After a general review of current entry visa categories, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it will reduce the number of available entry purposes and entry visa categories. Among the most significant changes are the following:

• The “commercial visa” category has been eliminated as it substantially overlapped with the “business visa category”; travelers who previously entered Russia on commercial visas will now need to apply for a business visa instead.
• The “technical service visa” category has been eliminated and replaced with an “installation work visa”; the “installation work visa” will incorporate a work authorization, though it is important to note that the installation activities in Russia are not yet subject to the work permit requirement.

The changes to the entry visa categories announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have entered into force on 8 February 2021.

For additional information, please contact emea@tandslaw.com.