Floating Tree in Rio de Janeiro the lights

Floating spruce in Rio de Janeiro began to establish in 1996. The main attraction of the winter season in Rio de Janeiro is famous floating tree, which was inaugurated last weekend. Each year the tree is the biggest Christmas tree in the world. This record nobody can beat. The height of the floating fir is 85 meters long and a garland of 105 kilometers has more than 3.3 million light bulbs. As usual, a tree found in the middle of Lake Rodrigo de Freitas. The opening of the floating trees held December 4 and was accompanied by fireworks, concerts and performances on the waterfront. Now the tree will light up from Sunday to Thursday from 19.30 to 2.00, and on Friday and Saturday from 19.30 to 3.00. The last time it will ignite at a Catholic Baptism 6 January 2011. For the first time a Christmas tree set on a lake in Rio in 1996, while its height is not as high as 80 meters. Visitors to the city like it very much, and ranks third in popularity, giving way at this carnival and the New Year at Copacabana promenade.

In Tampere, again you can visit the Natural History Museum

December 9 in Tampere will open the Museum of Natural History. Collections of this museum were formed in the early twentieth century. Later, these collections of artifacts finished off the XIX century. Previously, natural history museum was located in a building where there was a city library. Some collections were temporarily on the premises of the library. However, in 1995, the City Hall has allocated a place specifically for the Museum of Natural History. At the time ustroitelstva museum is temporarily closed. As reported Forums Tampere, today the museum is located in the Museum Center Vapriikki. The exhibit, exhibited in the museum, tells you about the natural riches of the region, the animals that live there about their environment. It is interesting to look at the diorama, which shows the landscape in all seasons. For children there is created an interactive tunnel, through which you can better explore the underwater world. Museum Center is open daily except Mondays. Entrance fee for adults - € 7 for children age 7 to 16 - 2 euros.

Statue of liberty destroyed

Citizens and authorities Japanese port of Hakodate decided that the six-meter copy of the famous American Statue of Liberty disfigures the city's appearance. A copy of the Statue of Liberty was installed in early June, before the store owned by a local firm to trade in seafood. Local residents against a copy of the New York celebrity rebelled. Just on Friday, this ugly six-meter crane demolished a figure from the pedestal and temporarily laid on the roof of a nearby building, covered with plastic sheets. Reference: The city of Hakodate on Japan's central city of Oshima Peninsula in south-western tip of Hokkaido. The city is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Japan with a unique ensemble of brick architecture in the European style of the late H1H - early twentieth centuries. [Source]

Frankfurt Cathedral reopened to visitors

Travellers planning to go to Frankfurt, will visit the Imperial Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, re-opened its doors last week after the reconstruction of the stairs. Staircase, which was closed to the public for 11 years, leads straight to the top of the cathedral bell tower. Now tourists can climb 328 steps in order to enjoy the panoramic sights of Frankfurt, including the Old City, City Hall and the museum's waterfront, stretching along the River Main. Art lovers may enter the cathedral, in order to see a number of important details, including picture of the "Lamentation" Anthony Van Dyck and the altar, created by an unknown artist in the XV century. Gothic building was built in the XIV century. In the Middle Ages there were the coronation ceremony of Holy Roman Emperors. Throughout the history of the Frankfurt Cathedral was kayzerskim cathedral, not the cathedral of the bishop. The main feature of the imperial cathedral is the presence of two choirs at the beginning and end of the nave. Second, the additional oil destined for the emperor and his family. [Source]

Tourists choose the archipelago of Cape Verde

Many European tourists have been increasingly be poisoned in Cape Verde. Today, this archipelago is called touristic leader. Tour operators in many European countries even increased the number of flights during the winter on a small archipelago of Cape Verde. This year, Cape Verde, many new complex of hotels. This is one of the few tourist destinations, where the number of tourists is growing by leaps and bounds. Today the government of Cape Verde struggling to secure a leading position among the most popular tourist destinations in the winter. They even decided to reduce prices. Throughout the year, many European media outlets that specialize in tourism, a very good description of the small archipelago, which has received strong advertising. Cape Verde was recommended as a great place to relax with a good climate and affordable prices. Rose markedly this year additional charter flights from tour operators and scheduled flights. As a result, it is clearly seen that the new winter season, a small archipelago of Cape Verde replenished with new tourists but also to consolidate its position in the market's most popular tourist destinations.

In the Chernobyl accident will be pulled tourists

In Chernobyl in place wasteland and derelict buildings to the 25 anniversary of explosion at a nuclear power station will open the park-museum. Work on the construction of the complex had already begun - the first stage will be located in an area of ??five hectares. Builders clearing the area and demolishing the empty houses. As conceived by the designers, the park will be an exclusion zone in miniature - each of 94 affected localities will be presented to a workpiece. "For example, a house, a tree or signpost. During the year all of this, of course, do not build, but prepare the ground," - said the Head of the exclusion zone Basil Zolotoverkh. Each locality in the park will be designated an obelisk. Nearby hang signs with information of how many people were evacuated from this or that village. According to local residents and employees of the exclusion zone, the park will attract additional tourists to Chernobyl, which each year and already is becoming more and more: only seven months of 2010, Zone visited five thousand people, and for all last year - seven thousand. The city of Chernobyl is located in the exclusion zone of 17 kilometers from the nuclear power plant exploded. Currently, the radiation level while elevated, but allows no harm to health to be there for awhile. The Chernobyl accident occurred on April 26, 1986. Were contaminated, some regions of Ukraine, the Soviet Russia and Belarus. Thousands of people received significant doses of radiation, hundreds of thousands were forced from their homes and away from infected areas.

Israel. Cave of the Patriarchs will be opened at night

Cave of the Patriarchs (Maarat a-Machpelah) for the first time in 16 years will remain open 24 hours a day during the ten days of repentance, according to the Israeli portal "Aruts Sheva. In response to numerous requests from the faithful and the religious councils of Kiryat Arba and Hebron Jewish shrine open to visitors and waved special prayers (Selichot ") on the request for forgiveness in the days between the Jewish New Year (Rosh ha-Shana) and Judgement Day (Yom Kippur). Cave of the Patriarchs was closed for security reasons after the terrorist attacks committed by right-wing extremist Baruch Goldstein. [Source]

Monument to the heroes `Diamond` hands appeared in the port of Sochi

On the square in front of the seaport of Sochi, came a monument to the heroes of the movie "The Diamond Arm". Sculptural composition devoted to the episode, when the main character played by Nikulin sent to the cruise ship "Mikhail Svetlov". One sculpture depicts Semen Semenovich Gorbunkova with family, friends - the characters Anatoly Papanov and Andrei Mironov. Authors - Sochi sculptor Vyacheslav Call and Alexander Bhutan, reports RIA Novosti. Work on the monument is not finished yet: subsequently ground in front of him will be tiled with aphorisms from the movie. Nearby, on the square in front of a shallow pier seaport of Sochi, is another monument - Peter I, established in 2008. And yet another monument to the "Brilliant hands" can be seen in the historical center of Baku. Monument to Yuri Nikulin in the image Gorbunkova will be installed in the Old City or Inner-Shahar, - the place where the characters in the movie fell with a cry of "Damn" in "pharmacy" of smugglers. [Source]

Iron Boy promotes fertility

The smallest sculpture in Sweden, and perhaps in Europe, located in Stockholm and is called Jarnpojken. She exhibited in Bollhustappan - in a small courtyard in the historic heart of the capital of Sweden. This small statue of the size of just 14 centimeters became a celebrity in Stockholm. Pojke som tittar pa manen (boy, looking at the moon) or Jarnpojken (Iron Boy), was created by sculptor Lissa Eriksson in 1954, although established only in 1967. Tourists who stumbled on the "boy", leaving him a coin, as legend has it that the statue promotes female fertility. Nevertheless, there is a church nearby, the ministers who picks coin and watch, that this pagan cult did not spread widely. But, despite the efforts of priests, Jarnpojken continues to go beyond the legends and daily collects tribute from the guests in Stockholm - the majority of tours through the city center include a statue in your itinerary. [Source]

Changed the rules of visiting the complex of Machu Picchu in Peru

FYI complex of Machu Picchu in Peru to be changed. According to the director of the National Institute of Culture, Cuzco, Juan Rivas, access to Peruvian and foreign tourists to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu will be regulated in order to safeguard the archaeological complex. Implementation of the rules will control the security staff of the historical complex and the national police, said reports portal BuenoLatina. According to the changes in the schedule to go over the bridge to the ruins of Machu Picchu can be no earlier than 5:00 am, and the entrance to the citadel itself is allowed from 6 am. With regard to Huayna Picchu, there remains a strict limit on the number of visitors a day - 400 people. The first 200 tourists can go to the premises at 7.00 am, the second group comes in 10.00. Entrance fee to Machu Picchu remains the same - 156 soles (54 dollars) for foreign tourists and 63 hydrochloric acid (22 dollars) - for students with ID ISIC. Machu Picchu - the city of ancient America, located in present-day Peru. Huayna Picchu - a mountain towering over Machu Picchu. [Source]

The largest mezuzah

At the airport, Ben Gurion on Thursday, 2 September, a ceremony of fixing mezuzah. installed at the airport mezuzah has become the biggest in the world: the size of the scroll is 101 to 101 cm is not small and carrying case, which placed the scroll. Writing a scroll of this size have Sofer Yitzhak Crickley, who took the job done, it took 3 years, although for the manufacture of conventional mezuzah standard size (45 centimeters), generally requires from 2 to 7 hours. The ceremony took place in the presence of Director of the airport Ben-Gurion, head of civil aviation and other dignitaries. Mezuzah - a scroll of a kosher animal skin on the inner side suffered two of the three parts of the prayer "Shema." Parchment rolled up placed in a special pouch that is attached to the doorpost of Jewish homes premises. [Source]

