Who needs a visa for Georgia, and how do you get one?
The visa-free list, the e-visa and entry with visas from other countries.
Short answer
You need a visa for Georgia only if your country is not on the Georgian government's visa-free list, while citizens of the US, the UK, EU countries, Canada and about 90 other countries travel visa-free. Visas are applied for online through the official evisa.gov.ge portal, and by law are issued within 5 working days of the application.
Why
- The list of visa-free countries is set by Government of Georgia Ordinance No 255.
- The Georgian Foreign Ministry issues e-visas through evisa.gov.ge, so there is no need to visit a consulate.
- The consular fee for an e-visa is 20 US dollars, plus possible processing and online identity check fees.
- How long you can stay on a short-term visa depends on the type: a single-entry visa is issued for no more than 30 days, while a multiple-entry visa allows up to 90 days within 180 days.
Details
The application asks for your passport details, a photo and a passport scan, and sometimes a hotel booking and insurance. Apply 2-3 weeks before your trip. If you hold a valid visa or residence permit from the US, the UK, the Schengen area or several other countries, you usually do not need a Georgian visa and can stay for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Tip
Apply only on the official evisa.gov.ge site: intermediary websites charge several times more for the same visa.
What may differ
For work, study or long-term residence you need a long-term visa or residence permit rather than a tourist visa, and they are issued differently.
Common misconception
Russians need a visa for Georgia.
What actually happens
No, Russian citizens enter visa-free and can stay for one full year.
People also ask
- Which nationalities need a visa for Georgia?
- How do I apply for a Georgian e-visa?
- How much does a Georgian visa cost?
- How long does a Georgian e-visa take?
Sources
- Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons, Articles 6, 8 and 10Checked at:
- Government of Georgia Ordinance No 255 of 5 June 2015: list of visa-free countriesChecked at:
- Official e-visa portal of GeorgiaChecked at:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia: visa-free countriesChecked at:
Fees and the country list can change. Check them on evisa.gov.ge before applying.
Georgia visa: who needs oneRelated questions
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What happens if you overstay your permitted time in Georgia?
Overstaying in Georgia brings a fine of GEL 1,000 to 3,000 and an entry ban of 6 months to 3 years, depending on the length of the overstay.
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Is Georgia in the Schengen area, and can you enter with a Schengen visa?
Georgia is not part of the Schengen area and sets its own rules on who can enter without a visa.
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What is a Georgian D visa and how do you get one?
A D visa is Georgia's long-term (immigration) visa for people who come to work, study, reunite with family or own property.
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How much cash can you bring into or take out of Georgia?
There is no limit on how much cash you can bring in or take out, but if your cash, cheques and securities together exceed 30,000 GEL or the equivalent, you must declare them at customs.