First non-visa Russian travelers make visits at Sokcho Port
A mutual visa exemption agreement has now gone into effect that will allow Koreans and Russians to stay in each other’s countries for up to 90 days.
The first group of non-visa travelers from Russia made their visit through the port city of Sokcho from New Blue Ocean Ship, via the Northern Passage linking Korea and Russia, marking the first visit by Russian visitors since the visa exemption between Russia and Korea went into effect on New Year's Day.
A total of 240 Russian visitors made their landing, of which 153 had a visa that was valid for 90 days, and 87 were visitors without a visa.
The visitors’ non-visa entry has been made possible following the Bilateral Agreement on Visa-Exemption between Korea and Russia, during Russian president Vladimir Putin's visit to Korea last October.
In accordance with this agreement, citizens of each country holding a general passport or travel permit can stay up to 60 days in the other country.
However, the total stay is limited to 90 days from the first day of visit, within a 180-day period. For instance, after 60 days’ stay, visitors can only visit for 30 more days during the next 120.
With the non-visa program, it is estimated that Korean visitors will save about 140,000 won (US$133), and Russians about 80,000 won (US$76) on travel expenses.
There was a brief ceremony held at Sokcho port, and a free gift was given to Mikhail Viktorovich, who was the very first visitor to step into Korea with non-visa status.
Mikhail Viktorovich said, “I come to Korea often. This visa exemption between Korea and Russia helps me a lot.” Then he added, “I plan to visit more often!”