Underground archaeological park opened in Krakow

In Krakow, September 24 will open a tourist route of the underground marketplace. As reported by the city authorities, in an area of ??4,000 square meters will house a unique archaeological park. "I have no doubt that a visit to this exceptional place will be for each unusual and memorable" - said the mayor of Krakow, Jacek Maikhrovsky. In the park will accommodate, in particular, 700 archaeological finds, 500 graphics sites, 600 of three-dimensional digital reconstructions, 30 multimedia installations. September 24-25, everyone will be able to visit a new exhibit for free. In order to pass to the museum, should show a free ticket, which can be received on September 20 in one of two Information Centre of Krakow - in the exhibition and an information booth Wyspianski (Pawilon Wyspianski) in the old town, on a street corner and the area Grodzkiej Wszystkich Swietych, and the center of the street sw. Jana, 2, [source]

Russians do not need a visa to Argentina and Albania

To the citizens of the Russian Federation, two States, Argentina and Albania have introduced visa-free regime. Albania permitted, tourists from Russia, the visa-free entry before 31 October. When entering the country through all the border crossings Russian tourists will be free to put a stamp in the passport. Since June 29, will enter into force an agreement between the Russian government and the Government of Argentina on visa-free travel. Russian citizens and citizens of Argentina will be able to travel, transit and stay on the territory of the States without visas for a maximum of 90 days during each period of 180 days from the date of first entry. [Source]

Visa to Mexico for Russian tourists oformlyayut for 2 days

For a Russian tourist Mexico eased visa procedure and shorten the time of issuance of up to two days. Moreover, the validity of the tourist visa for citizens of Russia increased by 5-10 years. According to Mexican Ambassador to Russia, Alfredo Perez Bravo, the embassy has also introduced a new electronic system request visas and now the Russians can obtain visas through the Internet. "Any Russian citizen can go to the site of our embassy, ??where the Latin alphabet to fill in the questionnaire in Russian. A couple of hours APPLICANTS receive a response from the system which will give him room, and two days later the tourist can come to the embassy for a visa ", - said ambassador. "- Said the ambassador. However, the Mexican government to stop there is not going to. [Source]

Schengen visas will be issued under the new rules

European Council endorsed the general to the participating countries Schengen rules for issuing short-stay visas (for a period not exceeding three months). New so-called "visa code EU introduced new standards for the provision of consular services for visas. After the entry into force of the new "visa code" solution for the visa must be made within 15 calendar days, and in case of refusal the consulate should explain his reasons. The applicant is now able to challenge the refusal of a visa in court. Rules also stipulate that the cost of Schengen visas for citizens of third countries will be 60 euros for children aged 6 to 11 years - 35 Euro. In addition, the new "visa code" specifies a list of documents required for visa application (form, photographs, documents confirming the applicant's ability to pay, and others). When visa consular services required to make digital fingerprints and photographs of individuals who requested a visa to the Visa Information System of the Schengen area, reports RIA Novosti. Recall that between Russia and the countries of the Schengen Agreement was signed a separate agreement on simplification of visa regime for Russian citizens. According to this document, tourists from Russia will continue to pay for a Schengen visa for 35 Euro. The fingerprints of Russian citizens applying for a Schengen visa, you will need to pass as the installation at the consulates of the countries of the necessary equipment. [Source]

Now in Estonia can come without an invitation

Residents of foreign countries can obtain visas to enter Estonia without a visa at the consulate invitation Starting from July 30, said on Thursday the press office of the Estonian Foreign Ministry. According to the MFA, the abolition of the visa invitation applies to all categories of applicants for visas: tourist, business and traveling to living in Estonia, relatives and friends. Cancellation of the visa invitation applies to both natural and legal persons. In the Estonian consul remains the right to ask for visa applications written or oral explanations to confirm the circumstances of the visa. We are talking about documents confirming the purpose of travel, availability of tickets, money, location - the hotel reservation, written confirmation from the visiting person. The fee for a visa is the same. For Russian citizens visa fee, according to the agreement between the EU and Russia on visa facilitation is 35 euros. Cancellation of visa invitations only applies to representations of the Republic of Estonia abroad. If the visa petition in offices of other states, which represent Estonia in the country, the list of required documents needed to be clarified in that office. Nicholas Adashkevich [source]

NII Voskhod resumed work with biometric passports

Since July 16, Russia had ceased production of biometric passports: Research Institute of "Sunrise" has refused to continue the work without getting the state money for it. From 22 July FSUE resume service system of manufacturing, processing and control of passport and visa documents, the new generation. "Due to the current critical situation with the issuance of passports of the new generation of Russian citizens, at the request of the Federal Migration Service guidance Research Institute" Sunrise "was decided on the continuation of inter-segment of the passport and visa documents of new generation at the expense of own funds," - says message FSUE. In this case, the report notes that "Sunrise" and has not received any guarantees and the legal authority of the Ministry of Communications of Russia. Recall, "Sunrise", from 2005 operating the inter-segment of the system, stopped its support because of debts from the state and losing the competition for the next stage of system maintenance. At the Institute stated that at his own expense provide the system since February 2008, having spent a 250 million rubles, RIA Novosti news agency. As a result of issuing biopasportov stopped. "Research Institute" Sunrise "is aware that the situation with the suspension of passports of the new generation coincided with the release time and further delay in addressing the security of the system equipment can have very serious consequences for the Russians.

Annual visa to the UK has become more accessible

Changed the rules for issuing visas to the United Kingdom for citizens of Russia, according to GSS. corr. Travel.ru. According to a consular representative of the British Embassy, ??Robert Scott, now a visa valid for one year can be obtained faster than ever before. The first visa to the UK, received a tourist, operates six months. Previously, in order to obtain the annual visa, it was necessary to correctly use the three semi-annual. Now for a visa for a year or even two years is enough just one semi-annual visas, provided that the consular authorities have no claims against the tourists and if his passport a lot of other visas used correctly. According to Robert Scott, in deciding whether to issue a visa the important role played by tourism history of a particular applicant. For example, if a new passport, documents will be considered more carefully. If the visa in the passport are many other countries, the decision will be made easy. The representative of the consular officer said that it is important to the credibility of the tourist, the truth of his stories. If the applicant indicates a salary of 200 pounds a month, but, according to statement from the bank account has a million - it is suspicious, said Scott. In addition, according to Robert Scott, is very important to use the visa to the destination. For example, a student and studied under a student visa are only semi-month, then he can not, for it is to enter as tourists. In turn, the owner of a tourist visa can not travel on it to learn.

Switzerland for the Russians to simplify the visa regime

Russia and Switzerland have agreed to simplify visa regime. The corresponding agreement was signed during the visit of President Dmitry Medvedev in Switzerland. One of the key documents prepared for the visit of a Russian head of state, became a contract providing for a simplified procedure for obtaining one-time visa for up to three months and multiple entry visas for the delegations and businessmen. In addition, according to the document, the cost of visas for Russians down. Recall that on Dec. 12, 2008, Switzerland officially joined the Schengen agreement and started issuing common to countries in the visa agreement. [Source]

Latvian passport will be the most perfect

Latvia plans in the coming months to begin the second stage of the production of biometric passports, according to the Latvian press. It is planned that the new Latvian passport will consist of 32 pages and have a polycarbonate cover, where there will be a personal photo and a laser-engraved signature of the owner. Passport will have more than 30 degrees of protection, which will consider it as one of the safest in Europe. It will also contain a contactless chip with personal data holders and biometrics. New versions of the documents will be produced by a consortium of Polish printing Polska Wytwornia Papierow Wartosciovych SA and Lithuanian Garsu pasaulis. Annually will produce more than 200,000 copies of passports with an average value of 100 litas (42 USD). Previously used passports will continue to be valid until the expiration of the official date of issue. The new passports will go into circulation in the first half of next year. In 2010, the estimated costs of innovation 8,931,261 lats. In subsequent years the amount will decrease. Ministry of Interior of Latvia put forward the following plan cost: 2008 - 3275656 lats, 2009 - 2,535,510 lats, 2010 - 2,126,843 lats. [Source]

Refused to issue passports, declared dead

58-year-old resident of Kaliningrad, addressed to the migration service for the registration of passports, learn that, according to the documents, he died in 2007. According to the press service of the Prosecutor of Kaliningrad region, during the prosecutor's inspection found that in October 2006 in the Kaliningrad Oblast Infectious Hospital, was hospitalized 52-year-old citizen of, who had a military ID, and as his home address was listed house overnight stay . He died in March 2007, but in the particulars of the dead were errors in the date and place of birth, as well as in the information on citizenship, said the representative of the prosecutor's office. As a result, the Special OCS Administration October district of Kaliningrad without a passport of the deceased was the state registration of the death of a citizen G. Prosecutors Baltic Kaliningrad district appealed to the court to amend the record of civil status act. The court granted the prosecutor, nullifying the information about the death. [Source]

Russians will be able to cross the border with Abkhazia on internal passports

Russia will make significant steps to alleviate the traffic across the Russian-Abkhazian border, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Friday during a visit to Sukhumi. "The agreement on visa-free travel will be allowed to cross the border from Russia, and from Abkhazia, not only on diplomatic, official, ordinary passports, but also Russian internal passports" - Lavrov said. The agreement will be signed on Friday evening. He said that the problem of intersection of the citizens of two countries common border intensified after Russia recognized the sovereignty of Abkhazia and the flow of people crossing the border have increased significantly. "It will be remodeled, modernized transition border checkpoint, a new bridge, additional measures are taken as possible to facilitate the passage of borders ", -" Lavrov said.

