KOTA KINABALU: June 11, 2026 – Russia aims to conclude negotiations on visa-free travel with Malaysia this year as part of efforts to strengthen tourism and economic ties between the two countries.
According to Russian state news agency TASS, Russian Ministry of Economic Development official Nikita Kondratyev said Malaysia, Indonesia and Kuwait are Russia’s priority countries for completing visa-free travel negotiations in 2026.
He said Russia hopes to finalise the talks this year to make travel easier and boost economic cooperation.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko also confirmed that discussions on a possible visa-free arrangement with Malaysia are ongoing.
No official announcement has been made on the removal of visa requirements between Malaysia and Russia. Any visa-free agreement will depend on the successful completion of negotiations and approval by both governments.
If implemented, the move could increase tourism, business activities and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
