Put on the tourist flow: Russians will be able to travel without a visa to four more African countries

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 travelers become regular buyers of tours. Whether there are risks for Russian citizens in these countries is in the Izvestia article.

New destinations for trips to Africa

Four African countries will open to Russians in the near future, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Izvestia.

— 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.

The cancellation of visas for Russians in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini is not so much a reason to immediately buy tickets as an important signal that Africa is actively entering the global tourism market, and Russia is becoming a welcome partner in terms of geopolitical isolation, said PCT expert, CEO of VCP Travel Mikhail Abasov. In his opinion, for the countries of the African continent it is an opportunity to attract new tourists, and for Russian tour operators it is a way to diversify the package of offers.

However, these destinations have their own difficulties for tourism, one of them is long flights. So far, Russia does not have direct flights to these African countries, so, for example, the road to the capital of Zambia will take on average more than a day, tourists will have to make at least two transfers. A one-way ticket will cost about 60 thousand rubles. It will cost the same amount to travel to the capital of Zimbabwe, Harare, from Moscow. The journey will take more than 16 hours.

The situation is more complicated with Mozambique and Eswatini. Tourists will have to travel to Maputo from Moscow with two transfers in Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg, while in South Africa they will have to stay for a day. Such a difficult one-way baggage-free route will cost an average of 50,000 rubles. Ticket prices to Esvantini range from 70 thousand to 200 thousand rubles. You will have to spend at least 22 hours on a road with two transfers.

— Bezviz has solved only one applied problem, there are still systemic ones. Infrastructure is not developed at a high level everywhere. A long flight with transfers is only the first test. Within the countries, tourists are faced with difficulties with transfers, underdeveloped public transport and roads, which in themselves can become an attraction. As for the service, the choice of high-end hotels is limited, especially in Zimbabwe and Eswatini. The infrastructure for beach holidays in Mozambique is only partially developed," Abasov continues.

The language and information barrier are also among the difficulties. There are practically no guides who speak our language in the countries, and there is still not enough information on the Russian-language Internet for independent travel.

— Relative safety in tourist areas is not synonymous with complete peace of mind. You need to avoid certain areas, keep an eye on things, and be careful. Medical risks are a separate topic: malaria in Eswatini, the need for special vaccinations in Mozambique require serious preparation and additional costs," says Abasov.

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Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini are rather destinations for a small circle of travelers — those who are not afraid of long flights and spartan conditions for the sake of Victoria Falls, safari in almost untouched nature or authentic Eswatini cultural rituals.

— If we talk about the tourism potential of these four countries, then Zambia looks like the undisputed leader. It offers the most balanced and developed product: the famous Victoria Falls, one of the best safari parks in Africa (South Luangwa) and a well-developed infrastructure are located here. In second place is Zimbabwe, which shares Victoria Falls with Zambia and possesses the majestic ruins of Greater Zimbabwe, although its tourism sector is still recovering. Mozambique is a niche and expensive destination for connoisseurs of beach holidays and diving in the Bazaruto archipelago, and Eswatini is most interesting to visit as a cultural addition to a trip to neighboring countries," the PCT expert, commercial director of the author's tours marketplace, added in an interview with Izvestia. YouTravel.me Valery Britaus.

Where can I go without a visa?

Currently, Russians can visit 11 African countries without a visa. Compatriots 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, tells Izvestia.

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A number of countries, including Denmark, the Czech Republic and the Baltic republics, are no longer allowed without biometrics.

In addition, 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.