It looks like the popularity of the visa-free regime is gaining momentum. Iran and Senegal announced their readiness to simplify the procedure for the entry of Russian citizens into their territory.
As it became known, a memorandum of cooperation between Iran and Russia was signed on February 6. It was in this document that the agreement was reflected, according to which some categories of citizens receive the right to visit the country under a simplified document processing system. In particular, the agreement in this part applies to schoolchildren, students and teachers. In order for such citizens to be able to freely enter the territory of Tehran (and vice versa), a written request from the university or other host organization is sufficient.
Business representatives can also use the simplified visa procedure. To start the procedure, it is enough to send a letter of recommendation from the Union of Entrepreneurs or Producers to the Iranian consulate.
The document states that the embassies of both countries are entitled to issue both reusable visas for citizens for a period of 1 year, which belong to the mentioned categories, and visas valid for up to five years, subject to certain conditions. Well, for making a decision and processing all the necessary documents, a shortened period has been introduced - only 3 working days (for multiple-entry visas, this period should not exceed 10 working days).
In the near future, a decision will be made to abolish visas for tourist groups. Negotiations are currently underway between the governments of the two countries on this matter.
At the same time, the Senegalese authorities have already changed the visa policy towards Russians. As it became known, for tourists that intend to stay in the country for no more than 90 days, visas will no longer be needed. But there are also two prerequisites. Firstly, the validity of the passport should not expire earlier than 90 days from the date of entry into the country. Secondly, the tourist is obliged to present a return ticket or a ticket to any other country in which the date is indicated within a three-month period.
It is worth noting that recently Senegal's policy regarding the visa regime for Russians has changed several times. Not so long ago, it was decided to cancel visas upon arrival of Russians. Accordingly, tour operators recommend that you clarify the rules before departure, as well as stock up on a printout from the TIMATIC system, which plays the role of an official directory that contains information on visa rules.