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reciprocity not needed

Putin Orders Unilateral Visa-Free Travel

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered to allow visa-free travel from countries regardless of their visa policies toward Russian citizens. A Kremlin...

planned tightening

EU Unveils Stricter Visa Scrutiny for Russians

The European Union Friday unveiled tighter visa requirements for Russians that would throw difficult — and, for some, impossible — hurdles...

opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Visa Ban: The Sanction the West Should Impose

If economic sanctions against Russia affect everyone, why shouldn't a visa ban?

Russia Rules Out Retaliation to EU Visa Hurdles

“We will remain a country committed to democracy and freedom of movement,” said Russia's outgoing EU ambassador.

'security threat'

Poland, Baltics Agree EU Visa Ban Plan for Russians – Statement

The restrictions will enter into force on Sept. 19.

travel restrictions

EU Ministers Agree to Suspend Russian Visa Facilitation Deal

EU foreign ministers agreed to suspend a 2007 visa facilitation deal with Russia but stopped short of a wider ban.

rush of applications

Russians Scramble for Visas as EU Mulls Travel Restrictions

"What if the borders are closed and my mother will not be able to visit me?” said one Russian citizen living in Europe.

travel tribulations

Russians Face Long Wait Times for Schengen Visas Following Diplomatic Expulsions

Short-staffed embassies and surging demand for summer travel have made it harder than ever to obtain a visa appointment.

Netherlands Halts Visas at Moscow Embassy After Diplomat Expulsions

The embassy made the “tough and sad decision” to halt visa services after its entire visa section was expelled.

restricted access

Putin Ends Simplified Visas for ‘Unfriendly’ Countries’ Officials, Journalists

The measure comes in response to Western sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia to Limit Entry for 'Unfriendly' States: Lavrov

Russia's "unfriendly countries" list includes all EU members, Britain, the U.S. and more.

‘TAKE ALL YOUR CLOTHES OFF’

Foreign Workers in Russia Report Invasive Examinations Under New Health Check Law

Confusion surrounds legislation that introduced compulsory tests for infections and addictions for people staying in the country for over 3 months.

Britain to Scrap ‘Golden Visa’ Scheme Over Russian Ties – Reports

At least 14,516 Russian citizens have been granted so-called “golden visas” since the program launched in 2008.

diplomatic drought

Russia Calls on U.S. to Beef Up Understaffed Moscow Embassy

The U.S. Embassy has stopped processing immigrant visas in Moscow, requiring Russians to travel to Warsaw to apply.

Russians Now Must Travel to Warsaw for U.S. Immigrant Visas

The U.S. says Moscow's limit on the number of diplomatic staff it can keep in Russia has hindered its ability to issue visas.

U.S. Senators Call for Expulsion of Up to 300 Russian Diplomats Over Visas

Moscow has barred embassies from hiring Russian or third-country staff, forcing Washington to lay off nearly 200 locals.

diplomatic downsizing

U.S. Embassy in Moscow to Halt Visa, Consular Services From Aug. 1

Russia banned the embassy from employing foreign nationals when it designated the U.S. as an “unfriendly” country.

permission to stay

Russia Issues Last-Minute Extension to Foreigner Visas

Foreigners with expired visas had been beset with uncertainty as the latest extension was set to expire on June 15.

shrinking presence

U.S. Embassy to Cut Staff, Most Visas for Russians as Moscow Bans ‘Unfriendly’ Hiring

Starting May 12, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow will only offer emergency U.S. citizen services and emergency immigrant visas.

Russia Relaxes Entry Rules, Opens to British Citizens Again

The changes allow easier entry for citizens of 29 countries.

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