Russian Embassy in Georgia: Address, Services, and Visa Information
The Russian Embassy in Georgia plays a crucial role in diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia, facilitating consular services, visas, and legal assistance for Russian citizens and Georgian nationals. However, due to historical and political developments, the embassy is no longer operational, and consular matters are handled by the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia. This guide provides comprehensive information on consular services, visa applications, and contact details for Russian nationals and travelers.
Location and Contact Information
Since the closure of the Russian Embassy in Georgia in 2008, all consular functions have been transferred to the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia. This diplomatic arrangement allows for essential services to continue without direct Russian representation.
Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia
- Address: 10 Krtsanisi Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Phone: +995 32 227 36 07
- Email: rusconsul.geo@gmail.com
- Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM (appointments required)
- Official Website: www.swissembassy.ge
Services Provided by the Russian Interests Section
Despite the absence of an official Russian Embassy, the Russian Interests Section provides essential consular services, including:
- Visa Application Processing: Handling visa requests for Georgian citizens and foreign nationals traveling to Russia.
- Passport Services: Renewal, replacement, and issuance of Russian passports for Russian nationals residing in Georgia.
- Notarial Services: Authentication of documents, affidavits, and certifications.
- Legal Assistance: Assistance for Russian citizens in need of legal help in Georgia.
- Birth, Marriage, and Death Registration: Processing civil status documents for Russian nationals.
For detailed procedures and document requirements, visit the official Swiss Embassy Georgia.
How to Apply for a Russian Visa in Georgia
Georgian citizens and other foreign nationals residing in Georgia who need to travel to Russia must apply for a visa through the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy. The steps for obtaining a Russian visa include:
- Determine the Visa Type
Russia offers various types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, student visas, and transit visas. Applicants should select the appropriate category based on their travel purpose. - Complete the Online Visa Application Form
- Visit the official Russian visa application portal: visa.kdmid.ru
- Fill out the application form accurately.
- Print the completed application form and sign it.
- Gather Required Documents
Typical documents required for a Russian visa include:- A valid passport (with at least six months validity beyond the visa expiration date)
- Passport-sized photos
- Official visa invitation (for business, work, or student visas)
- Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary (for tourist visas)
- Medical insurance covering Russia
- Schedule an Appointment
Appointments must be scheduled in advance by contacting the Russian Interests Section via phone or email. - Attend the Visa Interview
- Submit the required documents at the Swiss Embassy.
- Pay the applicable visa processing fee.
- Await processing, which may take from a few days to several weeks depending on the visa type.
- Collect Your Visa
Once approved, applicants can collect their visa from the Swiss Embassy. Ensure all details are correct before traveling.
For updated visa fees and processing times, refer to the official Swiss Embassy website.
Russian Passport Renewal and Legal Services
Russian citizens residing in Georgia can renew or replace their passports through the Russian Interests Section. The application process includes:
- Filling out the passport application form (available at the Swiss Embassy)
- Providing a valid Russian passport or proof of citizenship
- Submitting biometric photos
- Paying the processing fee
The Swiss Embassy also provides notarial and legal services for Russian citizens, including:
- Power of attorney notarization
- Birth and marriage certificate legalization
- Consular attestations
For more details, visit the Swiss Embassy’s consular services page.
Emergency Assistance for Russian Citizens in Georgia
Russian nationals in Georgia who face emergencies such as loss of documents, detention, or health crises should immediately contact the Russian Interests Section or the Swiss Embassy:
- Swiss Embassy in Georgia: +995 32 227 36 07
- Local Emergency Number in Georgia: 112 (Police, Ambulance, Fire Services)
For travel advisories and security updates, check the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.mid.ru.
Travel Restrictions and Diplomatic Relations
Due to the diplomatic tensions between Russia and Georgia, direct diplomatic relations have been suspended since 2008. However, Russian and Georgian citizens can still travel between the two countries under specific conditions.
Key Travel Updates:
- Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Citizens: Since 2012, Georgian citizens have been allowed to enter Russia without a visa for up to 90 days.
- Air Travel Restrictions: Flights between Russia and Georgia are subject to political developments and may be suspended.
- Cross-Border Entry Points: The Kazbegi-Verkhniy Lars checkpoint is the only official land border crossing between Russia and Georgia.
For real-time travel updates, check the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Conclusion
The Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia facilitates consular services, visa applications, and legal assistance for Russian citizens in Georgia. While diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia remain limited, essential services are still accessible through Swiss diplomatic representation. For up-to-date consular and travel information, always refer to the official Swiss Embassy and Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites before planning a visit or submitting applications.