A special commission was assembled: why it was impossible to travel freely abroad in the USSR

TheUSSR went down in history as one of the most closed countries in the world. But it was difficult not only to enter the Union, but also to leave it.

To exercise the right to travel abroad for tourism or work, you had to obtain a special exit visa, the execution of which required a huge number of documents. And every tourist was also under close surveillance of the KGB. OBOZ.UA tells why in the USSR there was no right to free movement and how it was finally realized.

How in the USSR limited the right to leave

The first restrictions in the Union were introduced immediately after the Bolsheviks came to power in December 1917. Anyone wishing to go abroad required not only a passport (and it was issued only to certain categories of citizens), but also a special permit from the NKVD or the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs.

The procedure for leaving the USSR was finally formalized in 1925 and existed with minor amendments until the collapse of the Soviet empire.

In order to leave the country it was necessary to collect a considerable stack of documents. Thus, everyone who intended to go abroad had to fill out a detailed questionnaire, in which, in particular, to indicate the presence of relatives outside the USSR, their nationality and the right to familiarize themselves with state secrets. All this could be grounds for refusal.

A recommendation from a labor collective, party or Komsomol organization was also required. At this stage, plans could be thwarted by a boss who was not favorable to the person. Scientists, sportsmen and military men had the greatest freedom here. However, they were often refused.

In conclusion, a commission of the district party committee was gathered at the place of residence, which had to give final permission to leave. At the meetings of these commissions it reached absurdity. Thus, a person who was going on vacation to communist Bulgaria could be questioned about his knowledge of the decisions of the last Congress of the CPSU and the Party's international relations. The slightest mistake or doubt could result in a refusal. The possibility of appeal was practically non-existent. Only party functionaries or the most famous scientists or sportsmen could count on this right.

People who had to go through the procedure of registration of the right to leave described it as a huge humiliation. It was also time-consuming. The final decision depended on each, even the smallest official on the way and, as a rule, could not be appealed.

What restrictions were in effect on foreign travel in the USSR

Even those who managed to issue a travel permit, not all countries of the world were available. Thus, the countries of the socialist camp remained relatively open. However, even Yugoslavia was not recommended to visit, because it was considered the most capitalist of all the states in the orbit of Moscow.

It was almost impossible to get out to the countries of the Western world. An ordinary citizen could not even count on it. Travel to Europe, and even more so to the United States, was only allowed for party bosses, outstanding artists or athletes when they went to international competitions.

In 1965, another channel for traveling abroad was opened. The authorities allowed Soviet Jews to exercise the right of repatriation to Israel. But even here there were severe restrictions. Only about 1,500 repatriates could leave the country per year. In 1970, this quota was increased to 3000. And still people with access to state secrets, scientists and artists were not allowed to leave.

What happened to the citizens of the USSR abroad

If all circles of hell could be successfully passed, a person received a ready-made passport in his name by mail. But after that it had to be approved in the visa and registration department, paying a huge sum of money - 105 rubles. This was almost the entire average monthly salary of a citizen of the Union.

And even after leaving the country, Soviet people did not get full freedom. Only separate, clearly defined hotels were allowed for settlement. And every group - tourist or business - was assigned a KGB officer who kept track of who said what, who did what and could inform the special services on anything.

Exit visas in the Union did manage to be abolished. But it happened in 1991 - just before the collapse of the country.

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