Russia waives visas for Georgia and resumes direct flights
We inform you that the President of the Russian Federation has signed decrees on the abolition of the visa regime for Georgian nationals and the resumption of flights of Russian airlines to Georgia.
The changes will come into force on May 15, 2023.
Which document introduces the changes?
- Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of 10.05.2023 N 335 "On the procedure for entry into the Russian Federation and departure from the Russian Federation of Georgian nationals" (link in Russian)
- Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of 10.05.2023 No. 336 "On Invalidation of Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of June 21, 2019 No. 287 "On Certain Measures to Ensure the National Security of the Russian Federation and the Protection of Citizens of the Russian Federation from criminal and Other illegal actions" (link in Russian)
1. Georgian nationals will be able to enter the Russian Federation without a visa.
Exception: those arriving in Russia either for work purposes or for a period of stay exceeding 90 days, which also includes receiving education in Russia.
Visa-free entry and departure are allowed based on all types of passports (travel, official, diplomatic) and Seaman ID. Leaving Russia for Georgia visa-free is additionally allowed based on a Certificate of Return to Georgia.
2. Russian airlines will resume flights to Georgia. Previously, a ban was in effect since July 2019.
Intermark comment
We would like to note that Georgian citizens still require a work visa in order to carry out work activities, therefore work patents will not be issued to them. It is still necessary to obtain a standard work permit or an HQS work permit.
We also remind that the stay of foreigners in the Russian Federation on a visa-free basis is limited to 90 days in a 180-day period.
The deadline for migration registration for Georgian nationals is 7 working days from the date of entry or arrival in a new place of stay (as per general rules).
Who is affected?
Citizens of Georgia, as well as anyone who plans to travel to Georgia from Russia or vice versa.