Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new order extending the visa-free regime to Georgian citizens who wish to enter Russia for work or stay for more than 90 days. The updated order no longer includes any exceptions.
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In May 2023, Putin issued an order to cancel the visa regime for Georgian citizens that had been introduced in 2000. However, the previous version of the document included a reservation for citizens entering Russia for work or for temporary stays of more than 90 days, including for educational purposes.
In June, the proposed Georgian party Solidarity for Peace appealed to Vladimir Putin, requesting the complete cancellation of the visa regime between Georgia and Russia. The party also demanded an amnesty for those who violated the rules regarding their stay in Russia before the easing of the visa regime.
Davit Tsetskhladze, the head of the Georgian diaspora in Russia and a recent member of the Inter-National Relations Council under the Russian President, also called for the complete cancellation of the visa regime.
Georgian citizens were allowed to enter Russia without a visa starting on May 15, 2023. Until then, entry into the Russian Federation without a visa was permitted for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for diplomatic, service, private, business, tourist, humanitarian purposes, and short-term study. Additionally, in May 2023, Putin's decision mandated that Russian airlines lift the ban on flights to Georgia, which had been imposed in 2019.
