Russians can visit Greek Islands without visa

Greek authorities have launched a pilot program under which nationals of countries outside the Schengen agreement, may from Turkey to visit such as the Greek islands of Rhodes, Kos, Lesvos and Chios without a visa, said the publication "Vesti" . Now the Russians can get permission to enter the four ports of the Greek islands. In addition, it is planned to equip Rhodes airport for visitors arriving on charter flights, in particular from Russia, could get an entry permit at the airport. According to the results of the program, which runs until 30 September 2012, the Greek authorities will make a decision on the introduction of such a program throughout the country in a few years. According to the news agency "RIA Novosti" , the number of Russian visitors has grown in Greece. In the period from January to July 2012 Consulate General of Greece in Moscow has issued Russian citizens 376,000 visas, which is 30% more compared to the same period in 2011. The Greek Foreign Ministry also notes that since the launch of the Visa Waiver Program to the Greek islands it was issued about 2,200 permits. HomesOverseas.ru