Visa Issuances Increase Across Russia (Jan 18, 2006)
2006 Press Releases
Visa Issuances Increase Across Russia
January 18, 2006
At a press conference held at the American Center on January 18, U.S. Consul General to the Russian Federation, James Pettit discussed the growing popularity of the U.S. as a business and tourist destination. Last year over 80,000 visas were issued in Moscow and an additional 10,000 in Yekaterinburg. The trend is especially noticeable among young people, for example the Yekaterinburg Consulate expects over 7,000 students from the Ural region to participate in the summer work and travel program, more than a 30% increase over last year. Overall, the Consulate is on pace to issue 12,500 visas this year. At the same time, the refusal percentage has been declining for several years and is now about 17%.
Additionally, Mr. Pettit commented on the ongoing dialogue with the Russian government to address the process of international adoptions and ensure the best interests of the children come first.