Draft regulations on travel simplification for Latvia-Russia border territory inhabitants announced

At the state secretary meeting on 17 January, draft regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers "On the agreement between the government of the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation on reciprocal travel simplification for inhabitants of the border territories of the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation" were announced. 

The draft agreement provides for a simplified issuing of local border territory traffic permits and visas to border territory inhabitants, abolishing the requirement for invitations and insurance policies, which had been stipulated in the laws of both parties. Border territory traffic permits and multiple entry Russian visas are planned to be issued free of charge, with a period of validity from one to two years. The agreement includes a stipulation that border territory inhabitants, who possess border territory traffic permits or multiple entry Russian visas may stay in the border territory of the other state during the period of validity of this permit or visa for an unlimited total period of time. However, the duration of a single stay in the other state must not exceed 90 days.         

Local border territory traffic permits will be issued if the purpose for entering the territory of the other state is the management of their own real estate property, to visit relatives, to visit graves of relatives, to undergo medical treatment, and participation in cultural, educational, sports, and humanitarian events, as well as in other cases giving justifiable reason for the necessity for staying in the border territory of the other state.       

Before the final harmonisation of the draft agreement with Russia, it is necessary for it to be reviewed by the relevant Latvian institutions. After the draft agreement has been initialled, it will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers. 

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