Visas to the U.S. rise

It turned out that the amount set to 1 January 2008 following the actual current value. The reason for such a solution is called the need "to cover the cost of query processing, which significantly increased. The U.S. State Department is already planning to increase the cost of the visa fee for the review of documents filed for nonimmigrant visas, and cards for border crossings. The process of granting non-immigrant visa more difficult and require more thorough examination of information "than any other category. Visas for persons who are sent to the U.S. for temporary stays for business (B1), leisure or for medical treatment (B2), will cost $ 140. The new rules establish a clear structure with different amounts of payment for certain categories of visas. In addition, U.S. law requires that the costs associated with providing non-immigrant visas are covered by a mandatory fee for the examination of documents to get them, "the statement said the State Department, according to RIA Novosti. Applicate in the following categories of visa will cost U.S. $ 150: H (for temporary work and training),

Indian Visa Application Centre to find fault with a comma

India Visa Application Centre has once again surprised by the news of Russian tourists from the fronts of the struggle for permits to enter the country. At this time, travelers have forbidden to put on the form any punctuation. No points, no commas, colons or more have no place in this document. And this innovation is not only independent tourists and questionnaires filed by travel companies. True, the tour operators were told that the first request did not punctuate came to them from the Visa Application Centre in India as early as October. Then, the center staff explained that the periods and commas at you print the questionnaire, which has recently been possible to fill only the center of the site, often dvoyatsya or inferred as non-printable characters, making it difficult to work with documents. But in October and November, "literate" form has taken. But now Visa Center went on the offensive: recently one of the firms, hand forms and passports of tourists, once I got 40 out of 60 applications, and travelers were left without a trip, since the documents were submitted at the last moment. The new requirements imposed by the Visa center in India is almost a weekly basis, beginning to affect the demand for holidays in this country. According to the testimony of travel agencies, the Russians, who want to fly away to rest in this country is becoming less and operators are reluctant to accept papers for last minute trips, because only one point - and a tourist stay in Russia.

Changed the rules of entry to the Mariana Islands

15 December, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received official notification from the U.S. government that continues to spread Russian citizens visa waiver program in the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands. However, the rules of entry slightly modified. In this regard, a person intending to visit the Northern Mariana Islands for a period not exceeding 45 days, may do so without a visa or permit, if return air ticket with a fixed date of departure. Entry is carried out under current Russian passport, while the Russians must fill out registration card of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (SVR Form I-94) and an information leaflet about the order of the visa waiver program to the territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CBP Form I-736) which are given directly in the flight. Earlier, an entry permit to the Mariana Islands are processed in advance, and the period of visa-free stay of Russian citizens on the islands was not to exceed 30 days. Mariana Islands - an archipelago in the west Pacific Ocean, Micronesia. It includes 15 major islands (Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and others) and several smaller islands and reefs. Guam is a U.S. possession, the rest form the Northern Mariana Islands. [Source]

Medvedev signed a law on simplification of visa regime with Iceland

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev signed a law ratifying the agreement between the governments of Russia and Iceland on the simplification of issuing visas to citizens of both countries. The agreement is aimed at creating conditions for development and expansion of mutual contacts of citizens and official representatives of Russia and Iceland, as well as the bilateral Russian-Icelandic cooperation. Establish a simplified procedure for registration of single visa valid for up to 3 months (on the treatment of the host organization need an invitation) to the citizens of Russia and Iceland to members of official delegations, businessmen, truck drivers. In a simplified visa procedure will also be made out to journalists, scientists, culture and education, students, undergraduate and postgraduate students heading for college or training, participants in international sports events, exchange programs between the twin cities, persons visiting military and civil burial. The agreement provides for the possibility of processing multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years. The law was passed by the State Duma on 11 December and approved by the Federation Council on December 16. [Source]

Ten-year passport will be issued from March 1

Today, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a law providing for increasing the validity period of passport containing an electronic media, up to 10 years. Entry into force of federal law provides for a March 1, 2010. The Act retains the Russian citizens to choose from. Along with the ten-year biometric passport will still be available and document the old model that does not include electronic media. "From 1 March we will begin to receive documents on a 10-year biometric passport", - told Interfax on Tuesday Deputy Head of International and Public Relations of the FMS, Konstantin Poltoranin. According to him, now FMS is working in coordination with the Ministry of Communications and Goznak "technical support transition to a ten-year passport." At present in Russia are issued passports of two kinds - the usual "old" and the new biometric passport. Increased duration of up to ten years will affect only the biometric passport. It will become thicker and more expensive - to grow as the size and state tax, which is charged for its design. [Source]

On January 18 at the visa center changes the fee for the visa to the Czech Republic

On January 18, 2010 shall come into force the new tariffs of consular fees for visas to the Czech Republic in the visa centers. For the citizens of Russia and Ukraine, Montenegro, Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the cost of short-term visa will be 1,540 rubles. Express visa for citizens of Russia and Ukraine will cost 3,080 rubles. The cost of short-term visas for citizens of other countries will be equal to 2,640 rubles. Service charge levied on each treatment, remained unchanged at $ 1000. Now fees are, respectively: 1575 rubles - short-term visa, 3150 - express visa, 2700 - short for the citizens of other countries. In the Czech visa application center in Moscow and Yekaterinburg, the visa fee is paid in rubles, the consular department of the embassy in Moscow - in euros. Adopted the exact amount of the collection. In St. Petersburg, visa fee is paid in euros directly to the consulate when they apply. [Source]

Russia and Turkey to sign visa-free agreement

Negotiations on the agreement on visa-free travel of citizens of Russia and Turkey began, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, January 13. They expect that the process does not take much time and the agreement will be signed by May 2010. Turkish Prime Minister expressed the hope that initiated within the framework of the talks process for preparing an agreement on visa-free trips will move rapidly. "Ultimately, this will undoubtedly lead to increased cooperation between our countries", - he added. And while tourists from Russia and so get a Turkish visa at the border by paying a small fee, an opportunity to visit the country without any visa is always a positive influence on tourist flows. Not so long ago, the Russians became easier to obtain a visa to South Korea. However, for the improvement of tourist mode of entry is that the visa can be obtained faster than ever before - for one to two days instead of two weeks, but it can please our guests, especially those living in the Far East. For official as individuals - the delegations, businessmen, journalists, sportsmen and scientists was repealed immigration fees. In addition, the Russians can now apply for a visa to South Korea, from anywhere in the world, and even qualify for multiple entry visa for 5 years. Recall that in 2009 South Korea visited the 43,000 residents of Russia. News about a possible early lifting of visas to the Schengen area is once again excited the active travel in Russia.

What's New Polish Consulate in Kaliningrad when applying for a visa

Back in September 2009, the Consulate General of Poland in Kaliningrad, has introduced the practice of filling in forms online. And from February 1, here come into force new rules of registration and submission of documents. So, tourism, municipal administrations, schools and other organized groups can take only registered on the site and the printed consulate visa application forms (each such form has a unique bar code and serial number). Travel Agencies accredited by the consulate, and members of official delegations (government representatives, City Council and administration) will be served in the same manner - through the VIP-box 4. Requirements relating to the list of documents remain unchanged. To register online, log onto the page of the Consulate General in Kaliningrad (www.kaliningradkg.polemb.net/), select the tab "Visa Section, click on the link" register and print out the questionnaire on the Internet, follow the instructions on your computer. Upon completion of registration you should choose the top link "download the application form, then -" print form ". Before you begin registration at the consulate should be familiar with detailed instructions for completing the questionnaire. In that case, if the client by filling out the application form, will exceed the time limit, the system does not register his application. However, reseeding will be possible only after a month. In addition, the visa hall stops issuing coupons for delivery of documents (except for a visa for a personal invitation from an individual or urgent emergency situations).

To obtain a visa to India need to be told more details

The application form for a visa to India, a number of new items. In particular, it is now necessary to enumerate all the countries that the applicant has visited over the past 10 years. In addition, you must specify whether there was a tourist or his relatives citizenship of Pakistan (previously or currently). Visa Center accepts applications filled online. It is important to note that the questionnaire should be no periods and commas - even if the items listed should stay. This also applies to common abbreviations. Another innovation was that for people who do not have Russian citizenship, persons with dual citizenship, as well as Russian citizens who have no Russian citizenship by birth, enter "Additional Form for Foreigners", which is completed in English and applied to the core questionnaire. In this document, you must specify the name of the father and / or husband (for married women), former nationality, number and date of the visa of the Russian Federation, if any. Experts believe that these measures are likely to be caused by deteriorating relations with neighboring Pakistan. Indian authorities are trying to oppose penetration of the Islamists and terrorists, many of whom have dual nationality (for example, through marriage to a citizen / national of the Russian Federation). And information about your visits in recent years, countries can also help in identifying associates of terrorists. However, if tourists are in Iran, very popular in our days sightseeing country - Embassy of India can be regarded as terrorist as well.

Europe promises to abolish visas in 2011

With the new statement, happy Russian tourists made one European diplomat - this time, the Consul General of France in Yekaterinburg Claude Kruaya. He believes that the abolition of visas in the Schengen countries will occur in one and a half to two years. According to the French diplomat, many European nations are interested in visa free regime with Russia. True, in 2010, this landmark event should not expect - everything rests not only in their differences and technical problems, but also in financial matters. In European countries in issuing visas and work a lot of people will have to make changes in the structure of diplomatic missions. There is disagreement among the parties to the Schengen agreement - against the introduction of visa-free regime act, in particular the Baltic countries, however, according to the French Consul General in Yekaterinburg, all differences will be overcome in the near future. Subject abolishing the visa regime between Russia and Europe in recent years raised more often. Experts believe that a positive decision on this matter would be taken, but the period referred to are very different, and 5 years sounds more than a year, so the forecast Claude Kruaya very optimistic. Meanwhile, Russian tourists who applied for a visa for New Year's vacation in the Italian consulate, got a lot of failures that made them not Travel Abroad for the next 6 months. According to the tour operator specializing in Italy, a record number of failures in the winter. Perhaps it was due to the short time the consulate - with 4 to 6 January, it worked only 12 hours of the day, writes BANKO, but the first signs of problems came in mid-December.

