Russia intends to eliminate visa requirements for citizens of Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Myanmar in 2024, with agreements currently being finalized with these countries. This announcement was made by Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
"Another significant aspect to highlight is the streamlining of visa procedures and the removal of visa requirements for several countries. This year, we have set the goal for Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Agreements with these nations are already at an advanced stage of development and have been submitted to our foreign counterparts. We aim to finalize and sign them this year," he stated during his address at the International Tourism Exhibition, Mitt.
Kondratyev emphasized the successful implementation of the electronic visa mechanism for 55 countries in Russia. The goal for this year is to further expand this list. Additionally, there is a growing demand for group visa-free tours between Russia, China, and Iran. "The current influx of visitors under the group visa-free scheme stands at around 50 thousand citizens per month," he added.
The visa-free group tourist exchange program between Russia and China, as well as Russia and Iran, commenced on August 1, 2023.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS