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Americans traveling to Russia face looser restrictions under a new visa agreement that the two countries reached this month.

Visas for tourists and business and humanitarian workers now allow multiple entries and stays of up to six months, and they last three years. Before the agreement, visas limited travelers to two entries and a single 30-day stay, after which the visa expired. The new visa, $180, saves considerable time and money because it reduces the need to reapply.

The agreement also does away with the requirement that travelers receive an official document issued by the Russian government — a formal invitation — but still mandates that travelers provide a voucher from a tour operator or letter from a hosting party (friend or family), and that business and humanitarian workers submit a letter from a Russia-based company.

Another complication: processing, which requires travelers to hand over their passports, is expected to take 20 business days. Travelers in a rush can apply under the old terms to receive an expedited 30-day visa.