Today at midnight, the agreement on simplification of the visa regime between Russia and Iran came into force. Now, the conditions of journeys in both directions for certain categories of citizens are becoming much simpler.
The intergovernmental document was signed on November 23rd last year in Tehran after the meeting of the presidents of Russia and Iran, Vladimir Putin and Hassan Rouhani.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the easier procedure for obtaining Russian and Iranian visas is provided for representatives of business circles, for those engaged in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, for students and teachers, as well as for tourists.
"This agreement will further strengthen Russian-Iranian relations in all areas of mutual cooperation," TASS cites a statement of the ministry.
In the near future, according to the adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader on international affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati, who was on a visit to Moscow from February 1st to 4th, the Iranian authorities may abolish visas for Russian tourists.
"This issue is being discussed, I will contribute to this," the Iranian politician promised.
Also, according to Velayati, in future, Tehran is ready to consider the possibility of the abolition of visas for representatives of business circles.
Iran's ambassador to Russia, Mehdi Sanai, and the deputy head of the Ministry of Tourism of Iran, Murtaza Rahmani Movahed, previously mentioned the possibility of the introduction of a visa-free regime between Russia and Iran.
Some time ago, the Iranian authorities began to issue visas for 30 days at airports upon the arrival of tourists from Russia and 57 other countries, thereby stimulating the tourism business in the country.
