Dear Friends of South Africa,

Welcome to the official website of the South African Embassy in the Russian Federation!

The Republic of South Africa and the Russian Federation continues to enjoy excellent relationship dating as far back as when the former USSR supported our people during our liberation struggle for freedom from our oppressors. The two countries also enjoy strategic relations through our BRICS alliance; together we continue to play a critical role as we battle with the unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Embassy is therefore here to foster new relations and further strengthen the existing ones for mutual benefit of both countries, particularly in areas yet to be explored.

As the world continues to battle with the Covid-19 pandemic whilst observing measures to contain the virus, online communication has become the most reliable tool of communication globally.  The webpage is the reliable platform the Embassy uses to provide relevant and current information relating to Embassy’s activities on bilateral relations with the Russian Federation. It also provides update on South Africa Covid related matters, guidance on tourism, business opportunities, consular related matters, immigration and civic duties performed by the Embassy particularly during the pandemic period.

Tourism is one of the sectors most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, impacting economies, livelihoods, public services and opportunities on all corners of the continents.  The Covid-19 pandemic has plunged the tourism sector into unprecedented crisis due to global travel restrictions.  The government has since put measures in place in an effort to revive the economy, predominantly the tourism sector.  While you take the time to browse through our website, I hope that you will be thrilled to experience the natural beauty our country has to offer and will be tempted to come and visit South Africa as restrictions are slowly being eased. We also believe that you can enjoy the diversity that our country has to offer in terms of race, culture, cuisine, etc. I wish to invite all of you to visit South Africa to experience our people’s warmth and our diverse landscape amongst other things. You are guaranteed to experience the depth of the relations that exist between the Republic of South Africa and the Russian Federation as our people-to-people relations continues to intensify.

We wish to take this opportunity to extend our unique and proudly South African welcome in the name of the South African government and our people.

We look forward to welcoming you with greater confidence in South Africa, a safe destination of choice where everything is possible.

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Emergency contact details

In case of emergency all South African Citizens can contact the following Embassy Officials at the South African Embassy in Moscow via landline, mobile calls or WhatsApp messages:

IMMIGRATION & CIVIC AFFAIRS

Ms Heidi MALESA - First Secretary

Office: +7 495 926 1177

Cell phone: +7 916-548-15-47

CORPORATE SERVICES AND CONSULAR

Mr Johan LOTTER - First Secretary

Office: +7 495 926 1177

Cell phone: +7 985-731-63-05

Ms Naomi Nthabiseng XABA - Third Secretary

Office: +7 495 926 1177

Cell phone: +7 980-156-86-61

DUTY OFFICER cell phone: +7 916-569-1112 (available 24 hours)

VISA EXEMPTION FOR HOLDERS OF RUSSIAN DIPLOMATIC, OFFICIAL AND ORDINARY PASSPORTS

A visa exemption for holders of Russian Diplomatic and Official passports came into effect on 15 December 2010. The visa exemption applies for visits to the RSA for holiday purposes and official business visits for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days as well as diplomatic accreditation in the RSA.

A visa exemption for holders of Russian ordinary passports came into effect on 31 March 2017. The visa exemption applies for visits to the RSA for holiday and business purposes for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days.

For the purpose of work, study, participating in SASTS exchange program during the period not exceeding ninety (90) days, the visa is still required. The requirements are reflected in “Immigration and Civic Services”, “Visas”.