ABSTRACT
Soviet citizens need an American visa to enter the United States, and US citizens need a Soviet visa to enter the Soviet Union. The denial of a visa can, and often does, delay or force cancellation of an exchange. This is annoying for would-be travelers as well as for officials who must authorize, or not authorize, the visas. Soviet applicants for visas under exchange programs normally do not apply personally at a US consulate in the Soviet Union. The visa “game” is not pleasant for officials who administer exchanges. At times, one side or the other has chosen to retaliate for a visa denial by taking reciprocal action. Under the Fulbright Lecturer Exchange, the Soviets, since the mid-1970s, have agreed that US universities may name the Soviet professors they wish to host as lecturers, and in many cases the Soviets have sent the requested lecturers.
