A new U.S.-Russia visa agreement to facilitate entry into the two countries by business travelers and tourists will take effect Sept. 9.

The U.S. embassy in Moscow indicated that U.S. and Russian travelers "will be eligible to receive visas valid for multiple entries during a period of 36 months." Other adjustments include commitments to shorten visa processing times for travelers from both countries, a reduction to $20 from $100 in the issuance fee the United States charges Russians for business and tourism visas (the $160 application fee was unchanged) and a bump up to six months from 90 days the limit on how long a U.S. traveler can stay in Russia.