Fans are seen at the 2018 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Moscow, Russia, July 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)

MOSCOW, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Russia's State Duma, or lower house of parliament, Thursday passed a bill allowing people holding the "Fan IDs" issued during the 2018 FIFA World Cup to visit Russia visa-free until the end of the year.

The initiative was taken by President Vladimir Putin after the end of the World Cup earlier this month.

Marat Bariev, a member of the State Duma Committee for Physical Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth Affairs, called the bill "another step towards democratization of the visa regime of our country."

He said the measure will facilitate visits to Russia, improve Russia's image, and contribute to the development of tourism and related industries.

To become effective, the bill has to be approved by the Federation Council, the upper house of parliament, and signed into law by Putin.

The World Cup was held in 11 Russian cities from June 14 to July 15. Football fans required the Fan IDs in addition to tickets to watch the matches.

A Fan ID holder was permitted to enter Russia without visa and stay in the country during the football tournament.