Russia Cancels Visa Regime for Georgian Citizens Starting Today

Starting from May 15, 2023, Russia will cancel the visa regime for Georgian citizens, with the exception of those entering the Russian Federation for employment purposes.

The relevant decree from the President of the Russian Federation was published on May 10 on the legal information portal.

The document stipulates that “from May 15, 2023, Georgian citizens will enter and leave the Russian Federation without a visa based on valid identity documents.” Exceptions are made for “citizens entering the Russian Federation for the purpose of conducting work activities or for a duration exceeding 90 days, including for the purpose of obtaining education.”

According to the decree, from May 15, Georgian citizens heading to Russia will be granted a one-time entry visa valid for three months as employees or family members of the employees of the Swiss embassy in Georgia representing its interests.

After accreditation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, these individuals will enter and leave Russia within three months without needing a visa.

The decree has come into force from the moment of signature. The President of the Russian Federation also revoked the decree from June 21, 2019, regarding the ban on air transportation between Russia and Georgia on the same date.