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Russia, US sign deal on easing visa travel formalities

he agreement on easing visa travel formalities for citizens between the two countries was concluded on Saturday by exchanging notes

BALI, Indonesia, November 19 (Itar-Tass) — Russia and the United States have signed an agreement on easing visa travel formalities.

The agreement on easing visa travel formalities for citizens between the two countries was concluded on Saturday by exchanging notes.

Earlier, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said, “The agreement should be ratified by the Russian Federal Assembly. Three-year multiple visas, which are planning to be issued to tourists and businessmen of both countries, are not envisioned by Russian legislation.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stressed, “The exchange of notes will be the first step towards the key goal – to establish visa free travel formalities for a term of 90 days.”

The agreement is related to the conditions for issuing visas for brief official trips and the conditions for issuing business, private, humanitarian and tourist visas by the Russian Federation, and B1/B2 visas by the United States.

Under the note, the parties agree to issue multiple visas for the period of stay not less than six months from the date of each entry. The visas will be effective for 36 months from the date of issue. This agreement is effective if the parties observe the principle of mutuality.

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