Russian MFA: Issue on common visas with Belarus being discussed

Russia does not rule out the possibility of introducing common entry visas for Belarus and Russia.

It is said in a press release on the website of the Russian MFA.

“The issue was discussed by Moscow and Minsk, though the talks on the concrete project have not started yet. The introduction of common visas seems logical in the absence of border control. Neither Russia nor Belarus are not going to artificially accelerate the preparation of the bilateral document. The provisions of the agreement should be defined clearly so that they could not create obstacles for tourists. Besides, the costs of the formation of the common visa space require assessment,” the MFA said.

Grigory Rapota, the state secretary of the “union state” said on September 10 that the introduction of the common visa for foreigns on the example of the Schengen Agreement was possible. According to him, the current visa policy creates obstacles for business. The Belarusian MFA later said no talks were held on the issue.