Georgia Visa
Georgia might not be at the top of your list for European destinations, but this former Soviet country, located at the crossroads between Western Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Black Sea, has a lot to offer. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning landscapes, ancient history, or vibrant culture, Georgia is a unique place worth exploring
Do You Need a Visa for Georgia?
You may need a visa to enter Georgia, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. If you’re from one of the following visa-exempt countries, you can enter Georgia without a visa for tourism, work, study, or other purposes for up to one year (unless otherwise specified):
- European Union Countries (plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein)
- Others: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile (up to 90 days in a 180-day period), Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Iceland, Iran (only up to 45 days), Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Qatar, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom (British Overseas Territories), United States, Uruguay (up to 90 days), Uzbekistan, Vatican City.
Additional Exemptions
In addition to the countries listed above, here are some other cases where you don’t need a Georgia visa:
- Visa or Residence Permit Holders: If you have a visa or residence permit issued by an EU, EFTA, GCC country, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or the United States.
- Georgia Diaspora: If you belong to the Georgian diaspora but hold a passport from a country that requires a visa, you can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Diplomatic or Official Passports: If you have a diplomatic or official/service passport from certain countries.
- United Nations Laissez-Passer: Valid for up to one year.
Types of Visas for Georgia
Georgia issues several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit:
- Category A (Diplomatic Visa): For diplomats and their families visiting Georgia for official reasons.
- Category B (Special Visa): For service passport holders, foreign delegations, consular workers, and others on official business.
- Category C (Ordinary Visa): This is the most common visa, covering tourism, business, visits, humanitarian missions, etc.
- Category D (Immigration Visa): For long-term stays, such as work, study, or family reunions.
- Category T (Transit Visa): For those transiting through Georgia on their way to a third country.
Georgia eVisa
If you’re eligible for a Georgia eVisa, the process is entirely online. The eVisa allows multiple entries up to 90 days within a 180-day period for nationals from countries like Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Peru, and more. For countries like Angola, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and others, the eVisa allows up to 30 days within a 120-day period.
Applying for the Georgia eVisa
Here’s how to apply for the eVisa:
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the form and upload your passport, proof of accommodation, travel and health insurance, and proof of financial means.
- Pay the Fee: The eVisa costs $20, payable by debit or credit card.
- Wait for Processing: It usually takes about five days to process.
- Print Your eVisa: Once approved, print the electronic visa and bring it along with the supporting documents when you travel to Georgia.
Important Note
The Georgia eVisa is for short-term stays only. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for an Immigration Visa (Category D) at a Georgian embassy or consulate and then obtain a Residence Permit once you’re in Georgia.
Applying for a Georgia Visa at an Embassy or Consulate
If you’re not eligible for the eVisa, here’s how to apply for a Georgia visa at an embassy or consulate:
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the form online to make an appointment at the embassy or consulate.
- Gather Required Documents: This typically includes your passport, proof of financial means, round-trip flight tickets, travel health insurance, proof of accommodation, and passport-sized photos.
- Submit the Application and Documents: Submit in person or by mail at a Georgian diplomatic mission.
- Pay the Fee: The visa fee is €20, but you may also need to pay additional service fees depending on the embassy/consulate and bank.
- Wait for Processing: Short-term visas usually take about 10 days, while long-term visas take about 30 days.
- Collect Your Visa: Once approved, you can collect your visa in person or receive it by mail.
Georgia Visa Requirements
Here’s a quick checklist of documents you might need for your Georgia visa application:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Georgia.
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary letters, pay slips, etc.).
- Round-trip flight tickets.
- Travel health insurance covering the entire duration of your stay.
- Proof of accommodation in Georgia.
- Passport-size photos (5 mm x 4 mm, 300 DPI, taken against a white or off-white background).
- Any additional documents based on your visa type, such as employment contracts for work visas, academic records for student visas, or birth/marriage certificates for family visas.
Can You Extend a Georgia Visa?
In general, only Special and Diplomatic Visas (Categories A and B) and certain Immigration Visas (like the D3 Student Visa or D5 Investor Visa) can be extended. Extensions are typically handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Public Service Hall of the Georgian Ministry of Justice.
Georgia Residence Permits
If you enter Georgia with an Immigration Visa, you’ll need to apply for a Residence Permit, which is usually valid for one year and can be renewed annually. Within a month of receiving your Residence Permit, you’ll need to apply for a Residence Card at a local Public Service Hall.
What to Do If Your Georgia Visa Application Is Rejected?
If your visa application is rejected, you can appeal the decision by providing additional information or reapplying. Using a visa agency can sometimes improve your chances since they know the process better. However, remember that visa fees are not refundable even if your application is denied.
Conclusion
Georgia is a fascinating country with a unique blend of European and Asian influences. If you’re planning a trip, make sure to understand the visa requirements and follow the application process carefully. Whether you’re visiting for a short-term stay or planning a longer-term move, Georgia has something to offer everyone.