The Government of Russia has lifted a travel ban imposed on Kenyan Citizens at the peak of COVID-19 infections in early 2020.
Russian Embassy in Kenya on Tuesday announced the reforms as it opened its borders for travellers from Kenya and called on passengers intending to travel to Russia to apply for visas.
The directive will now enable even the students seeking to apply for programmes in Russia based institutions to apply which had previously been barred from accessing them.
“Dear Kenyans! According to the Decree №440-R of the Russian Government, previously imposed restrictions (including those related to Kenyan students studying in) on entry to Russia, have been removed. You can now apply and get your visa in the Embassy,” the Embassy stated.
At the same time, Russian envoy to Kenya Dmitry Maksimychev however maintained that earlier categories of foreigners including; diplomatic and service passport holders, students and cadets, foreign relatives of Russian citizens, participants of sports and business events would still be in place.
Meanwhile, the Decree №635-R (March 16, 2020) of the Russian Government that enlists the categories of foreigners (paragraph 2) who are allowed to travel to Russia is still in force,”Maksimychev stated.
This comes as the Ministry of Health also lifted COVID 19 restrictions early this month following the drop in the infections.
“Due to extraordinary situation with the COVID-19 around the world and cancelling of all public gatherings, meetings and events in Kenya in accordance with the instructions of the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the Russian Embassy in Kenya suspends its consular and visa receptions from March 16th to April 16th, 2020,” read the statement issued on March 16, 2020.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to be embroiled in a war with Ukraine that has seen thousands of people killed while others have sustained injuries.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been met with global outrage with the international community imposing a range of sanctions on the Vladimir Putin led nation.