Moscow may respond to tightened visa rules for Russians wishing to visit Canada, an official spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
Canada released a new non-immigration visa application form where Russian applicants are required to give details concerning their military service including police or civil defense units and to provide information on the unit and its location where they served.
Such information is considered a state secret in Russia and its disclosure may be seen as a criminal offense carrying a 4-year prison term.
"If we fail to make any progress on the issue during the forthcoming discussion, I do not rule out that we [Russia] may respond likewise with regard to Canadians who plan to visit Russia," Andrei Nesterenko said.
The new form also requires information as to which political party the applicant belongs.
Russia and Canada have had several disputes over visa issues in the past.
In 2009, Canada refused to grant a visa to the head of the Russian upper house's international affairs committee, Mikhail Margelov, and instead issued him a temporary entry permit.
MOSCOW, October 29 (RIA Novosti)