Georgia visa requirements 2026
Short answer for most travellers: no visa needed. Citizens of 98 countries — including all of EU/UK/US/Canada/Australia — can enter Georgia visa-free and stay up to 365 days. Just show your passport at the border.
Visa policy by region
Full official list: geoconsul.gov.ge. Rules change; always double-check before travel.
One important rule
Never attempt to enter Georgia from Russia via the occupied territories of Abkhazia or South Ossetia. Georgian law considers this illegal entry, and it can result in a permanent ban. Use the official Kazbegi–Verkhny Lars land crossing or fly directly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?
Citizens of 98 countries — including all EU/EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and most Latin America — can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days. Everyone else needs an e-visa or embassy visa in advance.
How long can I stay in Georgia without a visa?
Up to 365 consecutive days for eligible passports. This is one of the world's most generous visa-free regimes. After 365 days you must exit and re-enter (many long-stayers do border runs to Armenia or Turkey).
What documents do I need to enter Georgia?
A passport valid for the duration of your stay (Georgia does not require the standard 6-month validity rule), proof of onward travel is rarely asked but recommended, and sufficient funds (also rarely checked). No vaccination certificates required.
Can I apply for a Georgian e-visa online?
Yes — https://www.evisa.gov.ge is the official portal. Processing takes 5 working days, costs from $20 USD. Available to nationals of countries not on the visa-free list. Do not use third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Which countries need a visa for Georgia?
Most African, South-East Asian (except Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei), and a few Middle Eastern nations need a visa. Chinese and Indian citizens can apply for the e-visa. Iranians and Russians have special conditions.
Can I enter Georgia by land?
Yes — main borders open 24/7: Sarpi (Turkey), Sadakhlo/Bagratashen (Armenia), Krasny Most/Red Bridge (Azerbaijan). All accept the same visa-free rules as air arrivals. Do not attempt entry from Russia through Abkhazia or South Ossetia — this is illegal under Georgian law.
Is Georgia in the Schengen area?
No. Georgia is not in the EU or Schengen. A Schengen visa does not grant entry to Georgia (though you probably don't need one anyway — most Schengen-eligible nationalities are visa-free for Georgia).
What happens if I overstay my Georgian visa-free period?
Fines range from 180 to 400 GEL ($65–145) plus possible entry ban. Always exit before the 365-day limit. The stamp date at entry is your reference — check it before leaving the airport.
Can I work in Georgia on a tourist entry?
You cannot legally work for a Georgian employer, but you can run a foreign-registered business remotely (Georgia is famously friendly to digital nomads and has a Remote Worker programme). For actual employment you need a work residence permit.
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