Georgia visa requirements: who can enter visa-free in 2026?

Georgia’s visa policy: one of the world’s most welcoming

Georgia has one of the most permissive visa policies in the world. The 1-year visa-free arrangement for citizens of 98 countries is extraordinary in its generosity — most countries that offer visa-free access do so for 90 days or less. For Georgia, a country committed to building its tourism industry and attracting long-term visitors and digital nomads, the open-door policy is both a competitive advantage and a genuine expression of the Georgian hospitality tradition.

This guide covers everything you need to know: who qualifies for visa-free entry, what documents you need, the e-visa system for countries not on the visa-free list, entry at land borders, and the rules around extending your stay.

Countries with visa-free access for up to 365 days

Citizens of the following countries may enter Georgia without a visa and stay for up to one year (365 days):

Europe: All EU member states (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia, Vatican City

Americas: United States, Canada, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong (BNO passport holders), Macau, Taiwan, Philippines (previously 90 days — check current status), Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain

Africa and elsewhere: Various other nations — check the current list at the Georgia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website as the list is updated periodically.

Countries eligible for e-visa (90 days)

Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list can apply for an e-visa online through the official Georgian e-visa portal (evisa.gov.ge). The e-visa typically permits a stay of 90 days. Processing takes 5 working days; an expedited option (2 days) is available for an additional fee. The e-visa fee is $50–$80 depending on nationality and processing speed.

The e-visa application requires:

• Valid passport (6 months validity beyond intended stay)
• Colour passport photograph
• Valid email address
• Credit or debit card for payment

The e-visa is linked to your passport and checked at entry. Print a copy or have it accessible on your device.

Countries requiring a regular visa

A small number of nationalities require a regular (sticker) visa obtained from a Georgian embassy or consulate in advance. Check the Georgia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your nearest Georgian diplomatic mission for current requirements and documentation needed.

What you need at the border

For visa-free entry, you need:

• Valid passport: Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay (some officers apply a 6-month validity rule — ensure at least 6 months validity to be safe)
• Onward or return ticket: Not strictly required by law but border officers can ask for evidence of intent to leave. Having a return ticket or onward itinerary available helps.
• Accommodation details: Not required to be shown but having a hotel booking confirmation available is prudent.
• Sufficient funds: No specific amount is codified, but being able to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay is good practice.

There is no arrival registration requirement for short stays (under 30 days). For longer stays, foreigners are technically required to register with the Civil Registry Agency, though enforcement for tourists is minimal. Digital nomads and longer-term residents should register properly.

Entry at land borders

Georgia shares land borders with Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. All four have functional border crossings that operate for tourist traffic.

Turkey borders:

• Sarpi (near Batumi on the Black Sea coast): The busiest and most straightforward crossing. Open 24 hours. Walking across is possible.
• Vale (near Akhaltsikhe in Samtskhe-Javakheti): Less busy, open daytime hours.

Armenia borders:

• Sadakhlo / Bagratashen: The main crossing between Tbilisi and Yerevan, approximately 1.5 hours from Tbilisi. Regular marshrutka service.
• Ninotsminda / Bavra: Javakheti plateau crossing.
• Akhalkalaki / Gyumri: Another Javakheti option.

Azerbaijan borders:

• Red Bridge / Debed: The main crossing between Tbilisi and Baku. Well-organised with regular transport connections.

Russia border:

• Lars (Kazbegi / Stepantsminda area, in the Dariali Gorge): Open and used for cargo and some passenger traffic. The political situation between Georgia and Russia is complex — check current conditions and your country’s travel advisory before using this crossing. Citizens of most Western countries can cross in both directions.

Staying longer than one year

The 365-day visa-free period is per visit. There is no formal limit on how many times you can re-enter Georgia after a brief exit. However, immigration officers can deny entry if they believe you are using the visa-free arrangement for long-term residence without the proper visa status. If you plan to stay in Georgia long-term (work, business, or an extended digital nomad setup), consult the Civil Registry Agency about residence permit options.

For stays primarily for work (earning income from Georgian sources), a business or work visa is the appropriate route. Georgia has been actively developing its legal framework for long-term digital nomads.

Common entry questions answered

Can I enter Georgia with a non-biometric or older passport?

Yes — Georgia does not require a biometric passport for entry. An older non-chip passport is accepted provided it is valid.

Can I enter overland from Turkey without a prior visa for Turkey?

