Russians to Receive Bulgarian Visas within 24 Hours

Bulgaria intends to reduce the length of time needed by Russians to apply for a visa to 24 hours. According to the Bulgarian government's press office, an order to this effect was signed on Monday by President Georgi Parvanov. The Bulgarian President said that the majority of Russians who visit Bulgaria are either businessmen or tourists. 'Their visits have a positive effect on the Bulgarian economy,' added the President.

Parvanov stressed that reducing the length of time needed to obtain a visa became possible thanks to the visit to Bulgaria by a Russian governmental delegation headed by President Vladimir Putin. The delegation was in Bulgaria from March 1 to 3.