,” Dmitry Arutyunov, co—head of the PCT outbound Tourism committee, CEO of the Art Tour tour operator, told Izvestia.

In addition, Izvestia reports, African countries are kind to Russian tourists, he says. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the mentality and nuances related to security. In this regard, experts recommend choosing organized tours to explore Africa for the first time.

But this area has significant difficulties. The main ones are the high cost of high—quality tours and safaris, complex logistics with mandatory transfers (there are no direct flights from Russia), the need for special vaccinations, as well as persistent safety stereotypes. Despite these barriers, Africa continues to gain popularity, offering unique authenticity and natural resources that are increasingly appreciated by Russian tourists.

Source: NAMPA / Izvestia