Russia has extended the validity period of the single electronic visa to 120 days

The Federation Council approved a law, extending the validity period of the unified electronic visa for entry into Russia from 60 to 120 days. Also, foreign citizens will now be able to stay in the country for up to 30 days instead of the previous 16. The corresponding amendments have been made to the law «On the procedure for leaving the Russian Federation and entering the Russian Federation».

The unified electronic visa grants the right to a single entry into Russia for tourist, business, humanitarian, and other purposes. Citizens of 64 countries can apply for it.

During the consideration of the bill, additional amendments were also included:

• The birth certificate will no longer be used as an identity document for Russians under 14 years old abroad. It will not be possible to leave Russia with a birth certificate. Children who have already left the country with a birth certificate will be allowed to return home with this document.
• Amendments have been made to the law «On the State Border of the RF»:  In certain cases, by decision of the government or within the framework of international agreements, crossing the border outside the checkpoints will be allowed.
• Border guards will receive additional powers:
  • Inspection of small vessels.
  • Inspection of transport on ice.
  • Inspection of cargoes.
  • Inspection of personal belongings of persons crossing the border.

The changes will take effect at different times: provisions on the extension of the validity of the electronic visa — 30 days after the official publication of the law, amendments regarding the birth certificate — after 180 days, and the norms concerning the border and the powers of border guards will come into effect immediately after the publication of the document.

At the time of publication, this bill had not yet come into force.

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