“Based on the principle of reciprocity, Turkey has officially informed Russian Foreign Ministry on the introduction of the so-called “journalist visa” since February 15, 2016,  for all Russian  journalists, including those who are staying in the country for a period less than 6 months,” Turkish Embassy in the Russian Federation said. They have also asked Russian news agencies to pay more attention to the new visa requirements which should be carefully considered when sending their employees to Turkey. 

However, the procedure of accreditation will remain the same for journalists in a long-term assignment for a period of more than 6 months: they may receive a working visa in the Turkish Embassy and then apply for a press card in the office.

Meanwhile, the Union of Moscow journalists called Turkish measures against Russia as “inadequate”.

“Of course, this is an inadequate measure, if Turkey has nothing to hide. This is the limitation of activities of journalists,” Interfax news agency quotes the words of the head of the Union Pavel Gusev. According to him, not all journalists can obtain such a visa, and therefore they will not be able to come to Turkey.