6 Feb 2019 15:51

Russia to use electronic visas more widely - Putin

MOSCOW. Feb 6 (Interfax) - Electronic visas can be used more widely, but the interests of law enforcement agencies and the special services need to be taken into account, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Of course, we need to begin using electronic visas more widely. We're working on it," Putin said at a plenary session of the forum Delovaya Rossiya on Wednesday.

"Electronic visas are the right decision, we will definitely be moving in that direction," he said.

Foreigners coming to St. Petersburg on tourist vessels can visit the city without visas, Putin said. "This experience should be generalized and broadened. This can be done in the Far East and other regions," he said.

Security also needs to be taken into account, Putin said.

"We live in a complex world. We have to understand that foreign visitors' enthusiasm is not shared by these states' authorities," he said.

Many foreigners came to Russia "disguised as fans" and tried to enter neighboring states, including EU countries, Putin said.

"Our relevant agencies had to work intensively in close contact with their colleagues from these states to prevent undesirable elements from entering neighboring countries," he said.