UK Immigration News

Russia Urges UK to Relax Visas

The UK should ease visa regulations for visitors from Russia, according to the Russian ambassador.

The Russian ambassador Alexander Yakovenko indicated that easing UK visa restrictions would help to develop trade and tourism for both countries. He also added that relaxing visa regulations could strengthen ties between the two countries in a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

According to the ambassador, Russia wants to get more visitors from Britain for business, travel and tourism purposes and expects them to contribute to the economic climate. Russia has a visa-free regime with 100 countries of the world, which is now working very well.

Russia is part of the Schengen agreement under which it takes just a few days to obtain visas to participating EU countries. However, in order to get UK visas, it takes weeks, Mr. Yakovenko said. Currently business people from Russia often meet their British counterparts in Paris.

The Ambassador expected Russia to have a visa-free regime with countries in the Schengen zone, including the UK, in the next two years.

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.