MOSCOW, September 6 - RAPSI. Russia hopes that the upcoming agreement to simplify visa requirements with the United States will serve as a prelude to doing away with visas between the two countries altogether, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry.

The new visa agreement will come into effect on September 9 at which point Russians and Americans will be able to apply for three-year multiple-entry tourist and business visas. Until now, only two-year visas have been available.

Russians will now pay less for visas. The cost will be decreased from $260 to $180. This cost includes $160 in consulate fees plus $20 to procure the visa itself.
In addition, both parties have agreed to review applications and issue visas within 15 days.

"We hope that this agreement will not only improve the relationship between the two countries, but that it will also lead to eventually doing away with visa requirements altogether," the statement reads.