Special restrictions on Turkish citizens: past and present

This page is for Turkish citizens looking for answers to questions such as "Is there a work ban on Turks in Russia?" or "Why do Turks travel with a visa?" Russia adopted a series of special economic measures against Turkey at the end of 2015. Most of these measures were lifted in 2016–2017; some are still in force today. Below, based on official texts, you will find out when each measure was adopted, which ones were lifted, and what currently applies to you.

• By Presidential Decree No. 583 of 28 November 2015, Russia adopted "special economic measures" against Turkey. The main measures were:
  • prohibiting or restricting the import into Russia of certain goods originating in Turkey; the list was to be determined by the Russian Government
  • prohibiting or restricting organizations under Turkey's jurisdiction from conducting business and providing services in Russia
  • prohibiting employers from hiring Turkish citizens as of 1 January 2016 (except for employers on the Government's list)
  • suspending, as of 1 January 2016, the mutual travel agreement dated 12 May 2010 with respect to holders of ordinary passports
  • restricting tour operators from selling tours to Turkey to Russian citizens
  • instructing the Government to prohibit charter flights between Russia and Turkey
• By Resolution No. 1296 of 30 November 2015, the Russian Government determined the list of agricultural products originating in Turkey whose import into Russia would be prohibited as of 1 January 2016.

• 30 June 2016, Decree No. 314: the restriction on selling tours was lifted. The Government was instructed to take measures to lift the charter flight ban.
• 31 May 2017, Decree No. 244:
  • the ban on hiring Turkish citizens was lifted
  • the restriction on Turkish organizations conducting business and providing services in Russia was lifted
  • the visa-free regime was partially reinstated: Turkish airline crews, as well as holders of service passports and their family members arriving for short-term assignments, were exempted from visas subject to reciprocity
  • the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was instructed to notify Turkey that the agreement had been partially reinstated
• 2019: the exceptions to the visa-free regime were revised by Decree No. 39 of 6 February 2019 and Decree No. 357 of 25 July 2019. The current exceptions are set out in the section below.
• Agricultural products: most of the products on the list under Resolution No. 1296 were removed in 2016–2017.

• Visa requirement: the suspension of the 2010 visa-free travel agreement for holders of ordinary passports remains in force. Therefore, holders of ordinary passports travel to Russia with a visa (see R1.1).
• According to the current text of Decree No. 583, the suspension does not apply to:
  • Turkish citizens holding a temporary residence permit (РВП) or residence permit (ВНЖ) in Russia
  • officials assigned to Turkey's embassy and consulates in Russia who hold valid service or special passports, and their family members
  • Turkish airline crews
  • Turkish citizens traveling to Russia with valid service or special passports, subject to reciprocity
  • professional drivers engaged in international road transport, subject to reciprocity
• According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, holders of special and service passports are visa-exempt for 30 days, provided that they do not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period; diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for 90 days.
• Holders of ordinary passports may also travel with an electronic visa: it is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance and permits a stay of no more than 30 days from entry (see R1.2).
• Imports: today, only fresh or chilled tomatoes remain on the list under Government Resolution No. 1296. Quantities permitted by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture are outside the scope of this ban. Goods brought for personal use in quantities permitted under the rules of the Eurasian Economic Union are not covered by the decree.

• There is no special work ban for Turkish citizens. The hiring ban was lifted on 31 May 2017.
• Turkish citizens are subject to the same rules as other foreigners who enter with a visa:
  • general work permit and quota (see R3.1)
  • highly qualified specialist (ВКС) status (see R3.2)
  • employment by accredited IT companies (see R3.3)
• The patent issued to visa-free foreigners does not apply to Turkish citizens because Turkish citizens enter with a visa (see R3.1).
• The special restriction on Turkish companies conducting business and providing services in Russia was also lifted in 2017. For company formation rules, see R9.4.
• Türkiye is not included in the Russian Government's list of "unfriendly countries" dated 5 March 2022 (Resolution No. 430-р) (see R9.4).

• If you are traveling with an ordinary passport, obtain a visa: an e-visa for a short visit and a consular visa for a longer stay and employment.
• If you have a residence permit in Russia, the suspension of the visa-free regime does not apply to you.
• If you are looking for work, do not think, "I cannot work because I am Turkish." The obstacle is not nationality but having the correct type of permit.
• Make sure your employer chooses the appropriate route for you (general work permit, ВКС, or the IT facilitation).
• Do not work with a tourist or business visa. Regardless of nationality, this is grounds for a fine and deportation (see R2.5 and R3.5).

• Looking at news reports from 2016 and assuming that Turks cannot work in Russia.
• Assuming that the visa-free regime granted to service or special passport holders also applies to ordinary passports.
• Assuming that it is possible to stay for more than 30 days with an e-visa.
• Paying an intermediary for a patent application. Patents are not issued to Turkish citizens.
• Trying to bring products on the list, such as tomatoes, for commercial purposes without obtaining permission.

• Is there a special work ban on Turks in Russia? No. The ban introduced in 2016 was lifted on 31 May 2017. Turkish citizens are subject to the same rules as other foreigners who require visas.
• Has visa-free travel for holders of ordinary passports resumed? No. The suspension provision appears in the current Kremlin text of Decree No. 583. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye also states that holders of ordinary passports are subject to a visa requirement. Follow changes on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa page.
• I have a ВНЖ in Russia. Do I need a visa? Under Decree No. 583, the suspension does not apply to Turkish citizens holding an РВП or ВНЖ. Make sure your documents are valid before traveling.
• I am a truck driver. Do I need a visa? The decree excludes professional drivers engaged in international road transport from the suspension, subject to reciprocity. Clarify the documents required in practice with your employer and the Russian consulate.
• Can Turkish companies operate in Russia? Yes. The special restriction on Turkish organizations was lifted in 2017. For company formation and tax rules, see R9.4.

• Kremlin – Decree No. 583, current text
• Kremlin – Decree No. 244 (31.05.2017)
• Decree No. 244, official publication (PDF)
• Kremlin – Decree No. 314 (30.06.2016)
• Decree No. 314, official text (PDF)
• Government Resolution No. 1296 – list of prohibited products
• Government Resolution No. 430-р – list of unfriendly countries
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye – visa requirements applicable to Turkish citizens