Georgian Visa and all information you need

Depending on the purpose of your trip to Georgia, there are different categories of visas that are applied based on the purpose of travel and residence. Whether you plan to go for tourism, study, work, or permanent residence, you will need to apply for different types of Georgian visas accordingly.

Any foreign citizen wishing to enter Georgia in general must first obtain a Georgian visa, which is either placed in the passport or issued electronically (e-visa). However, there are some eligible countries whose citizens are allowed to travel to Georgia without a visa. Citizens of 98 countries are allowed to enter, reside, work, and study in Georgia without the need for a visa or residence permit. Additionally, the Georgian government has approved a list of 50 other countries whose nationals can travel to Georgia without a visa for a specified period that should not be exceeded.

Types of Georgian Visas

Georgian visas can be broadly categorized as: diplomatic visas, special visas, ordinary visas, immigration visas, transit visas, and there are also individual or multiple entry visas. Georgian visas are also determined based on the duration of stay, between short-term and long-term stays. The individual entry visa allows the visitor to travel to Georgia once for a maximum period of 30 days, in line with the specified travel dates, while the total duration of stay cannot exceed 90 days within 180 days from the visa issuance.

While the short-term multiple entry visa allows consecutive visits within the specified time period, a short-term multiple entry visa can also be issued to foreigners who have visited Georgia at least once during the previous year, according to the procedures stipulated in Georgian legislation. The most important types of Georgian visas include:

1. Short-term residence visa: A Georgian visa is issued in line with the traveler’s indicated required days, for a duration of up to 30 days. A short-term multiple entry visa can be granted for a maximum of five years.
2. Tourist visa: This visa is required for traveling for tourism purposes to Georgia.
3. Diplomatic visa: This visa is issued for individuals entering Georgia for diplomatic purposes.
4. Business visa: A Georgian business visa is required when traveling to Georgia for work-related purposes, whether for business meetings, attending workshops, or professional conferences.
5. C2 visa: Individuals who wish to travel to Georgia to visit friends or for family visits must apply for a Georgian C2 visa.
6. C3 visa: Georgia visa for cultural, sports, and conference activities.
7. Georgia transit visa: Transit visas are issued to travelers who stop in Georgia to travel to third countries, and they are granted a Georgian transit visa for a maximum of 10 days.

e-Visa for Georgia

It is an electronic visa that citizens of several countries can apply for online. This document is a multiple entry visa that allows holders to visit and stay in Georgia for a short period. The e-visa was introduced in 2015 to facilitate foreign citizens’ visits to Georgia, and today, there are over 60 eligible countries for Georgian e-visas, including Egypt.

Exemption Conditions for Georgian Visa:

• International travelers holding a valid Georgian visa or residence permits specified by Decree No. 256 of the Georgian government are allowed to enter and stay in Georgia for a maximum period of 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Foreign citizens holding United Nations travel documents or specialized agency travel documents (Laissez-Passer) are allowed to enter or stay in Georgian territory without a visa for a full year.
• Diplomatic passport holders from the following countries: China, Egypt, Guyana, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Peru are allowed to enter and stay in Georgia without a visa.
• Residents of foreign countries whose citizens require a Georgian visa are allowed to cross the borders of Georgia without a visa and stay in Georgia for a period not exceeding 30 days.
• Members of international airline, railway, or maritime transportation crews.
• Travelers and passengers who need to transit through Georgia within their journey to reach another country, with a stay period not exceeding 10 days, do not require a Georgian visa.

Procedures for obtaining a Georgian visa:

Individuals who wish to travel to Georgia must obtain a Georgian visa according to the purpose of their travel, except for citizens of 96 countries who have been exempted from visas. They are allowed to enter and stay in Georgia without applying for a visa. The documents are submitted through the electronic application system or the electronic visa portal, depending on the purpose of travel. However, the required documents for application may vary depending on the visa category and the intended purpose of stay.

What documents do I need to obtain an e-visa for Georgia?

Obtaining a Georgian visa requires a set of necessary documents, and it is important to ensure the accuracy of all documents, as any document with incorrect information may lead to visa rejection. The most important documents include:

• Copy of a valid passport with at least 6 months validity before the travel date.
• Completed and signed visa application form.
• Recent colored passport-sized photograph.
• Proof of return ticket to your country of origin prior to traveling to Georgia.
• Detailed information about the place of accommodation while in Georgia.
• Health insurance document covering the entire duration of your stay.
• Proof of financial status as evidence of sufficient funds to cover all expenses throughout the stay.
• Document proving the purpose of travel, which is presented at the Georgian borders.

There are specific documents that must be attached to the Georgian visa application file depending on your employment status.

For Employees:

• Employment contract (original work certificate stating the position in the company and salary).
• Bank account statement for the last 6 months.
• Letter of leave approval from the employer.
• Income tax return (ITR).

For Self-Employed Individuals:

• Proof of business license (company registration).
• Bank account statement for the company for the last 6 months.
• Income tax return (ITR).

For Students:

• University enrollment document.
• Recommendation letter from the high school.
• High school diploma with grade sheet.

For Retirees:

Retirement statement certified for the last 6 months.

Other Reasons:

Proof of financial status or demonstration of a bank account ensuring full coverage of the stay period costs.

Visa Requirements for Georgia:

To obtain a Georgian visa, students or unemployed/retired individuals who are not in a position to cover their travel expenses will need to provide proof of support from a sponsor who will bear the full costs. Only first-degree relatives are eligible to sponsor.

Visa Requirements for Non-European Citizens:

Foreign nationals wishing to obtain a Georgian visa can visit the electronic travel website and review the full list of non-European countries that have been exempted from obtaining a Georgian visa. Additionally, citizens of eligible countries can access all the information through the electronic visa portal, except for the general requirements mentioned above.

Georgia Visa for European Countries:

Citizens of European Union member states can take advantage of visa-free travel opportunities to Georgia and travel with their national identity cards.

Georgia Visa Requirements for Russian Citizens:

Citizens coming from the Russian Federation and Ukraine are not required to obtain an entry visa to visit Georgia for stays not exceeding 90 days.

Georgia Visa for Egyptians:

The Georgian visa allows Egyptian citizens holding Egyptian diplomatic passports to visit Georgia for short or long visits at any time of the year. A valid Egyptian passport for at least 6 months is required.

In conclusion, in this article, we have covered all the information related to the Georgian visa for those who wish to travel and stay in Georgia. We have also learned about the types of visas, which are determined according to the purpose of travel, and the countries that can enter Georgia without a visa. We hope you have a pleasant journey to Georgia, and we are happy to assist you further if you need more information about traveling to Georgia.

Source: Categories and types of Georgian visa