Russia Extends Stay Period for Drivers from Armenia to 180 Days
YEREVAN, April 29. /ARKA/. The Russian government has extended the temporary stay period in the Russian Federation for drivers from the CIS countries and Georgia engaged in international road transport from 90 to 180 days per calendar year.
The corresponding decree, dated April 27, was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The document was published on Tuesday on the official legal information website.
"To extend the temporary stay in the Russian Federation for citizens of the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as Georgian citizens who are professional drivers engaged in international road transport, who arrive in the Russian Federation without a visa, to a total of 180 days within a calendar year, provided that such foreign citizens submit an application in the prescribed manner for entry and stay (residence) in the Russian Federation," the decree states. According to Interfax, this decree will enter into force on June 30, 2026.
Migration Restrictions in Russia and Discontent Among Armenian Truck Drivers
Starting January 1, 2025, Russia imposed restrictions on the length of stay for citizens of several visa-free countries, including Armenia, if they are entering the Russian Federation for purposes other than work. This restriction also applies to truck drivers and passenger carriers, pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance personnel, train drivers, and other categories.
They may stay in Russia for no more than 90 days per calendar year. Previously, the 90-day rule during 180 days was in effect.
Violators face sanctions in the form of an entry ban: 3 years for exceeding the stay by 90-180 days, 5 years for exceeding the stay by 180-270 days, and 10 years for exceeding the stay by more than 270 days.
Drivers' Protests and the Armenian Minister's Response
Several months later, this restriction sparked discontent among Armenian truckers. They held several protests outside the Armenian government building and also blocked traffic at the Bagratashen, Gogavan, and Bavra Armenian-Georgian checkpoints. The only land route linking Armenia and Russia passes through Georgia.
The protesters demanded that the Armenian authorities intervene and resolve the issue, as the established limit significantly complicates the work of international truck drivers. They claimed that the limit quickly expires, after which truckers were added to the register of violators and were subject to sanctions.
During one of the protests, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan addressed the protesters. He stated that the government was aware of the problem and was addressing it at the highest level within the EAEU.-0-
