Russia is currently negotiating the potential implementation of a visa-free regime with Kuwait and Bahrain, as confirmed by Russian embassies in these Middle Eastern countries. This information was provided in response to an inquiry from the Izvestia newspaper.
"We are actively pursuing efforts to establish a visa-free regime between our nations. The Kuwaiti authorities are currently reviewing this proposal," stated Russian diplomats in Kuwait.
They also highlighted an increasing interest among Kuwaiti citizens to travel to Russia following the launch of direct flights between Moscow and Kuwait in February 2023. As a result, the comment noted that the number of visas issued to Kuwaiti citizens in June 2023 increased fivefold compared to the previous year.
The Russian Embassy in Bahrain explained that the elimination of visa requirements for citizens of both countries is currently under consideration at the level of specialized agencies. The diplomatic mission added that the Bahraini side is currently reviewing the Russian draft of the relevant intergovernmental agreement.
Russian diplomats also pointed out the growing passenger traffic between Russia and Bahrain and expressed optimism that this figure could exceed pre-pandemic levels in the future.
Previously, Maxim Reshetnikov, the head of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, had announced that Moscow proposed a complete abolition of tourist visas for citizens of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Malaysia.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: fabrikasimf/Freepik
Based on materials from TASS