Visa-free travel to Russia on the cards

VISA-FREE travel between
South Africa and
Russia is likely after
an instruction was signed
by Russian Prime Minister,
Dmitry Medvedev, on
January 18.
According to the Russian
Embassy Consular
department, a date for visafree
travel has not been set
yet, but the initiative is in draft
protocol from the Russian
side and South Africa still
needs to confirm the protocol
and make suggestions.
The DHA confirmed that the
initiative would apply to South
African travellers visiting
Russia, but could not provide
further details on the process
or date of implementation at
the time of publication.
“According to the practice
we have introduced with other
countries worldwide, removal
of visas for SA citizens will
mean visits for up to 90 days
without a visa,” says Alexey
V Enyagin, vice-consul of the
Consulate General of Russia
in Cape Town. He also
says the new agreement is
designed for both business
travellers and tourists.
“Persons who intend to work
in SA or Russia and overstay
the agreed 90-day period
would still apply for their
visas,” says Alexey