If you are entering Georgia from Turkey via Sarpi, Georgia’s own visa-free policy applies — you do not need a Turkish visa to pass through the Georgian border checkpoint. However, if you plan to transit Turkey before reaching Georgia, you need appropriate Turkish entry permission.

Does Israel’s political situation affect my entry to Georgia?

Israeli passport holders have full visa-free access to Georgia and there is no political complication at the border. Georgia maintains good diplomatic relations with Israel and the entry process is standard.

Can I work remotely from Georgia on a visa-free entry?

Yes — working remotely for foreign companies (clients or employers based outside Georgia) on a visa-free entry is widely practised and accepted. Georgia does not currently tax foreign-source income of non-residents. Working for Georgian clients or companies would require appropriate work authorisation. Consult a Georgian tax or legal professional if your situation is complex.

What happens at the Georgia–Armenia or Georgia–Azerbaijan border crossings?

The crossings are standard passport-control procedures. Bring both your Georgian and destination-country entry documentation. For Armenia, citizens of most countries have reciprocal visa-free access. For Azerbaijan, check requirements separately (Azerbaijan has its own visa policies and some restrictions on visitors with Israeli stamps in their passports).

Frequently asked questions about Georgia visas

Do UK citizens need a visa for Georgia after Brexit?

No — UK citizens retain full visa-free access to Georgia for up to 365 days. This was not affected by Brexit as Georgia’s visa-free policy is determined bilaterally rather than through EU arrangements.

Can US citizens stay in Georgia indefinitely?

US citizens can stay for up to 365 days per visit without a visa. After one year, exiting and re-entering resets the visa-free period, though repeated long-stay patterns may attract scrutiny at immigration. For genuine long-term residence, a residence permit is the appropriate route.

Is there a fee for entering Georgia on a visa-free basis?

No — entry to Georgia on a visa-free passport is completely free of charge. The only fees involved in Georgia entry are for those requiring an e-visa ($50–80) or a regular visa.

What is the process if I overstay my permitted period?

Overstaying a visa-free period or e-visa in Georgia may result in a fine at departure or a ban on future entry. Overstays are generally handled administratively rather than criminally for short periods, but it is best avoided. If you realise you are approaching your permitted period, either depart and re-enter or contact the Civil Registry Agency to explore regularisation options.

Do children need their own passport to enter Georgia?

Yes — each traveller, including minors, requires a valid passport. A child’s inclusion in a parent’s passport (an older practice in some countries) is not accepted by Georgia. Each minor needs their own travel document.

Are there any health requirements for entry to Georgia?

As of 2026, there are no specific health or vaccination requirements for entry to Georgia. COVID-era requirements have been fully lifted. Check your government’s travel health advisory for any updated recommendations before travel.

The Remotely from Georgia programme: beyond the visa-free arrangement

For those wanting formal long-term status rather than the informal rolling visa-free entry, Georgia offers the “Remotely from Georgia” programme — a one-year renewable residence permit specifically designed for remote workers and digital nomads.

Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries (primarily Western nations) with demonstrable remote employment or self-employment income from outside Georgia, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

Benefits: A formal resident status that allows you to open bank accounts, lease apartments on standard terms, and access Georgia’s excellent healthcare system at resident rates. Also provides a clear tax status for those earning foreign-source income.

Application: Through the Georgian Ministry of Justice online portal. Processing time is typically 10 working days. An in-person appointment at a Public Service Hall in Tbilisi is required during the application process.

Tax implications: Georgia has a territorial tax system. Income from foreign sources is generally not taxed in Georgia for those who are not tax residents. Formal Remotely from Georgia status may clarify this position. Individual circumstances vary significantly — consult a Georgian tax specialist for your specific situation.

See our digital nomad guide to Georgia for comprehensive information on long-term living in Georgia beyond the visa question.

Border crossing practical details

Tbilisi airport arrival procedure

Arrival at Tbilisi International Airport is straightforward. The immigration hall has multiple lanes:

• Citizens/residents lane (for Georgian passport holders and residents)
• Foreign visitors lane (for all other passports)
• E-visa lane (if you have an e-visa)

Queue for the appropriate lane. Have your passport open to the photo page. The immigration officer will check your passport, may ask the purpose of your visit and where you are staying, and will stamp your passport. The process typically takes 2–5 minutes per person.

