US, Russia to Make Visas Easier

Paperwork and fees to be reduced to encourage trade

The United States and Russia will cut down on paperwork and fees for visas from Sunday as part of efforts to build ties, US officials said.

The move coincides with a visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the Russian port city of Vladivostok for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit aimed at stepping up trade within the Pacific Rim.

Under the agreement, Russia will end the cumbersome requirement of asking US citizens to produce invitation letters for business visas, although tourists must still prove they have reserved accommodation, the State Department said.