Mariana Islands will be the visa

Expected to visit the islands of Russian tourists need a visa from November 28, 2009. The most popular among Russians, and especially the residents of the Far East island of Saipan. "The Far East accounts for about 70% of Russian tourists traveling to Saipan. However, Moscow and tourists when they learn more about the island, gladly go there on holiday - said tourism manager of Oriental Discovery Anna Umarov. At the present time for a trip to the Mariana Islands for 30 days visa is not required. Necessary to issue an entry permit, which shall be presented upon arrival at the airport when passing through border controls. "Initially it was assumed that the entry visa will be introduced this summer, but it was decided to postpone its introduction until November 28," - noted the agency interlocutor. According to Mr Umarov is now obtaining a permit (and to obtain it requires only a copy of the passport and completed application form) takes about a week. For visa for tourists will have to apply several weeks before the proposed travel. "Demand for Saipan is quite stable. Particularly keen interest to tourists, had landed on Bali, Malaysia and most popular combo tour: for example, we combine a beach holiday on Saipan with sightseeing programs in Japan and Korea. It is convenient - a flight from Japan took 3,5 hours and Saipan - a good budget alternative to Okinawa, where they can not afford to relax, not all tourists "- explained A. Umarov.

Finland hopes for Russian tourists

According to the Consulate General of Finland, the number of visas issued to Russians with the beginning of the year has increased. Tour operators in their assessments are less optimistic. Increase small: 106 thousand against 102 thousand last year, however, as stated by the Consul General of Finland in St. Petersburg, Olli Perheentupa in an interview with the Fontanka, the crisis should be expected to reduce the number of visa applications by 5-15%. In this case, according to Consul General, "slightly decreased the flow of tourists through Finland from Moscow and other Russian regions, but the number of residents of the Northwest, traveling to our country, by contrast, has increased." As a result, Russians are opting for vacation in Finland, have not diminished. Last year, the consulate in St. Petersburg has issued 525,000 visas, and all of Russia, more than 700 thousand as stated by Mr. Perheentupa, all applications are accepted without restriction, and visas are issued in 10-day period: while you can get "and a three-year visa, and in some cases even at 5 years. " These somewhat surprised by the Consulate General of tour operators. Thus, in the St. Petersburg company Nordic Star, though note that in difficult economic conditions, the reorientation of tourists to the close direction is quite logical, but say the fall in demand in Finland, compared with last year. Reducing the volume of the company called "significant." A similar situation is observed in DSBW in St.

China to impose temporary restrictions on visas

Currently not exclude refusals to grant visas to enter the People's Republic of tourists visiting Europe, the U.S. and Latin American countries during April and May 2009. This situation will continue until the end of the spread of influenza A/H1N1. Such information is disseminated group Eastline, comprising a number of airlines offering air travel in this direction. Information has been confirmed in China's consulate in Vladivostok. [Source]

The Latvian Embassy has simplified the procedure for obtaining visas for Russians

Embassy of Latvia has significantly facilitated the procedure for obtaining visas for Russians: To obtain a tourist visa to visit Latvia optional. "Instead, it is only required to have paid a travel voucher (trip ticket), an accredited travel agency at the embassy, ??which defines the route, place of residence. Individual travelers must provide proof of residence (hotel reservation), the availability of funds - the traveler's checks or bank statements and information relating to the vehicle (eg, reservation tickets, one way / return), "- said in the statement. For as much as possible and more Russians are familiar with the facilitation of the issuance of Latvian visas from May 25 to June 4 in several Russian cities will be first carried out travel information seminars. Tourist seminars held in cities: Yaroslavl, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Perm, Ekaterinburg, Ufa, Samara, Saratov, Voronezh. [source]

Slovenia can simplify the issuance of visas to Russians

Slovenia expressed its readiness to facilitate issuance of visas to Russian tourists who buy tours through travel agencies accredited to the embassy, ??the minister said the country's economy Matej Lahovnik. This statement was made after a meeting of the intergovernmental Russian-Slovenian Commission, said Rata-News. In 2008, the number of Russian tourists coming to rest in Slovenia increased by 31% and reached 29.000 persons. Recall that recently the issuance of visas to Russians who applied via the embassies accredited tour operators to simplify the Baltic countries - Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. [Source]

Cyprus has simplified the rules of entry for the Russians

On Friday, May 8 at the site of the Embassy of Cyprus appeared an application form for Provisa, which makes possible the Russian tourists entering the country. Provisa gives the right for a single entry in Cyprus for 90 days. Tourists must fill out an application form, which consists of 11 questions and send it by e-mail to this address. During the day the traveler will receive a confirmation that you want to print out and bring the border guards. The questionnaire wishing to go to Cyprus to specify only their name and surname, passport information, occupation and address of the intended stay on the island. A new scheme for entry will be valid until October 2009, and in case of successful embassy will extend the simplified form. However, travelers should pay attention to what Provisa does not guarantee entry to Cyprus. Border guards can keep out the Russian holiday-makers in the country, if they violated the visa regime during previous trips. Sponsor News: The company "Silver World" draws a dual citizenship [source]

Visa-free regime between Russia and Serbia will begin June 10

On June 10, 2009 comes into force an agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Serbian government about the conditions of mutual trips of citizens of the two countries, signed on 20 February this year, said the Federal Agency for Tourism (Rosturizm). "For the citizens of the Russian Federation and citizens of the Republic of Serbia - the holders of valid passports of the agreement provides for the establishment of reciprocal visa-free entry and stay of up to 30 days", - reported in the document. Visa-free regime for an indefinite period of stay applies to citizens who have a permit for temporary or permanent residence in the territory of the other side. For holders of diplomatic and official passports traveling to short-term missions, provided the entry visa for up to 90 days. Staff members of diplomatic missions, consular offices and missions to international organizations and staying with them their family members who have diplomatic and service passports, travel without a visa for the duration of their accreditation. Other categories of citizens, including those entering for employment purposes and to study, you must have a visa, the report said. [Source]

Visa on Marianas are still needed

Earlier it was reported that the cancellation of visa-free entry to the Mariana Islands for the citizens of the Russian Federation will happen June 1, 2009. However, the official website of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published information on how the new rules come into force on 29 November 2009. Thus, for the citizens of Russia is still the possibility of visa-free travel, according to GSS. corr. Travel.ru. This is especially true for residents of the Far East, for which rest on the islands is as popular for residents of the central regions - in Turkey and Egypt. As before, the entrance to the island carried out by prior resolution of VEP (Visitor Entry Permit), which gives the Department of Immigration of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands. Starting from November 29, Russian citizens will need to apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate. Mariana Islands - a group of islands in the west Pacific Ocean, Micronesia. Includes 15 major islands (Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and others) and several smaller islands and reefs. Guam is a U.S. possession, the rest form the Northern Mariana Islands. To travel to the island of Guam to our visitors now mandatory require a visa, which is made out of the U.S. embassies in the territory of the Russian Federation. It was planned that from June 1, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are combined into an overall program entry, which led to the need to issue a visa for citizens of those countries who need a visa to the U.S. - that is, including, for Russian tourists.

Since July 1 in Hong Kong can travel without a visa for two weeks

From 1 July 2009 the Russians - the owners of all types of passports can enter Hong Kong without a visa for a period of 14 days. The same rule applies to citizens of Hong Kong who want to make a trip to Russia. This is stated on the website of the Government of Hong Kong. The number of Russian tourists visiting Hong Kong is increasing every year. In 2008, the increase in numbers of tourists from our country amounted to 13%. According to these indices outperformed the Russians only Finns, demonstrating a 20% increase in first. In 2008, this special administrative region, which was required before a visa, was visited by 37,000 tourists from Russia. In case if you plan to ride more than 14 days, the period of Russian travelers need to apply for the visa, which you can apply for a consular departments of the PRC Embassy in Moscow, Khabarovsk, or St. Petersburg. [Source]

UAE changed the requirements for tourist travel document

To enter the United Arab Emirates now requires a passport valid for another six months. Officially, this rule has not yet been published, but it began to be applied in practice. Citizens of the Russian Federation to visit the UAE visa is required. You can get it either through a travel agency (Tourist Visa) or by contacting directly to the consular department of embassy of the UAE (guest and business visa). Previously, in order to enter this country needed a passport valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip. [Source]

Bulgaria opens visa center in Rostov-on-Don

The flow of Russian tourists in Bulgaria has increased by 9%. Today in Russia there are four Bulgarian visa center of the republic: in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk. It is planned to open another one - in Rostov-on-Don. A year later, Bulgaria intends to join the Schengen zone - it is expected that an agreement will come into force on 1 March 2011. In Moscow operators the new Visa Application Centre "weather does." "Of course, it is convenient for those who live in Rostov-on-Don and Rostov region. But those who are "registered" in Rostov, but live in Moscow, get a visa there, the place of registration ", - says the manager of the visa department of the Bulgarian lines of" Herzog "Lyudmila Tibukina. But Moscow visa center works well, without queuing, following a meeting by an accredited operator. Thus, the application fee for them is set in the amount of 500 rubles (1000 rubles against all the others), and in the summer and it did not take. But the entry of Bulgaria into the Schengen troubles add: if you are "guaranteed" replaces a travel voucher, then in 2011, anyway, have to collect necessary for the Schengen visa documents. According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs from March to September this year, the tourist flow from Russia to Bulgaria has increased by 9% compared to the same period last year. For "accountability" half the country has 100,000 Russians. [Source]

The UK does not want to see Russian tourists

British MPs concerned over the growth failure in British visas to Russians. As described at the hearings in parliament, refusing often receive not only tourists but also human rights activists and cultural figures. In general, the number of failures in the UK visas Russia now ranks fifth behind India, Nigeria, Pakistan and China. London - correspondent of Radio News FM Elena Balayeva. British MPs so worried about the development of relations with Russia, which even held a special meeting to discuss all the accumulated topics. One major issue was that the recent concerns and an increasing number of Russian citizens - why the British embassy in Moscow has often refused visas to the Russians? As an organizer told the debate, an MP from the Conservative Party, Greg Hands, he now frequently receives complaints directly from Russian citizens. And the figures only confirm this trend. In 2003, the percentage of refusals of visas in Russia amounted to 3% of the global number of issued visas to the British, but this year the number of failures exceeded 10,000, it is almost 7%. In the end, it turns out that more often than the Russians, Britain refuses visas only to citizens of India, Nigeria, Pakistan and China. As explained by the MP from the Conservatives, according to his information, very often in entry being denied human rights activists, scholars and cultural figures, which would seem to the contrary, the UK should welcome with open arms. As examples of such "refuseniks" he called a representative human rights organization "Memorial" by Sergei Mironenko, who was unable this year to attend the London Book Fair, and documentary film maker Yevgeny Tsymbal, visiting the University of London Queen Mary.

