EU and Russia agree on easing visa controls

Press release 298/2005
5 October, 2005

The EU and Russia reached unanimous agreement on easing visa requirements, at their summit meeting held 4 October. The visa application process will be made easier by cutting the number of documents needed to support applications and by the granting of long-term multiple visas for groups of individuals. In addition, the agreement introduces uniformity in visa payments and handling times, and commitment to easing the registration requirements facing travelers.

Within the EU, Finland has backed the agreement especially because it would help achieve uniform and reciprocal practice between all member states and Russia. The implementation of the agreement means a noticeable easing of the situation, compared to current Russian practice, for Finnish business people, among others.

Common understanding was also achieved between Russia and the EU at the summit concerning the taking back of people found to be the parties’ territories without permission of residence.

The new rules easing visa regulations and providing for taking back people will enter into effect consecutively.

Visa waivers between the EU and Russia remain a long-term aim, and discussions on the prerequisites involved continue.

Further information: Hilkka Nenonen , Head of Passport and Visa Unit, Tel: 09 1605 5211, and Olli Perheentupa, Head of Unit for Russia.