Russia Plans Visa-Free Travel with All LatAm States
Alexandr Schetinin, a Russian Foreign Ministry official, aims to create visa-free deals with all countries in Latin America.
Talks are ongoing with the last six nations, including Mexico.
“We’re committed to making Latin America visa-free, so we’re still negotiating,” Schetinin told reporters. The TASS agency cited him.
The diplomat said the pact will be sealed “as soon as it’s ready.”
Schetinin remarked that Russia has visa-free setups with every South American country. Most Central American nations are also included.
He added, “We don’t face challenges when traveling.”
Russia currently maintains visa-free travel with 27 out of 33 countries in the LatAm region.
Talks continue with the Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia.
Background
This move is part of Russia’s strategy to strengthen ties with Latin American countries. Over the years, Moscow has shown increased interest in the region.
These efforts aim to diversify Russia’s diplomatic connections beyond Europe and Asia.
In the past, visa-free agreements have boosted tourism and trade between countries. For Latin American nations, this could mean an uptick in Russian tourists.
Likewise, Latin Americans may find it easier to visit Russia for leisure or business.
The existing 27 visa-free agreements have likely served as a model. Success with these pacts could be motivating Russia to expand the list.
For Moscow, this initiative may be a step toward global reach.
Countries like Mexico, a significant Latin American economy, stand to gain from such a deal.
On the flip side, smaller nations like St. Lucia could benefit from increased tourism.
Visa-free travel isn’t just about tourism, though. It’s also about creating stronger political and economic bonds.
Both Russia and Latin American countries could find this mutually beneficial.
The timing may be strategic as the geopolitical landscape continues to shift.
Russia’s focus on Latin America could be a move to counterbalance U.S. influence in the region.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
Read More from The Rio Times