An agreement on visa-free group tourist travel between Russia and Iran will come into force on Thursday, July 1, but in practice, citizens of both countries will be able to take advantage of this opportunity only after the lifting of temporary restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A corresponding agreement between the governments of Russia and Iran was signed back on March 28, 2017, during a visit to Moscow by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The document provides for visa-free travel of tourist groups of 5 to 50 people formed by Russian and Iranian tourist organizations for up to 15 days. The total period of stay of citizens of one state on the territory of the other should not exceed 90 days during each period of 180 days.
On June 7, Head of Rostourism Zarina Doguzova and Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Handicrafts of Iran Ali Asghar Mounesan that coordinate the agreement signed an action plan for implementation of this document. Iranian Ambassador in Moscow Kazem Jalali said that according to it, tourists from both countries will be able to travel to Iran and Russia through accredited companies, and one visa will be issued for the entire group.
On June 10, Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan noted that the Russian side is interested in resuming the flow of tourists from Iran, but the plan to implement the agreement will actually start only after the normalization of the situation with the coronavirus. The Russian diplomatic mission also noted that Iranian tourists will be able to come to Russia only after the lifting of temporary restrictions on entry associated with the pandemic.
At the moment, due to an outbreak of coronavirus infection, entry to Russia for Iranian citizens is limited in accordance with the decision of the Russian government. There are no regular flights between Russia and Iran.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS