Russia reduces visa-free stay

Russia is halving the stay of foreigners who enter the country without a visa as of January 1.

They will not be able to stay more than 90 days

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that as of January 1, 2025, foreigners who enter the country without a visa will not be able to stay on Russian territory for more than 90 days in a year. Previously, this period was set at three months within six months. The regulation concerns citizens of the former USSR.

According to the Kommersant newspaper, these changes will cover all foreign citizens who enter Russia without a visa, with the exceptions provided for by legal regulations and international agreements.

The statement published on the Foreign Ministry's website stated that "the temporary stay of foreigners who enter the Russian Federation with a visa is limited to the validity period of the visa issued, as before."

Citizens of some former Soviet republics have the right to enter Russia without a visa.