Baggage claim and customs follow. The customs hall has green (nothing to declare) and red (goods to declare) channels. Most visitors use the green channel.

Overland border crossing tips

Sadakhlo border (Georgia–Armenia): The main crossing between Tbilisi and Yerevan. Has improved significantly in recent years. Expect 30–60 minutes for the full crossing process in normal conditions; significantly longer during busy periods (holidays, weekends). Bring snacks and water if you are arriving by marshrutka as waits can extend.

Red Bridge (Georgia–Azerbaijan): The main Tbilisi–Baku crossing. Generally efficient; the crossing process is typically 45–90 minutes. Currency exchange facilities are available at the crossing.

Sarpi (Georgia–Turkey): The busiest crossing by volume, particularly in summer. Walking across is possible and sometimes faster than waiting in the vehicle queue. The crossing area has cafes, exchange offices, and duty-free shops on both sides. Plan for 1–2 hours at peak times.

Lars (Georgia–Russia): The only open road crossing between Georgia and Russia. The political context between the two countries makes this crossing more complex than others. Check current conditions and your government’s travel advisory before using this crossing. Delays can be very long, particularly on the Russian side.

Health, insurance, and practical requirements

Georgia has no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry. The following health considerations apply:

Travel insurance: Strongly recommended. Georgian state hospitals are free for emergency treatment, but the quality of private healthcare is significantly better. International insurance with evacuation coverage is advisable, particularly for those planning mountain activities. Several insurers specifically cover Georgia; check that your policy covers mountain hiking and adventure activities if relevant.

Medications: Georgia’s pharmacies are well-stocked with European and generic medications. Prescription medications should be brought in adequate supply; bring documentation from your doctor for controlled substances as a precaution. Major international pharmacy chains (GPC, PSP) operate across Tbilisi.

Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required, but standard travel vaccinations (hepatitis A and B, typhoid) are recommended by most travel health services. Check with your own government’s travel health guidance.

COVID-era documentation: Requirements have reverted to standard entry documentation. Check your government’s current Georgia travel advisory for any updated requirements, particularly if travelling after any regional health events.

The Georgia e-visa: a detailed guide

For nationalities that require a visa, Georgia’s e-visa system is one of the more straightforward in the former Soviet region:

Application process: Apply at the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-visa portal (evisa.gov.ge). The application requires a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your intended stay), a photo that meets the portal’s specifications, a completed application form, and the e-visa fee payment.

Processing time: The standard e-visa is issued within 5 working days. An urgent processing option (typically issued within 3 working days) is available at higher cost. Apply at least 10 days before travel to allow for any processing delays.

E-visa validity: The standard e-visa is issued for a 1-year validity period with a 90-day maximum stay per entry. Check the specific terms of your issued e-visa before travel.

If your application is refused: E-visa refusals are uncommon for standard tourist applications. If refused, the standard advice is to contact the nearest Georgian embassy or consulate directly for guidance; the embassy can issue a standard visa even if the e-visa was refused in some cases.

Arriving with an e-visa: Print a copy of your e-visa confirmation and carry it in addition to the digital version on your phone. Some border officers request the printed version. The e-visa lane at the airport is separate from the citizen/resident lane; follow signs for e-visa holders.

Extending your stay: the 365-day free visa option

Citizens of the approximately 95 countries that receive visa-free access to Georgia receive a stay allowance of up to 365 days. There is no registration requirement for stays under 90 days; for longer stays, the law requires registration with the Public Services Development Agency (PSDA), which has offices in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and other major cities.

The Remotely from Georgia programme: Georgia has a formal programme for long-term remote workers that provides a legal framework for extended stay beyond the standard tourist admission. See our digital nomad guide for the full details.

Re-entry: Some visa-free nationalities have unlimited re-entry within the 365-day total; others have per-trip limits. Check your specific nationality’s conditions. Crossing into Armenia or Turkey and returning to Georgia (a common strategy) typically resets the per-trip clock but not the cumulative 365-day clock.

Planning resources

For the full picture of travelling in Georgia, including safety information, transport options, and what to do once you arrive:

• Planning your Georgia trip — the complete first-timer’s planning guide
• Safety guide for Georgia — detailed safety information for all traveller types
• Getting around Georgia — transport options, marshrutkas, car rental
• Digital nomad guide to Georgia — long-term stay planning including the Remotely from Georgia programme
• Day trips from Tbilisi — what to see once you are in the country