Simplified Transit Regime between Kaliningrad and Russia to Come into Force in July

The new simplified transit regime between the Kaliningrad Region and Russia will come into force on July 1, 2003. This was announced at a press conference yesterday by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis. The minister said that after obtaining a Facilitated Transit Document (FTD), passengers' details will be sent electronically to the Lithuanian Embassy in Moscow and consulates in other cities. Consular staff will travel on all trains between Kaliningrad and Russia and will have a list of passengers intending to travel on each train. The foreign minister also announced that Kaliningrad residents will be able to receive free long-term visas to Lithuania.