State Dept. Announces Progress on ‘Historic’ Visa Agreement With Russia

Secretary of State Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov exchanged diplomatic notes during their November 19, 2011, meeting in Bali on the new agreement on visas announced on July 13, 2011. The exchange of notes advances the visa agreement one step closer to entry into force. Under Russian law, the Duma must next ratify the agreement. Following ratification, the parties will exchange a second set of notes confirming that their internal procedures for entry into force have been completed. The agreement will come into force 30 days after that exchange.

The Department called the visa agreement “historic.” It will allow tourists and business travelers from the United States and Russia to receive visas with longer validity periods of 36 months, and for multiple entries.