Malaysians May Soon Be Able To Travel To Russia Visa-Free

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Russia is working towards introducing visa-free travel arrangements for citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kuwait, according to a senior official from the Russian Ministry of Economic Development

Speaking to Russian state news agency TASS on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, said negotiations with the three countries are a key priority this year.

"Malaysia and Indonesia are key priorities for this year. We are also expecting Kuwait. These are probably the three countries with which we want to complete the negotiation process this year," Kondratyev said.

He added that Russia's Foreign Ministry would intensify efforts to finalise and coordinate the necessary agreements.

If implemented, the move would make it easier for Malaysians to visit Russia without having to apply for a traditional visa.

Currently, Malaysian travellers can apply for a Russian electronic visa (e-visa)

Applicants are required to complete an online form through the Russian Foreign Ministry's Consular Department website, upload a photograph, and submit their application at least four days before their intended arrival date.

The e-visa is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued.

The planned visa-free arrangement comes as Russia seeks to strengthen tourism and economic ties with countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East

According to figures cited during the forum, around 9 million Indonesians, 6.6 million Malaysians, and 5.5 million Kuwaitis travelled overseas in 2025. A large portion of these trips were for religious pilgrimages such as the Haj, as well as travel within ASEAN and the Middle East.

Combined overseas tourism spending from travellers in the three countries was estimated at around USD30 billion (approximately RM122 billion) in 2025.

The St Petersburg International Economic Forum, held from 3 to 6 June under the theme 'Pragmatic Dialogue: The Path to a Stable Future', attracted representatives from 142 countries.

According to Anton Kobyakov, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin and executive secretary of the SPIEF organising committee, more than 1,000 agreements were signed during the event, with a combined value exceeding 6.642 trillion roubles (approximately RM369.88 billion).