The U.S. Embassy in Moscow welcomes President Putin’s signing of an historic U.S.-Russia visa agreement.  This agreement brings our countries and people closer together by allowing qualified tourist and business travelers from the United States and Russia to receive visas with longer validity periods.  These travelers are now eligible to receive, on a reciprocal basis, visas valid for multiple entries during a period of 36 months.  The agreement will facilitate travel and establish stronger ties between Russia and the United States, as it will benefit the largest segment of travelers in both our countries:  business travelers and tourists.

Thanks to the agreement, three-year, multiple-entry visas for stays of up to six months will become the standard “default” terms for U.S. citizens visiting Russia and Russian citizens visiting the United States.  For Americans in Russia, the new six-month limit means that they will be permitted to stay in Russia up to six months instead of the previous restriction limiting stays in Russia to 90 days within any given 180-day period.  The agreement eliminates the formal invitation requirement for U.S. citizens visiting Russia, although applicants seeking Russian tourist visas will continue to require advance lodging reservations and arrangements with a tour operator.  

The agreement will come into force 30 days after our governments exchange a second set of diplomatic notes confirming that our internal procedures for entry into force have been completed.

www.moscow.usembassy.gov