Cameroonians Granted 90-Day Visa-Free Stay in Russia as Military Cooperation Deepens

In a significant move signaling the commitment to strengthen ties between Yaoundé and Moscow, the Cameroonian government is poised to intensify cooperation with Russia. The renewal of the military cooperation agreement is currently under examination by parliament, encompassing exchanges of information on defense and international security, military training programs, and partnerships in various military fields such as engineering, medicine, and combating maritime piracy.

Beyond military collaboration, a new development emerged last Saturday as a bill authorizing the President of the Republic to ratify an agreement between Russia and Cameroon regarding the reciprocal removal of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic or service passports is now before the parliament.

In practical terms, this agreement means that Cameroonian and Russian nationals holding diplomatic or service passports will have the privilege of entering, staying, transiting, and exiting the territory of the other party without the need for a visa. This visa-free stay is granted for a maximum duration of 90 days from the date of entry. Similar facilities are extended to diplomatic and consular staff on the territory of the other party, subject to the initiation of accreditation procedures.

This development marks a significant step forward in diplomatic relations between Cameroon and Russia, fostering greater ease of travel for citizens of both nations and demonstrating a commitment to enhanced collaboration in various spheres, including defense and security. As these agreements progress through the legislative process, they are anticipated to further solidify the bilateral ties between the two countries.