Swazi Observer

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RUSSIA EASES TRAVEL FOR EMASWATI

By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2024-12-16

Emaswati can now travel to Russia with greater ease, as the Russian Federation has extended its single electronic visa programme to include Eswatini.

This move eliminates the need for travellers to make costly trips to the Russian Embassy in Maputo for visa issuance, offering a streamlined and accessible process for ordinary passport holders.

It comes after the two countries signed a visa waiver agreement in January last year for holders of diplomatic and service passports, which allows visa-free travel for government and diplomatic personnel between the two countries, easing mobility for high-level engagements.

The new measure according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Principal Secretary, Newman Ntshangase, now extends similar convenience to regular travellers, who previously faced significant financial and logistical hurdles in obtaining visas.

convenience
This applies to locals travelling to Russia for private or business purposes, tourism, and participation in scientific, cultural, socio-political and economic events.

Ntshangase said the decision, which also extends to Kenya and Zimbabwe, is expected to not only enhance travel convenience for ordinary passport holders, but also foster stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural connections between the two nations.

“The inclusion definitely signifies solid relations, especially as we are amongst the first few African countries to be considered.

It basically means Emaswati can now visit Russia without much challenge,” said the PS.
Explaining on the importance of the move, Ntshangase said it had the potential of deepening ties between the two countries through encouraging the exchange of ideas, boost trade, and enhance mutual understanding through cultural interactions.

He also emphasised the initiative’s importance for families visiting students studying in Russia, noting that parents can now gain visas without enduring complex application procedures.
He however, said there was still some uncertainty regarding whether the facility will extend to students themselves.

confirmation
“We are yet to obtain confirmation if students will use this facility too,” Ntshangase stated.
The PS further shared that Russia has announced an experimental programme running from this December to June 2026.

This initiative, according to the Russian government will collect information on how individuals and stateless persons travel to the country, excluding those with diplomatic and service passports.
To ensure that locals fully utilise the e-visa facility, the PS disclosed that the ministry plans to leverage digital platforms, media outlets, and its website.

“We usually encourage Emaswati travelling, to visit our platforms for updates, including restrictions we may be aware of,” Ntshangase said, stating that both social media and traditional media would play a pivotal role in the ministry’s campaign to spread awareness and enable citizens to seize the new opportunities presented by the programme.

The diplomatic bond between Eswatini and the Russian Federation, established in November 1999, has witnessed notable strengthening recently through high-profile visits and significant diplomatic exchanges.

objectives
Just last month, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, was in Russia for the Inaugural Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.

On the side-lines of the forum, she held a high profile meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in celebration of the 25-year diplomatic ties between the two nations.

During their discussions, the ministers explored specific areas where both countries could further their shared objectives, particularly in sectors like agriculture, where Eswatini aims to harness advanced agricultural technologies to strengthen food security.

In addition to agriculture and technology, they also discussed educational exchange programmes aimed at equipping the country’s youth with skills in science and technology.

Russia’s expertise in scientific research and technological innovation was also seen as an area providing promising pathways for Eswatini to advance its agenda of economic diversification and youth empowerment.

In a joint statement after, the two ministers celebrated the achievements of the past quarter-century, acknowledging the positive impact of their collaboration in fostering economic growth and educational exchange.

In March, Lavrov met His Majesty King Mswati III on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) in Türkiye, and their discussions were centred on expanding cooperation across a range of areas, setting the tone for further collaboration.

attendance
Minister Lavrov further acknowledged the personal involvement of His Majesty King Mswati III in fostering Eswatini-Russia relations, appreciating His Majesty for demonstrating ongoing support for Russian-African ties, including attendance at the first Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi in 2019, where he met with senior Russian leadership.

Lavrov conveyed the best wishes of President Vladimir Putin to His Majesty, expressing Russia’s hopes for continued engagement between the two countries.

This meeting followed Lavrov’s visit to the country last year, during which he emphasised Russia’s commitment to supporting the country’s development goals across various sectors.

Tourism was highlighted as a particular area of promise, with the Russian foreign minister calling attention to how closer tourism links could foster unique cultural and economic exchanges, benefitting both nations by tapping into Eswatini’s vibrant heritage and Russia’s robust tourism infrastructure.

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