Possible introduction of electronic visas in Krasnodar Krai

According to the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, the possibility of introducing electronic visas for foreign visitors of Krasnodar Krai, similar to those existing in the Kaliningrad region and on the territory of the Free Port of Vladivostok, is being considered now.

“Electronic visas are new for us, we are familiarizing with them. The government decided to introduce electronic visas on the territories of the Free Port of Vladivostok and the Kaliningrad Region as an experiment which starts soon. As soon as we learn this form of work and understand how much our foreign partners are ready to act on the basis of reciprocity, we will consider your appeal”, – Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with the governor of the Krasnodar region Veniamin Kondratiev.

The introduction of electronic visas in Krasnodar Krai aims to increase the inbound tourist flow and to attract foreign investors to the region. According to V. Kondratiev, Krasnodar region actively cooperates with foreign investors: there are about 300 enterprises with foreign capital which turnover is 9 billion dollars in the region. Krasnodar Krai is also a popular tourist region where about 15 million tourists annually rest, 6% of them are foreign citizens. This year, Krasnodar Krai also hosted a ministerial meeting with German Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel and a conference of partner cities of Russia and Germany.

According to the governor of the region, the introduction of electronic visas will help to create a favorable climate for attracting tourists and foreign partners. As noted Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Ministry will shortly hold a presentation of Krasnodar Krai which will attract additional investors and help strengthen relations with foreign partners in the region.