Increased fees for visa on arrival in Bolivia

Bolivia has increased the fee for the visa issued upon arrival. Now he is 360 bolivianos ($ 51). Above this amount was $ 30. The visa fee is levied on all except the children entered in the parent's passport. However, if a visa at the consular department of the Embassy of Bolivia in Moscow, the fee is not charged, according to GSS. corr. Travel.ru. To obtain a visa at the border tourist must have a passport, photo, ticket, proof of sufficient funds for travel, completed in English or Spanish tourist card (tarjeta de turismo), as well as an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. When applying for a visa at the consulate to this list is added to work certificate and confirmation from the hotel. [Source]

The State Duma will facilitate getting passports

Russian State Duma adopted on first reading a bill that would simplify life for travelers. Now, when applying for a new passport will be old to keep and use until the end of term. Previously, the old passport had to pass. Exchange passport would soon become easier. The relevant bill on Friday deputies approved on first reading, the correspondent Infox.ru. The essence of the bill is to allow for the procedure, making a new document to leave in the hands of the owner of the old one. Thus, the citizen could at any time to go abroad and his plans will not depend on the timing of administrative procedures. Currently, when applying for a new passport the former is removed. Exceptions are made only by people whose profession is related to regular (at least once a month) trips abroad. By law, the term of registration of a new passport is no more than one calendar month. However, this procedure is often delayed. Money can and faster in early August, information was received that the FMS is going to start providing services on an urgent issue of passports for the money. Thus, officials want to ensure transparency in the production of migration documents. "A situation where intermediaries and corrupt officials make their public services is unacceptable. This should be a transparent system ", - said representative Konstantin Poltoranin FMS. However, he promised that the FMS will earn only on additional services, such as urgent paperwork or legal support for companies, attracting foreign labor.

Croatia has abolished visa regime for Russians

From November 1 for entry into Croatia to citizens of Russia and Ukraine will have enough presence of a passport: Croatia abolished the light mode of entry. Recall, from May 1, with the aim of attracting tourists, the Croatian authorities have introduced a visa-free regime for Russia and Ukraine, that is, tourists could visit the country without a visa or a tourist voucher and stay in its territory within 90 days. But hope the Croats did not materialize: tourist flow from Russia has not increased but even decreased by almost 20% compared to last year. So the government of Croatia validity of light duty entry into the country to extend no more. From now on, tourists to visit Croatia, you must have a voucher confirming the booking a hotel or a certified original letter of invitation from a legal or natural person. [Source]

Venezuela `sent` Israeli tourists

Venezuela under President Hugo Chavez is taking additional measures to prevent Israeli citizens from visiting the country. So, this week a group of 13 Israelis who were planning to visit Venezuela, was forced to cancel a trip due to the unreasonable requirements for potential tourists. Organized this tour an Israeli company Echo Outdoor Touring. When you try to issue visa Venezuelan government has created such insurmountable barriers, which eventually led to the cancellation of the trip. Difficulties began because of the lack of diplomatic missions of Venezuela in Israel. In January of this year, the official Caracas expelled the Israeli ambassador and broke off diplomatic relations with the Jewish state. Israel responded with the expulsion of the ambassador of Venezuela in Israel. Under current conditions, the Israelis seeking Venezuelan visa should make it through the consulate, located outside of Israel. Trying to provide their customers with the necessary travel documents, guide Echo contacted the Venezuelan embassy and diplomatic personnel in Kenya, Spain, Greece, Italy, Germany and Colombia, as well as to directly contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela. The Director-General Echo Ronen once told the portal Aruts Sheba, "that" it is common procedure when in Israel there is no consulate of any country, for the entry into which requires a visa, we just send the passports abroad and get them back with stamped visas . In the case of Venezuela, continued to Raz, an initial response from the Foreign Ministry stated that such a procedure is impossible.

Austria complicated the issue of visas

Austrian consulate has changed the rules for issuing visas for Russian tourists. Now, travelers who already have a valid Schengen visa will not be able to apply for the visa to Austria. That is, if a tourist visa in the passport is, ending in late December, and go on a ski trip to Austria in January will not leave. Advance visa will not be able to open and apply during the Christmas and New Year holidays, which begin in Europe in late December, is impossible. BANKO after talks with the visa officer of major tour operators from Austria, explained that the consulate will decide whether to open a visa at each case individually. If the dates fall on the very end of a valid visa to tourists easier to cancel the existing visa and apply for opening a new one in the Austrian consulate. According to some reports, the Austrians refused to review such documents as are skeptical that the trip will take place. According to others, the Austrian Consulate has taken an example from the French, explaining that he does not take a travel documents to open a visa if they already have a valid Schengen permission, because travelers can travel to France to commit any offense in Europe, and then completely easy to enter the country. France thus puts a barrier unabiding tourists. However, both the consulate does not take into account the new situation that has emerged in Russia after a number of countries have started issuing Schengen visas are multiple-active travelers. For example, Spain in 2009, often produces multiple-entry visas for 6 months, Greece and Finland - for 3 months, while Italy gave out at one time six-month single-entry visa with a corridor.

Germany made it easier to Russians for a visa

German Embassy in Moscow, made it easier for applicants for visas. Now they are not required to pay the full filing rates: it is enough confirmation of hotel booking, sent by fax. Previously required to provide faxed confirmation of full payment for their stay in Germany. A list of other documents: tickets to the evidence of solvency - remained unchanged. It should also add that when they apply for German visa in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad and Novosibirsk full payment of the hotel, and even fax, no need for a long time: just the usual armor, sent by email. In all cases, must be the address of the hotel. [Source]

Portugal tightens visa requirements

Monday, November 9, in order to obtain Portuguese visas for tourists from Russia to translate all the documents submitted to the consulate on one of the following languages: English, French or Portuguese. The new requirement was introduced on the initiative of the new Moscow embassy consul of Portugal. Experts believe that the innovation will have an impact on the flow of organized tourism in the country, as visas for them to draw up a travel agency. Of course, the tour price increase slightly, because of translation agencies will have to apply to the bureau to hire interpreters or special rights, but Portugal - the country's too expensive and the price of the tour as a whole will not change much. Independent travelers need to refresh the knowledge of foreign languages ??or to pay translators, spending additional time. It is still unknown whether the consulate requires a notarized translation of documents or a tourist can do on their own. Representatives of tour operators involved in the Portuguese area, intended to clarify the new consul, in connection with which were complicated visa requirements, since, according to the site Turprom, employees of the Moscow Consulate of Portugal are well aware of the Russian language. In any case, the large number of Russians visiting this country, enter into Europe through Spain, since flights to Madrid or Barcelona is much cheaper than to Porto or Lisbon. Not all countries are solved more difficult to obtain visas to tourists during the financial crisis.

Consulate of Canada introduces temporary changes in the procedures for visa application

Since the beginning of December and the end of 2009 the Canadian Consulate in New York enters the limited opening hours and special rules for filing documents. The cause was maintenance, according to GSS. corr. Travel.ru. In particular, during December 2009 will not accept applications for visas submitted in person and through his representatives. These statements can be submitted through the International Organization for Migration, Visa Service Pony Express or by mail. December 1 and 2 offices of the department of visas and immigration will be closed. From 3 to December 31, limited access will be possible in the offices of the consular section (main entrance) of the Embassy for some categories of visitors. For example, customers with applications on a temporary resident visa, already under consideration may submit or withdraw passports from 8.30 to 10.00 Monday to Friday. Customers with applications for immigration or adoption, is about to complete, may submit passport for a visa from 8.30 to 10.00 Monday to Friday. Visas will be issued at the end of the day. In addition, the Canadian Embassy will be closed for three holidays: 25, December 28 and January 1. Visa and Immigration will return to normal service on Jan. 4, 2010. [Source]

Sweden will issue a visa in exchange for fingerprints

First Secretary, Embassy of Sweden said, what news are waiting for Russian travelers wishing to visit the Nordic country in 2010. The main change - application form for a visa will need to fill out and submit electronically since the summer of 2010. This innovation has recently been tested in the Norwegian embassy. It is true that the Swedes did not promise to expedite the processing of documents, supposedly, the terms of visa issuance will remain the same as now - 7 working days. And in 2012, a mandatory procedure for travel will be fingerprinting. Representatives of the embassy does not comment as it will be arranged delivery of a fingerprint travelers, but is likely to attract tourists from the regions will have to come to Moscow to undergo the procedure, according to BANKO as visa centers in Sweden in the regions there and opening them is not planned . However, the biometric data for the Schengen visas will be stored in a database embassy five years and, presumably, can be used to obtain visas to other Schengen countries. Meanwhile, the Consulate of Canada in Moscow because of repair to temporarily change the rules for issuing visas. Since early December we introduce special rules for filing for tourists. Visa applications will be accepted only through the International Organization for Migration, Visa Service Pony Express or by mail. In addition, the December 1 and 2 office of visas will be closed and all the embassy will not work 25, 28 December and 1 January. Visa Office will resume normal operation with the January 4, 2010.

