Russia is contemplating the possibility of eliminating visa requirements for citizens of several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Malaysia, and more, according to a report from the Russian news agency TASS.

During the Eastern Economic Forum, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrey Rudenko, revealed that Russia is prepared to relax visa regulations for select Asian countries. He highlighted that Russia already has successful visa agreements with numerous Asian nations and aims to further expand these agreements.

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Earlier this year, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister had announced plans to establish visa-free travel agreements with 11 countries. These countries include Malaysia, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Zambia, Kuwait, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Additionally, Russia’s Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, expressed the country’s interest in facilitating visa-free travel. He emphasized their consideration of visa-free entry, particularly for Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries. Reshetnikov mentioned their eagerness to attract affluent tourists from nations such as Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.

This move by Russia demonstrates its commitment to enhancing tourism and diplomatic relations with these countries by simplifying travel procedures.