Georgia

If you're planning to explore Georgia's stunning mountain landscapes, conduct business in Tbilisi's emerging markets, or pursue academic opportunities at Georgian universities, understanding the country's visa framework is essential for seamless travel preparation.

Navigating Georgia's Accessible Immigration Policy

Georgia maintains one of the world's most traveler-friendly visa policies, offering visa-free access to citizens from over 95 countries. However, specific requirements vary significantly based on your nationality, intended duration of stay, and travel purpose.

Key Traveler Categories

Whether you're planning short-term tourism to explore Svaneti's ancient towers, extended business ventures, or long-term residency applications, our comprehensive guide addresses diverse immigration scenarios with expert precision.

Professional Immigration Guidance

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia's strategic position creates unique opportunities for international travelers and investors. Our specialized team transforms complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.

Contact our expert consultants for personalized guidance through Georgia's immigration processes and maximize your travel or relocation success.

The answer depends on your nationality and travel purpose. Georgia offers visa-free access to citizens of over 95 countries for tourism and business purposes, making it one of the most accessible destinations globally.

Visa-Free Countries (Up to 365 Days)

Citizens of EU member states, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and Ukraine can stay visa-free for up to one year. This extended period applies to tourism, business, educational, and cultural activities.

Visa-Free Access (Up to 90 Days)

• CIS countries: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan (except Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan)
• Other nations: Turkey, Iran, China, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore
• GCC countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with at least one blank page. Some nationalities can enter with national ID cards if arriving from specific neighboring countries.

Who Needs a Visa?

Citizens requiring visas include most African countries, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several Central Asian nations. Transit passengers staying airside for under 24 hours typically don't need visas.

Verification

Always verify current requirements through Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your nearest Georgian embassy, as policies can change. Diplomatic passport holders often have different arrangements regardless of nationality.

Georgia offers a diverse range of visa categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes, from brief tourism visits to extended business engagements. Understanding the specific requirements and validity periods for each type ensures a smooth application process and entry into the country.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Georgia's short-term tourist visas allow stays up to 30 days for leisure travel, while long-term visitor visas extend coverage for 90 days. Multiple-entry tourist visas are available for frequent travelers, offering validity periods up to one year with individual stays not exceeding 30 days per entry.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas accommodate various commercial activities:

• Single-entry business visas for conferences and meetings
• Multiple-entry business visas for ongoing commercial relationships
• Investment visas for substantial business ventures

Business visa validity ranges from 30 days to one year, depending on the purpose and applicant's business relationship with Georgian entities.

Work and Employment Visas

Employment visas require valid work permits and are typically issued for one-year periods with extension possibilities. Specialized categories include skilled worker visas, seasonal employment visas, and corporate transfer visas for multinational companies.

Student and Academic Visas

Student visas align with academic program duration, requiring enrollment confirmation from recognized Georgian institutions. Processing times average 10-15 business days, with multiple-entry options for students requiring travel during studies.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visas allow 72-hour stays for airport connections. Special categories include diplomatic and official visas for government representatives, and family reunion visas for visiting Georgian residents with processing times of 15-20 business days.

Standard Processing Times

Tourist visas typically process within 5-10 business days, while business visas require 7-15 business days. Work permits demand 15-30 business days for completion, and student visas generally take 10-20 business days. Peak season (May-September) may extend these timeframes by 3-7 additional days.

Visa Fees and Costs

• Tourist visa: $20-50
• Business visa: $50-100
• Work permit: $100-200
• Student visa: $30-80
• Expedited processing: Additional $25-75

Application Locations

Apply through Georgia's e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.ge or visit Georgian consulates worldwide. Major processing centers include embassies in Washington D.C., London, Berlin, and regional consular offices. Payment accepted via credit card, bank transfer, or money order.

Essential Documents

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
• Completed application form
• Recent passport photograph
• Travel itinerary or invitation letter
• Financial proof statements

Key Contact Information

Embassy inquiries: Available through official consulate websites. Processing success rate: Approximately 94% for complete applications. Visa validity ranges from 30 days to 1 year depending on type, with possible extensions available in-country.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose - tourism, business, transit, or long-term residence. Review duration requirements and entry conditions to select the correct category that aligns with your intended stay in Georgia.

Step 2: Document Preparation and Assembly

Gather essential documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6-month validity
• Completed application forms with accurate information
• Recent passport photographs meeting specification requirements
• Supporting documents specific to your visa category
• Financial evidence and travel insurance documentation

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Access the official Georgian visa portal or obtain paper forms from designated centers. Fill out all sections completely, ensuring consistency across documents. Double-check personal details and travel dates to avoid processing delays.

Step 4: Schedule and Attend Appointment

Book your appointment through the official system and arrive with all required documents organized. Submit your complete application package and provide biometric data if required by Georgian authorities.

Step 5: Fee Payment Processing

Pay applicable visa fees using accepted methods - credit cards, bank transfers, or cash payments depending on the submission location. Retain payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 6: Application Monitoring

Track your application status through official channels. Processing times vary by visa type, typically ranging from 5-15 working days. Respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation.

Step 7: Decision and Collection

Collect your visa decision notification and passport. If approved, verify all visa details for accuracy. For rejections, review grounds for refusal and consider reapplication with corrected documentation.