http://news.yahoo.com/putin-signs-us-rus...tml?_esi=1
"The agreement allows Russians and Americans to get three-year multi-entry visas under which they can stay for up to six consecutive months. It also eliminates Russia's requirement that visitors get a letter of invitation, although tourists will still need to show advance accommodation bookings."
I was pretty surprised to see this, and who knows how long it will take to go into effect, but this is somewhat good news for those who have been putting off Russia because of the visa regime.
It's possible that the elimination of the letter of invitation may make it easier to get a visa abroad, i.e. from Europe. Hopefully there are also provisions to do away with the visa registration requirement.
I expect that this will increase tourism to Moscow and St. Petersburg while 2nd tier cities will remain initially unscathed, though eventually there will be increased business travel to those cities.
"The agreement allows Russians and Americans to get three-year multi-entry visas under which they can stay for up to six consecutive months. It also eliminates Russia's requirement that visitors get a letter of invitation, although tourists will still need to show advance accommodation bookings."
I was pretty surprised to see this, and who knows how long it will take to go into effect, but this is somewhat good news for those who have been putting off Russia because of the visa regime.
It's possible that the elimination of the letter of invitation may make it easier to get a visa abroad, i.e. from Europe. Hopefully there are also provisions to do away with the visa registration requirement.
I expect that this will increase tourism to Moscow and St. Petersburg while 2nd tier cities will remain initially unscathed, though eventually there will be increased business travel to those cities.