Russia streamlines visa applications for Sochi Olympics

Foreigners planning to attend the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in February can obtain visas the same day they apply, Russian foreign ministry has said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov said Tuesday that the same-day visa deal is a temporary opportunity available at major Russian diplomatic missions around the world, reports Xinhua.

"In those missions abroad where the volume of visa work isn't huge, applications for spectators of the Games are accepted outside the queue," said Titov.

He added that visas can be issued on the same day, which will drastically shorten the waiting time, which normally could take several days and sometimes weeks.

The Black Sea resort of Sochi will host the 22nd Winter Olympic Games, Feb 7-23.