Putin’s Visit to Japan Could Result in Easing of Visa Regime - Reports

A decision to ease the visa regime between Russia and Japan could be announced during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Japan this month, Japanese media report.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The maximum period of three years that long-term visas are currently issued for could be increased to up to five years, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper said on Friday, citing anonymous sources.

Earlier this week, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that Japan was seeking to broaden visa-free exchanges with Russia to include representatives of the Japanese business circles in the list of eligible individuals.

Currently, only Japanese citizens who had previously lived on the disputed islands of Shikotan, Habomai, Iturup and Kunashir, or their relatives, can visit the area without a Russian visa.

The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said on Thursday that visa-free travel to the four Southern Kuril Islands could be allowed for Japanese businessmen, which would boost joint economic improvements in the area.

Asahi Shimbun reported on Friday that the easing of the visa regime between Japan and Russia is in Moscow’s interests that it could help strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Earlier this month, Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said that measures on the simplification of the visa regime between Russia and Japan may be announced during the upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Japan.

Putin is expected to visit Japan on December 15. The countries are expected to sign agreements in a wide range of areas, including economy, culture, science and humanitarian issues.