The number of Russian citizens travelling to Georgia in July-September 2026, exceeding the levels recorded during Russia's September 2022 mobilisation, according to data from the Russian Federal Security Service's (FSB) Border Service. Between July and September, 660,300 Russian citizens travelled from Russia to Georgia, 43,300 more than in the same period of 2025, when the previous quarterly record was established. The figure was also 43% higher than the 461,200 recorded in the third quarter of 2022, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of partial military mobilisation. However, the mode of travel differed: 460,600 Russians travelled to Georgia by car during the 2022 mobilisation period, compared with 418,400 in the third quarter of 2026.

The increase was part of a broader rise in Russian travel to destinations considered popular among anti-war emigrants. Armenia recorded 402,300 Russian departures during the third quarter of 2026, compared with 344,700 in the same period of 2025, representing an increase of approximately 57,600 and the highest quarterly figure since 2010. Serbia received 64,800 Russian visitors, approximately 14,000 more than a year earlier, surpassing its previous quarterly record of 53,200 set in 2024. Combined, the three countries recorded approximately 1.13 million Russian departures between July and September, the highest total for the corresponding period in the 17 years covered by the available observations.

The figures have emerged amid speculation in Russia about a possible new mobilisation campaign. In the face of difficulties meeting contract-based military recruitment targets, Russian authorities were considering additional measures, including rotating reservists or launching another mobilisation wave. There were also reports of growing interest among Russian citizens in emigrating amid rumours of renewed mobilisation, with Georgia, Armenia and Serbia remaining among the preferred destinations. The FSB statistics include all recorded departures to these countries, regardless of the purpose of travel, and do not establish how many individuals relocated permanently or left specifically to avoid military service or political pressure.