U.S. embassy reports reduction of the fees for issuing visas to Russians, as well as extension of a stay in the country.

      The officials expect that on September 9 the $100 issuance fee for Russia-issued U.S. visas for business or tourism (visa types B1/B2) will fall to $20. Starting from that day, successful visa applicants will be receiving the full-validity three-year visa.

      At the same time, the $160 application fee will still apply, the newsletter on the embassy's website says. The validity and fees won't change for such visa types as visas for students, workers, and journalists.

      Thanks to an agreement coming into force on September 9, three-year, multiple-entry visas will become the standard "default" terms both for Russian citizens visiting the United States and U.S. citizens visiting Russia.

      It is not necessary to take a formal invitation from a host for a business or tourism visa, although potential tourists must hold advance lodging reservations and arrangements with a tour operator, like it was before. Both sides still keep standard visa processing times under 15 days, which can be extended due to individual cases.

      According to the new regulations, American citizens now can stay of up to six months without any additional permission. In addition, "exit visas" will no longer be necessary in the case of U.S. citizens who lose their passports while in Russia.