MOSCOW, July 15 (RAPSI). Journalists will have to apply for a work permit for business trips to Latin American countries to ensure that the reason for their visit is clear, the Foreign Ministry's Information and Mass Media Department reported in a statement.

The ministry stated that visa-free travel agreements exist with Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Guatemala, Columbia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Peru, Uruguay, and Ecuador. Specifically, Russians may enter, leave or transit through theses countries without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period starting from the day of their first entry.

The department stressed that individuals should remember that the visa-free condition is not valid for media representatives traveling for professional purposes.

The requirements for obtaining a work permit for journalists or a business visa for Latin American countries - even in the case of short business trips - are available from the diplomatic mission or the consulate of the respective country in Moscow.

Due to the circumstances surrounding Edward Snowden's case, visits to Latin American by journalists have become more frequent lately.

The former CIA employee, who revealed details of US government surveillance programs aimed at US citizens and foreigners, fled the country and arrived in Moscow on June 23.

He has since remained in the Sheremetyevo transit area, seeking a country that is prepared to grant him asylum. Snowden may leave for a country in Latin America, and as a result numerous Russian media representatives have regularly flown to the region in the hope of making a scoop.