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Russia and US cut mutually rate of consular visa fee

Moscow hopes this measure “will favour development of economic, cultural, scientific and humanitarian relations between Russia and the US

MOSCOW, January 1 (Itar-Tass) —— The Russian Federation and the United States of America cut mutually beginning from January 1, 2013 the rates of consular visa fees.

“Beginning from January 1, 2013, Russian consular services abroad reduce from 180 to 160 dollars the consular fee for processing for the US citizens business, private, humanitarian and tourism visas,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry said. “The US Department of State also reduces from January 1, 2013 similar reductions of consular fees for issuing to Russian citizens of B1/B2 visas.”

“The agreed actions of the parties, aimed at cutting consular fees, reflect fully the mutual trend to simplify visa formalities for citizens of the two countries,” the foreign ministry said.

Moscow hopes this measure “will favour development of economic, cultural, scientific and humanitarian relations between Russia and the US, it will be a major step in line with the gradual liberalisation of the bilateral visa regime up to it full abolishment.”

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