Short-term visa-free travel for Sochi Olympians

Moscow - Athletes, coaches, referees and foreign delegations participating in the Sochi Olympics will enjoy short-term visa-free travel, the Russian foreign ministry said today.

Participants of the 2014 Games, need only their accreditation cards to enter Russia with a validity period of three months, the ministry’s Ambassador at Large Valery Kuzmin said.

The accreditation card will be valid from Jan 7 to April 16, 2014. As for possible visa-free travels for sports fans during the Sochi games, the decision has not been made. According to the official, Russia has adopted emergency situations response experience from former Olympics host cities like Vancouver and London.

Strict restrictions will be imposed on private vehicles during the Sochi Olympics for safety concerns, he added.