Russia - Turkey visa free

A new agreement between the Governments of Russia and Turkey, which covers the conditions of travel to and from both countries entered into force today, The Voice of Russia reports.

The simplification of visa procedures now allows citizens to freely enter the territory of each country.

The agreement establishes a 30-day period during which a person with, for example, a Russian passport, can be on the territory of Turkey.

Russians and Turks may be in the others country without a visa for a total of 90 days during a 180-day period.If there is a need to extend these deadlines citizens will have to contact the consular offices to obtain a visa.

Earlier, Russians traveling to Turkey, a cheap and popular venue for Russian tourists, had to pay $20 upon arrival for the Turkish visa, RIA Novosti reports.

Last year, over 3.1 million Russian tourists visited Turkey, and the country's authorities are expecting the tourist flow from Russia to grow 30% this year.