INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Russia is planning to introduce visa-free travel for residents of approximately 11 states as well as ease entry requirements for residents
of some 6 others, consisting of India and Indonesia, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov revealed on Wednesday
Lavrov also announced Russia would be restarting its e-visa program, which was introduced in 2020 but then almost right away suspended due
to the coronavirus pandemic
The e-visa program will be relaunched in an abbreviated format that will be unattainable to holders of passports from the majority of
I do not believe there will be any issues for friendly states, state-run TASS priced estimate Lavrov as stating at a State Duma conference
The Russian government is anticipated to announce the e-visa program restart date by 1 June.The procedures are being taken to assist enhance
Russias inbound visitor numbers after the nation saw tourist entries visit more than 96% in 2015 following the intrusion of Ukraine and
worldwide sanctions being imposed on Moscow
Lavrov nevertheless stressed that Russias visa requirements werent to blame for the drop off in traveler numbers, blaming rather the choice
to stop direct flights to Russia.
