Ukraine, Moldova abolish visa demands

KIEV, Ukraine, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Ukraine and Moldova have abolished visa requirements for each other, Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Friday.

Starting from Jan. 1, Ukrainians traveling to Moldova and Moldovan citizens traveling to Ukraine will need only their international travel passports to visit these countries, Interfax-Ukraine said.

Visas will be abolished in compliance with an agreement signed between the two former Soviet republics on May 18, 2001. The visa-free travel initiative was proposed by Ukraine, the news agency said. Ukrainian and Moldovan citizens living in areas near the border will be able to cross the border using their internal passports, it said.

Ukraine and Moldova are both members of the Russian-led Commonwealth of Independent States.