Improvements to visa requirements for US citizens include multiple three-year visas and reduced fees.
The US Embassy in Moscow has recently announced an historic bilateral visa agreement between USA and Russia, which came into force on 9 September 2012. This is excellent news especially when Russia is preparing to host the Winter Olympics in Sochi and other international Russian sport events in Sochi, Moscow and St. Petersburg, where Russkie Prostori, the Russian sports hospitality firm has offices.
More flexible requirements include multiple three-year visas, reduced fees and a shorter processing of a maximum 15 days. Furthermore, the maximum stay has been increased from 90 to 180 days. Support documents and a hotel booking are still required and the new requirements are only valid for new visas.
As regards cruise ship passengers, no visa is required provided that their stay does not exceed 72 hours and that they disembark with an organized tour accompanied by Russkie Prostori or a tour operator that has been duly licensed by Russian authorities.
So far visas have been waived for South Americans visiting Russia, as well for Russian citizen visiting South American countries.
For additional information, see the full press from the American Embassy at:
http://blog.russkie-prostori.com/russia/historic-visa-agreement-enters-into-force-sep-9-2012/.