Austria will require additional insurance to tourists

Austrian Consulate beginning to demand from tourists who apply for a visa, pay for more expensive, a mountain-skiing health insurance or submit a letter of guarantee that the ski traveler has no plans, reports BANKO. The new requirement due to the fact that ordinary health insurance does not cover treatment or evacuation in case the tourist injured during skiing. Information about the introduction of the new rule is controversial, and to confirm or deny it at the consulate did not, but just in case visitors should be prepared for the fact that before the end of the winter period may apply for such insurance and travel with exclusive sightseeing purposes vacationers. According to some reports, tourists, ekskursionschiki can attach documents to email, which certify the consulate that is not going to engage in sports in the mountains. The document must write in English or German. Recall that the "ski" insurance is not only twice as expensive as usual, based on a more risky lifestyle tourists, but must also ensure that the minimum liability insurance. This gives athletes the opportunity to avoid paying substantial fines and amounts for treatment, if they shot down a foreign skier. It is also necessary to remember that since early November, the Austrian Consulate changed the rules for issuing visas for Russian tourists. Now, travelers who already have a valid Schengen visa will not be able to apply for the visa to Austria. However, all questions about the visa at the consulate had promised to solve individually.

The deadline for submission of visa applications to Norway this year - December 21

The Visa Section of the Norwegian embassy in Moscow to update its computer system. For this reason, the deadline for submission of visa applications to Norway this year - December 21, after which the consular section will closely upgrading their technical capabilities. Recall appointment there; for a visa to Norway are served on a first-come first-served basis, except for persons who have appointed a visit by filling out a visa application. Documents can be submitted in person or by proxy (requires authorization). Also accepted the statement, sent by courier. Royal Norwegian Embassy in the Russian Federation is located at: ul. Cook, 7 (metro "Arbat", the entrance to the visa section of the street. Most Molchanovka). Reception of documents in its Consular Section is carried out on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.00 to 13.00 in summer and 12.00 in the rest of the year. Reception of documents to the applicants fill out the form online, is on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.00 to 15.30. [Source]

Russian tourists are increasingly looking for visas to Finland

The Consul General of Finland in St. Petersburg, Olli Perheentupa made in a live TV 100 TV. The theme of the meeting was the 70 anniversary of the Russo-Finnish conflict, but the diplomat turned his attention and relevance in the current topic - in particular, tourism and visa issues. In 2008 Russian tourists spent in Finland, a total of 595 million euros, up 27% more than in 2007. Entire country was visited by approximately 6.1 million foreigners, the number of intersections of the Finnish border by Russian citizens (both sides) had reached 5 million. According to the consul, annually Finland takes over 2 million tourists from our country, with 70% of them - those from North-West region. To date, the Consulate General of Finland in St. Petersburg has already issued since the beginning of the year about 550 thousand visas, 90% of them - multiple. Olli Perheentupa said that, despite the difficult economic situation, these figures exceed those for last year. However, with the increasing popularity of holidays in Finland are not decreasing and the queue outside the consulate. Olli Perheentupa clarified that the Consulate-General is considering the possibility of introducing writing to filing, but stressed that this is only a hypothetical possibility, since the consulate, on the other hand, wishes to make the process of obtaining visas for Russian tourists more comfortable. In Moscow, a preliminary record for filing is long overdue. Currently, the closest free date - 21 December. However, the flow of applicants Finnish visas in Moscow is much less than in St.

Comes the last day for filing on `New Year` visa

Day by day increasing the queue at the consular services. Visa Sections of tour operators have reported that currently the most tense situation in the consulates of Germany, Austria, Finland and the United States. A week later, heat will increase even more. According to tour operators, the difficulties in working with the consulates are not: if the documents are submitted in advance, then no problem. Nevertheless, tour operators, and consulates are urged to tourists not to delay the filing of applications for visas. The site of one of the tour companies even said that if the securities will not be filed on time, the cost of visa processing has greatly increased. However, in the office of the publication called "preventive" - ??"for discipline," according to IP Bank ". According to data from the November 30, the closest entry to the filing by private persons for registration of individual visas in Moscow made the U.S. Consulate - December 24, Austria - December 21, Germany - December 17. In these cases, each "extra" day can be critical in order to have time to travel to the New Year. In addition, the Visa Section of the Norwegian embassy in Moscow to update its computer system. For this reason, the deadline for submission of visa applications to Norway this year - December 21, after which the consular section will closely upgrading their technical capabilities. Much better situation in other European consulates (Hungary: December 7, Italy: December 2, etc.), but here turns soon increase.

India, Singapore and the U.S. changed the visa requirements

Just three countries have changed before New Year's vacation requirements for visa application - the U.S., Singapore and India. In the embassies together with the approach of December growing queue for filing. Consular Section U.S. Embassy has announced that from December 1, introduces visitors to Moscow a new form of electronic application for a tourist visa. St. Petersburg, these changes will overtake on December 6, and Yekaterinburg - from 7. In the questionnaire, the number of questions, however, according to BANKO, it's the same questionnaire that was filled for some time tourists resubmitted to the U.S.. Since early December, it just spread to tourists, the first gathering in the United States. Embassy of Singapore from 1 December refused visas and registration paper transferred to the electronic version. Confirm the permission, right of entry now is an electronic copy of a letter from the Department of Migration and control of the Republic of Singapore with a unique identification number. To do this, the tourist need to send an online application on the site of the Department and pay there taxes, which account for about 30 dollars. "E-visa in Singapore and can be issued by airlines flying to this country - Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airlines, Aviareps and the Visa center in Asia. It will be convenient for travelers who prefer not to pay by credit card and cash. True, the cost of this service is 1500 rubles, not counting the 600 rubles a fee for entry.

Russian tourists in India are not needed

Regular news from the Indian Consulate on visa policy changes quickly bypassed travel forums - now travelers from Russia visa can not be opened immediately after the expiration of the old - new entry permit will be given only one month, reported on December 3 in the center of the Indian consulate visa. It is a three-month visas to visit the right one, so that tourists who wish to relax twice per season on the beaches of Goa are automatically deprived of the opportunity to get to a favorite place or at the beginning or end of the season. Experts believe that such innovation will deprive India of certain tourist flow and cause similar severity to those who frequent a country with a clearly tourists. We recall that only in late November, the Indian consulate has changed the requirement to form - now they only need to complete the website and be sure to specify the name and surname of the mother tourists. Indian consulate recently often unpleasantly surprised by Russian tourists by additional requirements. At this pace the Indian questionnaire will soon reach the size of the British and paketdokumentov required to obtain visas, threatens the volume closer to Schengen. In addition, there are unjustified refusals to issue visas to single women. Thousands of tourists have to look in the forums and tour agencies fictitious couples to be able to relax on Goa. At the same time that they can think of such a journey relatives and friends, not to mention the husbands of these tourists, the Indian side, of course, not interested.

Russians were not warned about the new rules of transit through Poland

Russian tourists, transit through Poland, became victims of the visa mess. August 12 came into effect new rules for transit through Polish territory, but Russian citizens are not warned about this. As a result, several bus with Russian tourists stood day on both sides of the border, and only on August 13 Russian diplomats succeeded in resolving an unpleasant situation, according to Channel One. They agreed with the Polish authorities that before September 1 for the Russian citizens will operate the old system of transit. Earlier it was reported that since August 1, 2006 came into force on the decision of the European Parliament the EU on simplification of the transit route through Poland. Innovation differs significantly from the old rules that now Poland allows visa-free transit through its territory, not only those with visas neighboring countries, but also with the visas of all member states of the EU. In addition, from now on transit must be secured in the period of the visa or residence permit the country of destination. The first channel

On the Finnish border visa will be checked robots

Experiment on the automatic border control started at the Finnish-Russian border in paragraph Vaalimaa. For the first time on the border with Russia visa for tourists will test robots. Readout system of biometric data, coded in the chip passports of new generation has been tested and is working well at the airports of Great Britain and Portugal. Since 2008, it operates in the Helsinki Airport. Occurs such border controls are very simple. Machine with a camera photographing tourists, and compares the image data contained in the passport chip. Simultaneously, the robot checks for a visa or a residence permit and conduct an automated interview. Finnish border guards reported that the first phase of an automatic control system will apply to travelers from countries of the Schengen area and to "famous people" - trustworthy tourists, often crossing the border and well-known border. Recall that the State Duma of the Russian Federation should, on Friday, December 11, to consider the third reading amendments to the Law "On procedure of exit and entry of Russia into the Russian Federation", which proposed to introduce a ten-year period of validity of passports containing a digital media storage. In this case, tourists will be able to select exactly what they take your passport - valid for five or ten years. State fees for issuance of passports will be raised to 1200 rubles for citizens 14 years and up to 2000 rubles for the rest. Automatically control the tourists are not only at border crossings, but also at airports.

Visa Europe may have already been abolished in 2010

Talking about the cancellation of the visa regime between Russia and the EU is already more than six years, but until now visa-free entry into Europe has remained elusive for our tourists bright future. Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said that visas for the Russians may be canceled European Union in 2010. In an interview with Russia Today TV channel Franco Frattini, suggested that questions about the liberalization of visa regime between Europe and Russia will finally be resolved, as will now be decided by qualified majority vote rather than by the principle of unanimity. Italy, the minister said, will be able to make a proposal for visa-free travel for Russians in the EU, and is a sufficient majority to ensure that this proposal has already been implemented in the coming year 2010. It should be noted that the 1 January 2010 the EU presidency will be Spain, as the country is also quite sympathetic to the Russian tourists. Recall that in 2009 the Spanish consulate started issuing our travelers semiannual multiple Schengen visa and Spain won, many tourists are happy to go to open a visa and returned to this country again. Now tourism forum discussed yet officially confirmed the information about what to January 1, 2010 visas to Spain will be issued to tourists for more simplified scheme, a certain "favorite travel agent." However, news about the possible abolition of visas in the EU interrupting all possible "relief". Back in late October, the EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner said that Europe could not yet name specific timing of such a project, but did not deny that this problem is strategic.

