Russian entry requirements should be eased so foreigners can attend forums, suggests RSPP

Moscow, 30 March /TASS/. The RSPP believes that travel restrictions for foreign business representatives should be eased to allow them to attend international forums in Russia.  This is stated in a letter from the RSPP and the International Council for Cooperation and Investment (ICCI), which was sent to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Tatyana Golikova.

"Members of the ICCI and partner organisations propose that business trips be allowed to resume for representatives of large Russian companies and international offices of companies operating in the Russian Federation, provided that all epidemiological measures have been met. We propose that foreign citizens participating in international forums held in Russia be allowed to enter on existing business visas or to obtain an electronic visa for entry," the letter reads.

According to the RSPP, the proposed measures would reduce the administrative workload for both companies and government agencies, as fewer special permits would be needed, and would also allow more foreign participants to attend international events taking place in Russia, without adversely affecting the country’s epidemiological situation.

It was reported earlier that on 2-5 June 2021, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is expected to be held in person. The VI Eastern Economic Forum is planned to be held on 2-4 September 2021 on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University.

There are currently entry restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Foreign citizens can enter Russia if they are going to undergo treatment in Russian medical institutions, or to take care of sick relatives.