The Russian government has decided to increase the permissible stay for foreign drivers working on international routes to 180 days, up from the previous 90. The changes apply to citizens of CIS countries and Georgia entering without a visa. The decree was signed by Mikhail Mishustin and published on the official legal information portal, and will come into force on June 30, 2026.
This applies to professional drivers performing international transportation. To extend their stay, they must submit an application in the prescribed manner. In fact, the authorities are easing the regime in effect since early 2025, when a restriction was introduced for several categories of foreigners – no more than 90 days of stay within a calendar year.
These very rules caused discontent among Armenian carriers and other transport industry specialists. Violation of deadlines threatened serious sanctions: a ban on entry for 3 to 10 years, depending on the excess. The new decision should reduce risks and partially restore the usual rhythm of international logistics.