Russian President Vladimir Putin
©Mikhail Klimentyev / Kremlin Pool / Keystone Press Agency / Global Look Press
Russian President Vladimir Putin has canceled the visa regime for Georgian citizens since May 15 this year. They will be able to enter the Russian Federation on the basis of a passport, a sailor’s book or a travel document to return to Georgia.
Decree of the Russian leader published on Wednesday, May 10, on the Internet portal of legal information. The document also refers to exceptional cases. A visa is required for citizens of Georgia who come to the Russian Federation with plans to work or for the purpose of temporary stay in the country for a period of more than 90 days.
Citizens of Georgia who are sent to the Russian Federation as employees of the Interests Section at the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation and their family members are issued single-entry visas for a period of three months. After accreditation, they will be able to enter Russia without visas.
At the end of 2022, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow, under certain conditions, does not exclude the abolition of the visa regime for Georgian citizens. The department clarified what the decision is can be accepted as soon as the necessary prerequisites are in place. Establishing stable ties with Georgia is in Russia’s interests, the Foreign Ministry pointed out.
Since 2012, a visa-free regime has been in effect for Russians in Georgia. A citizen of the Russian Federation can enter this country with a valid passport and stay there for up to a year. After that, you must either leave Georgia, or make a temporary or permanent residence permit.
