Russia doubles maximum stay for CIS and Georgian international truck drivers to 180 days

Moscow, May 1, 2026 – Russia has doubled the maximum stay for international truck drivers from CIS countries and Georgia from 90 to 180 days, easing logistics strains amid rising trade demands. The policy shift, announced by the Federal Migration Service, allows drivers to operate longer without visa renewals, boosting cross-border freight efficiency.

This change from 90 to 180 days addresses chronic shortages in the trucking sector, where previous limits forced frequent border crossings and delays. Officials cited enhanced security protocols and digital tracking as enablers for the extension, applicable immediately to drivers with valid work permits. Industry groups hailed the move, predicting a 20-30% uptick in delivery volumes from key CIS partners like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The decision aligns with Russia's broader efforts to fortify Eurasian supply chains, potentially reducing costs for importers and exporters. While welcomed by hauliers, some experts urge monitoring for labor market impacts, as longer stays could influence local hiring dynamics in the transport industry.