Get a French visa has become more difficult

August 9 in the consulate of France came the announcement that, starting from August 10 to end months of diplomatic mission limits the submission of visa applications from the bus tour companies in one group per day. And failing to establish high-quality and uninterrupted operation of its establishment, the French first increase since July period of issuance of their visas, but in peak season - in August, just decided to weed out the part numbers of tourists, so do not bother redundant processing and headache of the competent organization of the visa process . Fortunately, the peak season has already passed: Travel all the August arrivals had already not only close but also to pass on the visa. But the September season was less fortunate. Representatives of tourist companies reported that demand for Russian tourists in France is growing, but to arrange additional tours will fail because of the situation with visas. It is believed that the French Embassy so decided to deal with illegal immigrants, falling to France, buying a ticket to an inexpensive bus tour. Turprom

In the United States will be issuing e-passports.

On Monday, U.S. State Department began issuing passports with electronic chips. In the new American identity cards are special chips that contain the same information as in the paper version of the document: name, date of birth, sex, picture, etc. to read these data can be through electronic scanners. According to executives, innovation will greatly speed up the work at the checkpoints at airports and border posts. I venture Washington has plenty of opponents. Experts say that information on the chips can be fairly easy to obtain in the handicraft conditions and stored in computer memory (although the change data and can not). The government, in turn, insists on the safety and convenience of their products based on special tests. However, no matter how secure electronic passports, they have one serious disadvantage - relatively high cost. Citizens will have to shell out just $ 97 for such a document. 3dnews.ru

100000th visa to Bulgaria will be issued in Moscow

In the consular department of the Bulgarian Embassy in Moscow, preparing to give one hundred thousandth the visa, according to GSS. corr. Travel.ru quoting the press release of the embassy. The visa will receive a 16-year-old resident of Kaliningrad Nikita Bezmaternykh which goes to the Bulgarian resort of Golden Sands. "Anniversary" visa will be presented to Nikita in a solemn ceremony by representatives of the consular department of the Bulgarian Embassy in Moscow on the eve of his departure. Specialists, relying on statistics, seeing an increase in tourist flow to Bulgaria. Only in July this year in Moscow issued 31,913 visas, which exceeds by 23.12% the number of visas issued during the same period in 2005. It should be noted that in 2005 one hundred thousandth the visa was issued consular section in Moscow until December. travel.ru

Visa to Poland via the Internet

Since April 2010 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland will implement all consular offices in Ukraine to apply for a visa through the Internet. As deputy director of consular department of the Polish Foreign Minister Wlodzimierz Zdunovsky that the Internet will be available online form that can be filled online and immediately determine the date of filing of documents directly to the consulate. Online form will automatically point to errors in the questionnaire, and will be immediately recorded in the electronic system of the consulate, which will accelerate the issuance of visas. Documents after filling out online forms you can take personally or sent by mail. In a personal submission, assured the Ukrainians do not have to wait in the queue. "To be determined at the time to file documents for every half hour," - said Zdunovsky. Foreign Ministry spokesman also said that under the new procedure will not be problems that were at the time of the introduction of online registrations to surrender documents to the consulate earlier, when some outsiders are "breaks" into the system. So-called e-consulate has already successfully operating in Russia, where, for example, in Moscow on 60% of visas issued under his mediation. A similar procedure as the experiment has been implemented in the Polish Consulate in Lutsk. Ministry of Poland also plans to introduce a form of e-voucher when the tourists who come to Poland, will not have to provide confirmation of hotel booking, transportation and other documents, but only confirmed tourist company.

Russian Foreign Ministry will decide on transit travel through Poland

In the consular department of the Russian Foreign Ministry sent a formal letter to the Russian Union of Travel Industry (PCT) to help resolve the problem of validity of Schengen visas in the case of transit travel through the countries of Eastern Europe. According to the report of the PCT, should decide the issue on a bilateral basis, if it goes beyond bilateral relations and to assist in resolving the issue of visas to the appropriate category of tourists to date, including the journey time in transit through Poland. We remind you that on the night of August 12, aggravated the situation with the transit through Poland after the Polish-German and Polish-Belarusian border were detained by bus with Russian tourists. In turn, the PCT said that Russian citizens in accordance with an agreement between Russia and Poland with valid tickets or other documents proving the transit purpose of travel, can follow in the Schengen countries through the territory of Poland without a transit visa, staying on it for five days. travel.ru

Raising taxes on the passport has caused excitement

Increase registration fee for issuing biometric passports, scheduled from January 29, caused a stir in the passport and visa services of the Russian Federation: not wanting to pay 2,5 thousand rubles, Russians lined up in long queues to get a "pass over the border" for a thousand rubles , the correspondent of RIA Novosti in various regions of Russia. "Small, but three" People started to take place at 6.30 am, despite the 25-degree frost, and that the official reception of documents starts at 11 am. In the morning was a terrible crush, no room to swing a cat "- told RIA Novosti resident Petrozavodsk Vlad Rusakov, defended in line 2.5 hours. According to him, the local visa and registration office, "going to meet the workers decided to start work at 9 am. Officers strongly recommend that citizens reject the idea of ??a five-year biometric passport for a thousand rubles, and submit the documents after the first day of February in a relaxed atmosphere that after March 1, to obtain a passport is valid for 10 years. Some took the documents even manages to convince citizens, said the head of the Karelian department of the Federal Migration Service (FMS), Tatiana Zhurahovskaya. "Since the beginning of this week, the number applying for passports has increased by about 30% - 50%. If the usually recorded up to 70 people a day, now some 100 people," - she said. A representative of the Federal Migration Service in St. Petersburg and Leningrad region reported that the flow of customers in the passport and visa services in the region in January grew by several times on the shoulders of management laid down a big load. "Yes, always long queues.

FMS: Issuing passports old sample from March 1, will not stop

Told "Interfax" the head of international and public relations FMS Constantine Poltoranin.Po him, the information disseminated on the eve of the central mass media do not correspond to reality, and the usual old-style passports valid for five years, will not cease to issue from March 1 . Government Decree of 19 January on the order of blank passport of the Russian Federation, the diplomatic passport of the Russian Federation and service passport of the Russian Federation, the identity of a citizen of the Russian Federation outside the territory of the Russian Federation, containing electronic media "was published in Rossiyskaya Gazeta . In comments to the document states that from March 1 "for the foreign, diplomatic and official passports established strictly concrete form." In particular, states that from March 1, Russian citizens will not be able to choose the type of passport (with electronic support or without) in its design. [Source]

Czech Republic changed its visa and banned the transit

Czech Visa Center has informed tourists about the change in the cost of the visa fee, a set of documents required for visa issuance and cancellation of transit visa type "B". On February 1, 2010 tourist who plans to visit the Czech Republic with the purpose of transit to a third country, must apply for a visa category "C", ie, short-term travel, reads an advertisement on the website of the Czech Visa Service Center. In addition, from January 18 came into effect a new tariff of consular fees, cost of short-term visas for Russian tourists will be 1,540 rubles, and express visa will cost the Russians in 3080 rubles. Service fee from tourists for the processing of documents is unchanged and amounts to 1000 rubles. From 1 January 2010 changed the rules and the provision of health insurance policies. So, the tourists have to provide before getting the short tourist visa medical insurance policy with the document on payment of the insurance payment, that is, with a check. Medical insurance should include costs associated with transportation of the insured or his remains home, and without participation of the insured in the above costs. Health insurance can be obtained only by accredited insurance companies listed on the site or the policies issued in the Czech Republic if they meet all the requirements for insurance policies issued by the Russian Federation. Despite statements about the imminent simplification of visa regime, the requirements of European consulates and visa centers in the feed to the Schengen visa documents, complicated time of times.

From February 1, Finland stop to let tourists with a visa in invalid passport

Since February 1, 2010 to enter Finland with a valid visa in invalid passport will be impossible. Situation where, for example, the paper ran pages for affixing stamps or visa is still valid, and the period of the passport has expired, etc., is widespread enough. Usually the tourists in such cases provide two passport: invalid visa and the new without a visa. However, from February 1 this practice on the border of Finland come to an end. On the future innovation Consulate of Finland has announced a long time: either through the media, and directly into the walls of the diplomatic mission at the information stands. It is worth noting that for different countries, and even to the Schengen agreement, there is no single rule in this regard. So, categorically denied entry visa in invalid passport border services in Greece, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden and Estonia. In this case, with two passports - one real, but without a visa and a second void, but with a valid visa - agree to let foreign border services Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia and France. It is important to understand that in each case the decision will be taken the border guard, based on a number of other factors. [Source]

2010 - the last opportunity to visit Croatia on easing visa regulations

In 2012, Croatia plans to join the European Union and enter the Schengen Agreement. Told a press conference in Moscow said the ambassador of Croatia in Russia, Nebojsa Koharovich. Thus, the upcoming summer season will be the last, when Croatia will offer Russian tourists easing the visa regime. The summer of 2011 the country will be ready to join a new status for himself, so she will have to prove to other members of the European Union and the Schengen security of their borders. Commenting on the upcoming changes in visa regulations, the director of the Croatian Tourist Office in Russia Mladen Falcone suggested that the Russian interest to his country, not only did not decrease, but, conversely, will increase. With the accession of Croatia to the Schengen area tourists will one visa to visit also the neighboring countries - such as Italy and Slovenia. In 2008, the decline in tourist flow from Russia to Croatia fixed at 23%, while the average activity of tourism in Russia fell by 18%. Our travelers is 3% of the total number of foreign tourists in Croatia. Most visitors come here from Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Austria and the Netherlands. The most popular Croatian tourist region of Istria is from Russia. It is visited by 25-30% of all Russians, who come to Croatia. Increasingly, our compatriots choose holidays on yachts, including luxurious, with spacious cabins and a 5-star service. Also, in recent years, Russian tourists are discovering the islands and central Croatia. Charters from Russia arrive in the town of Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik.

