Kenyans seeking to travel to the Federation of Russia can now freely travel to the country after the Russian Government announced that it had introduced electronic visas for a host of African countries.
According to a statement from the Russian Embassy in Nairobi, its government has formally expanded the list of countries whose citizens could visit its soil including Kenya.
”The Government of Russia has expanded the list of countries whose citizens can visit the Russian Federation with a single electronic visa,”
”The list now includes the following African countries: Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe,” it added, announcing a major shift in its willingness to let more Kenyans visit Russia.
A photo collage of President William Ruto at a church service in Kiambu County on December 10, 2023 and a visa.
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iVISA
However, Kenyans will only be eligible to travel under a single electronic visa, meaning that it will not allow them to be in Russia for extended periods.
A single electronic visa (eVisa) is a digital authorisation that allows foreign nationals to travel to a specific country for a predetermined period.
Russia has been keen to attract other foreign nationalities that initially viewed the pro-United States of America since the start of its war with Ukraine a key US ally.
How to apply
For Kenyans wishing to enter the Russian Federation under the new eVisa, they will need to visit the embassy website and select under the visa category the visa type and category they need and state the purpose of their trip.
You will be required to check the requirements and necessary documents for your visa type and then fill out the electronic visa application form.
You will be then required to submit the application online print it out and sign it as you wait for an interview. At this point, you will be required to prepare all necessary documents including your passport, two recent passport-size pictures (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), and other supporting documents.
Additionally, you will proceed to book your appointment online and visit the Embassy on the date to submit your visa application and passport, along with the relevant supporting documents.
Having followed all the steps, you will then be required to pay the visa fee, after which a receipt is issued indicating the collection date and a decision on your application.
Cost of visa
Single entry visa application processing attracts a total of Ksh12,000(USD80) for a standard consideration time, and KES24,000-00 (USD160-00) for an urgent consideration (depending on the case, and at the full discretion of the Consular Official).
Double entry visa application processing attracts a cost of Ksh19,200-00 (USD128-00) or Ksh38,400-00 (USD256-00) while a multiple entry visa application processing cost is Ksh36,000-00 (USD240-00) or Ksh72,000-00 (USD480-00).
President of Russia Vladimir Putin (left) at the Kremlin on July 27, 2022 (left) and President William Ruto at State House on July 22, 2023 (right).
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Kremlin