(MOROCCO) Morocco is being drawn into Russia’s growing push for wider visa-free travel across Africa, a campaign that could eventually change how ordinary Moroccans visit the world’s largest country. While Moroccan citizens still need a visa to enter Russia, officials in Moscow say they want more open borders with African partners, and they regularly point to Morocco as one of the key states in this effort.
Current situation: asymmetry at the border
The rules between Morocco and Russia remain uneven.
- Russian citizens can already travel to Morocco without a visa for up to three months, making the North African kingdom a popular beach and culture destination for Russian tourists.
- Moroccan travelers, by contrast, must apply for a regular Russian visa through a consulate or visa center for tourism, business, study, or family visits.
- Moroccan passport holders do not have access to Russia’s electronic visa system.
This creates a clear asymmetry: Russians enjoy visa-free access to Morocco, while Moroccans still face the full visa process to enter Russia.
Russia’s wider push in Africa
Russian authorities have for several years pursued expanded visa-free travel with African countries as part of a broader political, economic, and tourism strategy.
- Moscow publicly states it has concluded visa-free travel deals with 11 African states.
- Morocco is repeatedly named among the countries involved in this outreach.
Countries mentioned by Russian officials include:
– Namibia
– Tunisia
– South Africa
– Angola
– Botswana
– Cape Verde
– Mauritius
– Malawi
– São Tomé and Príncipe
– Seychelles
– Morocco
These arrangements typically allow short stays of around 30 to 90 days.
Despite official statements, in practice ordinary Moroccan passport holders do not yet enjoy visa-free entry to Russia. The political message and consular reality have not fully converged.
Who is negotiating and what’s next
Work on these agreements at the Russian Foreign Ministry is led by Tatyana Dovgalenko and her team. They have discussed plans to expand the list of African countries with visa-free travel.
- Negotiations are reportedly under way with Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.
- Russian diplomats suggest that more African nations could follow.
The ministry frames this policy as strengthening ties with Africa at a time when many Russians face travel limits to Western countries due to sanctions and political tensions.
Potential benefits for Morocco
Easier access to Russia could support several areas of cooperation:
- Trade expansion
- Student exchanges
- Joint business projects in energy, agriculture, and tourism services
Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests Moscow views African partners like Morocco not only as holiday markets but also as long-term economic partners. This increases the likelihood that travel rules might become friendlier for Moroccan citizens over time.
Tourism cooperation and agreements
Russian tourism authorities often portray Morocco as having strong appeal for Russian travelers because of its:
- Beaches
- Historic cities
- Mild climate
Direct flights, when operating, help Russians reach destinations such as Agadir and Marrakesh.
Russian diplomats also mention tourism agreements and memoranda of understanding with several African governments. Typical aims include:
- Supporting more direct flights
- Facilitating group tours
- Encouraging cooperation between tourism agencies
These documents do not always create immediate visa-free travel, but they can lead to:
- More flexible consular rules
- Simpler paperwork
- Special treatment for organized tour groups or business delegations
Public perception in Morocco
On the Moroccan street, reactions are mixed.
- Some young people see Russia as an attractive place to study or explore because of its cities, universities, and cultural life.
- Others are cautious, worried about language barriers, weather, and the political climate.
- Many agree that having the choice to visit without a difficult visa process would be welcome, particularly for families visiting relatives, job seekers, or trade-fair attendees.
Practical steps for Moroccan travelers (current)
Until any new agreement is signed, Moroccan citizens should follow the standard Russian visa process:
- Fill out the visa application forms.
- Collect required documents (invitations, proof of funds, etc.).
- Visit a Russian consulate or visa center in person.
Official information on Russian entry rules is published on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, which outlines visa categories and general conditions for foreign travelers.
What policy watchers expect
Experts believe any early changes would likely be incremental and focused on short-stay exemptions similar to Russia’s existing agreements with other African states.
- Likely first steps:
- Short-stay exemptions for tourism and business (e.g., up to 30 or 90 days).
- Possible limitations to certain passport types or entry points.
- Further measures, such as longer stays or work permits, would probably remain subject to separate rules and stricter checks.
Why Russia keeps pushing this strategy
Russia has incentives to continue expanding mobility with African partners:
- Many Russians face travel restrictions to Western destinations; African countries become more attractive alternatives.
- Easier movement boosts Russian airlines, tour operators, and exporters.
- African partners gain more bargaining power and additional options in tourism and trade.
Bottom line
- The relationship remains asymmetric: Russians enjoy visa-free access to Morocco, while Moroccans must still apply for a visa to enter Russia.
- Officials in both countries present this as a transitional stage toward more balanced rules.
- Whether Russia’s promises to widen its African visa-free travel network will produce concrete changes for Moroccan travelers remains to be seen in the coming years.
Russia is promoting visa-free travel with African partners and frequently cites Morocco. Currently Russians can visit Morocco visa-free for up to three months, but Moroccans must obtain traditional Russian visas and lack access to Russia’s e-visa. Moscow reports agreements with 11 African states and negotiations to add more. Any change for Moroccan citizens would likely begin with limited short-stay exemptions for tourism or business, while longer stays and work rights would face stricter rules and separate processes.
