Amendments to the Federal Law of RF on Citizenship were made in June 2014. According to the amendments that come into effect in August 2014, those citizen of Russia that have double citizenship are obliged to inform Federal Migration Services. Information concealment is under administrative and criminal responsibility.
These amendments are not going to have a negative influence on citizens of South Ossetia. As for notification of RF FMS, South Ossetian side is now carrying out consultations with the Russian colleagues. As soon as the mechanism is worked out, the above mentioned citizen will get full and timely information.
Above that starting from 1 January 2015, for consistent crossing of Russian Federation state border and effective control over migration processes, entrance and exit regime for citizens of CIS countries will be done with foreign passports (except for countries that are part of Customs Union and Integrated economic area).
South Ossetia and Abkhazia do not fall under this new regulation as they are not part of the CIS. Entrance and exit for citizens of countries that have interstate agreements on bilateral visa-free regime do not require visas and retain liberal approach.
After recognition of independence of Republic of South Ossetia by Russian Federation a number of bilateral agreements were signed. In particular, on 1st February 2010 was signed an agreement between Government of Republic of South Ossetia and Government of Russian Federation on visa-free regime for citizens of Republic of South Ossetia and Russian Federation. The signed agreement specifies certifying documentation that is required for crossing state border of RSO, including Republic of South Ossetia passport. Citizens of Republic of South Ossetia may stay on territory of Russian Federation for 90 days without a visa.
Tskhinval, 1 July 2014