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Putin requests proposals to allow visa-free travel to foreigners regardless of reciprocity

The president also asked to consider extending the validity of multiple-entry tourist visas

MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the cabinet to work with the Foreign and Interior ministries and the Federal Security Service to draft proposals that would allow visa-free travel for foreigners regardless of reciprocity, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

A listing of assignments following a State Council meeting contains an item that reads, "To draft and submit proposals to allow (regardless of the reciprocity principle) visa-free travel to Russia for foreign citizens whose purpose of the visit is tourism, business, education or participation in sports or cultural events."

The president also asked to consider extending the validity of multiple-entry tourist visas. The cabinet should also work with the Foreign and Interior ministries and the Federal Security Service to submit proposals to ease the requirements relating to Russian cruise ships, including the cancelation of border control.

The president expects proposals that would apply the visa-free travel rules, which are now adopted by St. Petersburg for cruise ship travelers, to some other Russian regions.

Progress on the assignments has to be reported by June 1, 2023.