Georgia Tightens Visa Rules with Russia

Russian citizens will no longer be able to obtain Georgian visas upon arrival in Georgia, starting from September 8, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said on August 29.

“Citizens of Russia will be able to obtain entry visas to Georgia only at Georgia’s diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad. At the same time, entry visas to Georgia will be issued exclusively on the basis of original copies of invitations,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry said.

Visas can be granted for family, business or humanitarian trips, according to the Georgian Foreign Ministry.

Russia stopped issuing visas for Georgian citizens in October 2006, following a spy row. Russia, however, was gradually lifting these sanctions throughout 2007.