The period of stay of drivers from the CIS proposed to link with the desire to join the EU

The Interior Ministry of Russia proposed to terminate the preferential 180-day stay in Russia for professional drivers from CIS countries and Georgia, if these countries decide to join the European Union. The relevant draft government resolution is published on the portal of draft normative legal acts.

We are talking about drivers who carry out international road transport and enter Russia visa-free. If the project is adopted, they will be able to stay in the country for no more than 90 days during the year.

According to the explanatory note, the proposed changes will apply to citizens of the CIS countries and Georgia if these countries decide to join the European Union.

The submission of applications for EU membership by such states does not meet the goals of the Union State and the Eurasian Economic Union and poses a threat to Russia’s national security.

In April 2026, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin increased the period of temporary stay for this category of citizens from 90 to 180 days.