Russia has extended the permitted period of stay for international road transport drivers from CIS member states and Georgia under a visa-free regime, according to a government decree published April 27.

Under the revised rules, the cumulative duration of temporary stay in the Russian Federation for citizens of CIS member states, as well as Georgian nationals engaged in international road transport, will increase to a total of up to 180 days per calendar year. Previously, the limit was 90 days within the same period.

The regulation requires affected foreign nationals to submit applications in accordance with established procedures for entry into and residence in the Russian Federation.

The Russian government decree is scheduled to take effect on June 30, 2026.

Earlier regulations had introduced a 90-day annual limit on stays in Russia for citizens of visa-free countries. Following that change, transport drivers in Armenia, a member of the CIS, had staged periodic protests, calling on authorities to engage with the Russian side to amend the rule, arguing that the limit was insufficient for international transport operations that often involve extended delays at border crossings.