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Switzerland not planning to ease visa formalities for Russia during Bilateral Culture Year

Swiss visa centers work in 20 Russian cities

MOSCOW, January 30. /ITAR-TASS/. Switzerland is not planning to ease visa formalities for Russian citizens during the Bilateral Culture Year, Swiss Ambassador in Moscow Pierre Helg told Itar-Tass.

“Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Agreement and it must submit to common rules of issuing visas,” the ambassador said, adding “However, we’re trying to ease the process and issue visas within the shortest period of time.”

Swiss visa centers work in Moscow and St. Petersburg and in 20 Russian cities where it is rather simple to apply for a Swiss visa, Helg said.

“It’s easier to travel to Switzerland for Russian citizens. Every day different airlines make about 20 flights. The price for tickets is about 8,000-10,000 rubles,” the ambassador said.

“Railway tickets can be bought cheaper if they are purchased in advance,” Helg said.