Russia introduces visa-free regime for citizens of Georgia

Georgian citizens will be able to visit Russia without visas, Russian airlines – to fly to Georgian airports, and tour operators – to organize tours to this country. The corresponding decree was signed by Vladimir Putin.

The migration concession will not be valid for persons entering Russia for the purpose of employment or for a period of more than 90 days.

In addition, the President of the Russian Federation declared his own Decree of 21.06.2019 No. 287 as invalid. This Decree prohibited Russian air carriers from carrying out air transportation (including commercial) of citizens from the territory of the Russian Federation to the territory of Georgia, and advised tour operators and travel agents to refrain from selling trips to this country.

“Citizens of Georgia enter the Russian Federation and leave the Russian Federation without issuing visas on the basis of valid documents proving their identity (passport of a citizen of Georgia, diplomatic passport, service passport, sailor's book, travel document for returning to Georgia), except citizens entering the Russian Federation for the purpose of carrying out labor activities or for a period of more than 90 days for a temporary stay in the Russian Federation, including for the purpose of obtaining education,” the Decree specifies.

In turn, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs canceled the recommendation to Russians to refrain from traveling to a neighboring country, said Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the department. But when visiting Georgia, tourists should take into account security aspects and exercise caution, she pointed out.

"Russian airlines carry out seven direct flights weekly from Moscow to Tbilisi and back. The flights are operated on aircraft of domestic production," the Ministry of Transport reports.