For the first time in the history of the Kremlin, visitors are being charged an admission fee.


But a Russian television report that foreigners have to pay $20 to enter the historic Kremlin compound has turned out to be false.


Since Oct. 5, the Kremlin has set a price of 10 rubles from each visitor for entrance. Only children up to the of age 16, veterans of World War II and invalids are welcomed to the heart of Russia free of charge.


The officer-on-duty at the office of the Kremlin commandant said Monday that President Boris Yeltsin had approved the decision.


"The Kremlin is still the residence of the Russian president", he said, "and the decision was made with his personal approval".


The Kremlin museums administration plans to spend the money to restore the ancient structures inside the compounds venerable red walls.


"The last time reconstruction took place was more than 10 years ago", said Irina Rodimtseva, director of the Kremlin museums. "Now some buildings need urgent renovation".


Rodimtseva said that the Kremlin was considering charging foreigners hard currency for admission, but that this had not yet taken effect. Meanwhile, in the Alexandrovsky Garden outside the Kremlin walls, young businessmen are selling tickets to foreign tourists for $5 after buying them for 10 rubles at the ticket office.