In Krasnodar will be possible to issue a visa to Italy

In March 2010, in Krasnodar will be open visa center on processing of documents for tourists traveling to Italy. The Centre will operate on the basis of bank Intesa Sanpaolo, ". Apply here for a visa will be able to residents throughout the Kuban. In addition, there will also be available on the system of payments tax-free. Currently only works in Krasnodar Honorary Consulate of the Italian Republic (str Stavropol, d. 134), which is not involved in visa processing. Those who want to visit Italy, the region's residents should contact the Consular Section of the Embassy in Moscow. [Source]

For the summer season, Croatia once again makes the rules of entry

According to the Consular Service of the Republic of Croatia in Russia in 2010 will continue the practice of visa-free entry into the country for Russian tourists. Travelers will visit Croatia for up to 90 days without visas, vouchers, invitations (you must have a valid until the end of travel passport) in the period from April 1 to October 31. Last year, the visa-free period begins May 1. In the regular visa regime with Croatia for Russian citizens to enter a period not exceeding 90 days for tourism or private visit is not required to issue a visa if travel agency voucher confirming the booking the hotel. In the case of a private visit to need the original invitation, certified in the visa department of the police in the community sponsor. In all other cases, a visa must register in advance at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Croatia in Moscow. To this end, the applicant provides a number of documents; validity of passport should be at least 3 months after the end of the trip. However, the rejection of vouchers in the summer is not much helped the tourist business in the country. According turofisa Croatia, for the last season of tourist flow not only increased, but significantly, to 23% decrease. However, simplification of visa regime could stimulate the growth of demand in the segment of individual trips, as the tourists were able to refuse the services of tour operators and book accommodation yourself. Besides the Russians, the right to visa-free entry into Croatia in the summer season will receive tourists from Ukraine, Belarus, China and Japan.

To issue new passports with chips will begin in Moscow on March 1

Registration of a new generation of passports with embedded chips that are valid for 10 years, will begin in Moscow on March 1, 2010, said on Wednesday, deputy chief of management of FMS in Moscow, Vladimir Ivanov. "Making a new generation of passports with embedded chips, with a validity of 10 years will begin from March 1, 2010. Passports old sample will be processed in the same manner and will operate for five years," - "Ivanov said. According to him, the need for a replacement of the old passport to the next is not necessary. As noted by Ivanov, processing technology for biometric passports and nothing changes, so there is no reason to talk about what may malfunction in the system. On January 29, 2010 duty on registration of passports are as follows: 1,000 rubles - for a new passport and 2,5 thousand rubles - a biometric. The new passport security element will be located in the upper right corner of the second page and will be made in the form of a circle of metallized film diameter of 19 millimeters. In addition, the structure of the film is formed and additional image of the passport holder, which can be seen from different angles. Also in the plans of FMS - add a new passport information on the cornea of ??the eye and fingerprints. This will protect the document against forgery. [Source]

Consulate of the Czech Republic has given the Russians a record low number of visas

During 2009, the Consular Section of the Czech embassy in Moscow issued a little more than 170,000 different kinds of Schengen visas, which is 28% less than in 2008. Most of the visas (over 132 thousand) has been issued through the travel company, accredited to the Czech Embassy. Commenting on these figures, representatives of the Czech Tourist Office told Interfax that the reasons for such a sharp fall in the number of visas issued consider the financial and economic crisis, as well as the presence of many travelers multivisa or Schengen visas issued by the embassies of other countries. Interestingly, neither crisis nor a growing number of multivisa not interfere with the consulates of other countries to fix a much smaller drop in tourist traffic, or even its growth. Thus, the Norwegian General Consulate in Murmansk issued in 2009 to 8% more visas compared with 2008. The number of visas issued to diplomatic missions in Moscow and St. Petersburg for the first six months of last year decreased by 19%, but this figure is far from 28%-s performance the Czech Republic. Finland in 2009 adopted from Russia 735,926 visa applications that only 1% less than in 2008. And Estonia is even captures the unprecedented growth of demand: only in December, the consular department of the Estonian embassy in Moscow received 18% more applications than in 2008. As compared with December 2007, the number of applications increased by 30%. This is not surprising: it is the last two years to get a visa to Estonia became much easier than before.

A visa to Mexico will be given for 10 years

Citizens of Russia can now obtain a visa to Mexico for 10 years. In this case, the procedure of issuing visas is much simpler and will take no longer than two days. Told reporters in the Russian Federation Ambassador to Mexico, Alfredo Perez Bravo. "We can not abolish visas for Russians, - he said. - But we decided to give them a 5 and 10 years. It does no other country." After the attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, Mexico has tightened border controls, by process of registration of a Mexican visa for Russian citizens held until 45 days. However, in 2008 it was decided to simplify visa procedures. As a result, the tourist flow from Russia to Mexico grew by more than eight times. Played a significant role in this process and organization of the airline Transaero charter flights from Moscow to Cancun. "Airline to fly once every 10 days, from March 13, the frequency of services is once in 14 days - also said Mr. Alfredo Perez Bravo. - In September, Transaero is planning to run two flights a week in this direction." Cancun is the most popular destination among Russian tourists visiting Mexico. The average cost of tourist package to Cancun for 10 days when staying in a 4 * hotel and all inclusive system is currently 60 thousand rubles. [Source]

With the new passports do not produce abroad

The Russian Union of Travel Industry reported the first problem associated with new passports, said TourDaily.ru. In some cases, a passport can not be read chips containing biometric data, with the result that tourists are not out of the country. The paradox is that these problems arose not just anywhere, and on the Russian border. President of Russian Union of Travel Industry Sergei Shpilko said: "I think now would be very important to join forces and internal affairs agencies, and travel industry, since much of the Passport passes through the hands of employees of travel agencies, and have the ability to track, as the tourists go abroad, whether the problem or not, in order to prevent possible before high season. " The new passports will have to give the Russians since March 18. But so far none of the normative act does not specify who should bear responsibility for such failures at the border. [Source]

The EU Council has amended the provision of long-term visas for third country nationals

Council of Foreign Ministers of EU countries introduced changes in the position to grant long-term Schengen visas (for more than three months) to citizens of third countries - in order to ensure freedom of movement imposed the maximum term of validity of category "D", and based on for security reasons, according to a press release from the discussion of this issue. In accordance with the decision made third-country nationals who were granted long-term visa to the Schengen zone, are assimilated to nationals of third countries who have a temporary residence permit. They are also allowed to move freely through other Schengen countries, but within a period not exceeding three months. In accordance with previous rules third-country nationals who have received the visa category "D", are allowed to stay only in the State party to the Schengen agreement, which issued an entry visa, as well as to cross the transit of other Schengen countries only in order to reach the state in which the visa was issued . In addition, the new rules stipulates that the period of the long-term visa shall not exceed one year. Moreover, if the member states of the Schengen area, allow third-country national to stay in its territory for more than 12 months, long-term visa shall, before the expiry of its validity to be replaced by a temporary residence permit. With regard to the safety aspects of the Schengen area, then approved by the EU Council changes oblige them when issuing visas to nationals of third countries to consult in the Schengen Information System in the same manner as for the granting of temporary residence or cancellation.

St Petersburg did not give passports to issue `old 'sample

Tourists from St. Petersburg has become very difficult to issue a passport "old" sample, without a biometric chip. Despite promises by the FMS to provide the Russians to choose what kind of passport issue, wishing to get a simple passport faced with deliberate limitations. The fact that in the northern capital of Russia to issue the questionnaire to the passport without the chip can only be in one place - a single center paperwork on the street Red textile workers. And according to the regulations, promulgated at the site of the Federal Migration Service in St. Petersburg, to hand over documents on the old passport can only be 3000 900 people a week. For the great city it is a drop in the sea, especially in spring, before the high summer season. According to eyewitnesses, coupons for a passport without the chip has come to an end at 10 am, and get them, does not take place before dark, it is impossible. Speculative demand for passports due to the old model, except at their cost, is also an opportunity to enter a child's passport, not a factory on it a separate document. This reduces the cost of "certification of" the family is at least two, and even 4 times. True, according to a new Visa Code of the Schengen agreement, the child entered in the passport, the parents still have to fill out a separate form, and the Consulate will stick separate visa, that is, the blank pages of the passport will end much faster than before. But this does not stop parents - because many families go abroad for vacation once a year and not everyone is going to Europe, so that the general passport for both parent and child can save more and visa.

Sri Lanka has suddenly changed its visa requirements

Consulate General of Sri Lanka without official notification of a sudden changed the requirements for foreign passports of tourists. Now for a trip to the country require that your passport be valid for 6 months after completion of the tour. Because of changes nobody knew, some Russians have been denied visas. Earlier, a tourist passport for travel to Sri Lanka would be valid for at least 3 months. Requirements change consulate had not been made anywhere, said BANKO. The only place where you can find them - is an information system about the rules of entry into the country, which is guided by air carriers for landing passengers on board. For tourists it is not available. Experts in Sri Lanka surprised because the principles that guided the consulate, by introducing changes that are unknown. There are suggestions that the tightening of the visa regime may be associated with an increase in the number of Russian daunshifterov who use the guided tour as an opportunity to illegally stay in Sri Lanka. Recall that recently in India, in the resort state of Goa is very popular among Russian daunshifterov and tourists, began all-out identity checks from foreigners. Police and local authorities are determined to clean up the state of illegally residing and working people in other countries. And it was the Russians accused local authorities of all sins, including drug trafficking and murder. According to eyewitnesses, many Russian daunshiftery forced to leave the country, and, fearing that the police identify counterfeit documents, where many lived in India, the Russians go to other Asian countries such as Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Greek Consulate in St. Petersburg closed from 8 to 12 April

8, 9 and April 12 (Thursday, Friday and Monday), Greece and the Greek Consulate Visa Application Center in St. Petersburg will not receive a visa and are ready to issue the passport. Schedule Consulate of Greece and the visa center in Moscow is not yet known, reports from Greece greek.ru ". Previously reported that the output will be only the Easter holidays from 2 to 5 April. [Source]