Russia-US agreement eases visa formalities - International Law Office

On September 9 2012 a bilateral agreement between the Russian and US governments was set to enter into force. The agreement simplifies visa procedures for nationals of both countries who seek a business, private, humanitarian or tourist visa. The full terms of the agreement have not yet been finalised, but it currently includes the following primary provisions:

• Visas should be issued within 15 calendar days of receipt of the application. In urgent cases, visas can be issued within three business days.
• Visas will be valid for up to three years and allow a stay of up to six months at a time (as opposed to the current 90-day limit).
• No official invitation issued by the authorities will be required. However, the issuing consulate has the right to require documents confirming the purpose of travel and availability of sufficient funds.
• In case of passport loss, it will be possible to leave the country without an exit visa, provided that an identification document is issued by the correspondent consulate or diplomatic post.
• It will be possible to file visa applications at Russian and US consulates or diplomatic posts in countries other than the applicant's country of citizenship or permanent residence.

At this stage, it is difficult to determine when these provisions will come into effect, but this agreement will greatly simplify visa formalities between Russia and the United States.

For further information on this topic please contact Timur Beslangurov at VISTA Foreign Business Support by telephone (+7 495 933 78 22), fax (+7 495 933 78 23) or email (tbis@vfbs.ru).