The flow of tourists between Brazil and Russia will grow following the introduction of visa-free travel between the countries, the Russian consulate general in Rio de Janeiro said.
A 2008 agreement between Russia and Brazil on visa-free short-term tourist travel came into effect Monday following May's talks between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
"Starting from May when the Brazilian president visited Moscow, we have constantly received phone calls and have been asked when visas for tourists will be canceled," Vice Consul Yevgeny Noskov told RIA Novosti.
The diplomat said the number of tourists between Brazil and Russia has been on the rise in recent years, and the visa-free travel agreement for tourists will be one more impetus for them.
The agreement was signed during Medvedev's visit to Brazil in November 2008.
Under the agreement, Russian and Brazilian tourists are not required visas for entry, exit, transit or stay on the territory of the other state for up to 90 days within each 180-day period from the first entry.
However, those who travel to Russia and vice versa to start a business, to seek an employment, to engage in religious or charity activities, to receive education or training, or to take part in a research, will still be required to obtain a visa.
Russians can also make visa-free visits to Argentina, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia and Venezuela.
RIO DE JANEIRO, June 8 (RIA Novosti)
