EUROPE - The US Embassy in Moscow has confirmed a new visa agreement that will facilitate travel for visitors from the United States.
The US-Russia visa agreement, which comes into effect on 9 September, will establish stronger ties between Russia and the United States, benefiting the largest segment of travelers in both countries: Business travellers and tourists.
From 9 September, Russian and American travelers for business or tourism will be eligible to receive visas valid for multiple entries during a period of 36 months. No formal invitation will be required to apply for a business or tourism visa, although applicants seeking Russian tourist visas must continue to hold advance lodging reservations and arrangements with a tour operator.
The agreement outlines further simplifications in the bilateral visa regime and eases visa processing time for travelers from both countries. At the same time, the US will reduce the fee charged to Russians issued visas for business or tourism from $100 to $20.
The news is a boon for potential US exhibitors and visitors, effectively opening the Russian market to a new range of international events that appeal to US companies and investors. The three-year, multiple-entry visas will become the default terms for US citizens visiting Russia, and Russian citizens visiting the United States.
Both sides have also committed to keep standard visa processing times under 15 days, although the circumstances of individual cases may require additional processing.
For Americans in Russia, the agreement lifts the previous restriction limiting stays in Russia to 90 days within any given 180-day period. Just like Russian travellers, they will now be permitted stays of up to six months.
Exit visas will no longer be necessary in the case of US citizens who lose their passports while in Russia. Russian citizens may already exit the United States without an exit visa.
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