Visa-free between Turkey and Russia to start on April 16

Turkish and Russian nationals will be able travel between the two countries without obtaining a visa.

Turkey and Russia signed an agreement on May 12, 2010 in Ankara to enable Turkish and Russian nationals travel without visa requirements. The agreement will take effect as of April 16, 2011.

The visa-free period between Turkey and Russia is expected to have positive outcomes both in trade and contractor services as well as tourism.

Actual 26.2 billion USD foreign trade volume between Turkey and Russia is expected to amount to 40 billion USD in one year after removal of visa procedures.

The implementation is also expected to make a significant rise in number of Turkish and Russian tourists.

The deal paves the for 30 days of visa-free travel within a 90-day period.