Historic U.S.-Russia Visa Agreement Enters Into Force September 9, 2012

"The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is pleased to announce that the historic U.S.-Russia visa agreement will enter into effect September 9, 2012.  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.  Starting September 9, Russian and American travelers for business or tourism will be eligible to receive visas valid for multiple entries during a period of 36 months.  The agreement also outlines other simplifications in the bilateral visa regime and eases visa processing time for travelers from both countries.  At the same time, the United States will be reducing the fee charged to Russians issued visas for business or tourism from $100 to $20.  Thanks to the agreement, three-year, multiple-entry visas will become the standard “default” terms for U.S. citizens visiting Russia and Russian citizens visiting the United States." - State Department, Aug. 29, 2012.