MOSCOW, December 26 - RAPSI. Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, has ratified an agreement on simplifying the visa regime with Japan.

The agreement between Russia and Japan is aimed at improving conditions for trips of certain categories of citizens of both countries, first and foremost, businessmen, academics, sportsmen and journalists.

The document was signed in Tokyo in January 2012, following talks between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Japanese counterpart Koichiro Genba.

Pursuant to the agreement, invitation letters are no longer needed in order to apply for a business visa with a maximum term of 90 days.

In addition, a system of multiple-entry visas valid for three years is being introduced.