🇬🇪 Georgia visa requirements

US, EU, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens get 365 days visa-free. That’s the big one. Most others don't get nearly that.

Who walks in visa-free (and who doesn't)

If your passport is from the US, EU countries, the UK, Canada, or Australia, you're golden. You get a full 365 days to stay in Georgia without needing any special visa. Just land, get your stamp. It’s that simple. This is why Georgia is such a popular spot for digital nomads.

For citizens of around 50 other countries, you can get a visa on arrival. This typically grants a 30-day stay. Think places like South Korea, Japan, and a good chunk of South America. You’ll need to check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia website to see if your specific nationality falls into this category. Don't assume.

Then there's the rest. If your country isn't on the visa-free list or eligible for a visa on arrival, you'll need to apply for a Georgian visa before you travel. This usually involves an application through a Georgian embassy or consulate in your home country or a nearby one. The process can take time, so plan ahead.

How long can you actually stay?

That 365-day visa-free allowance for many nationalities sounds like a dream. And it is, until you try to re-enter too soon. Georgia has a tricky rule: you can’t re-enter the country for 180 days after your initial 365-day stay ends. This isn't a problem if you plan a long stint, but if you leave for a quick trip and want back in, you'll hit a wall. Some people try to game this by getting an exit stamp and then immediately trying to re-enter, but border guards are wise to this.

What about overstaying? It’s not heavily enforced for short periods, but technically, it's a violation. If caught, you'll face a fine. While specific penalties vary, expect something in the range of 50-200 GEL (around $20-$75 USD) for a short overstay, plus potential deportation. For longer overstays, the penalties increase, and you could be banned from re-entering Georgia for a period. Always respect your visa-free period or visa duration.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp?

This is where it gets murky. Georgia doesn't have a specific "digital nomad visa" like some other countries. Technically, your 365-day visa-free status or your 30-day visa-on-arrival is for tourism. Working remotely for a foreign company while on this status is a legal grey area. Most digital nomads do it without issue. You’re not working for a Georgian company, you’re not paying Georgian taxes on local income, and the authorities generally aren't checking your laptop or asking for proof of employment.

The enforcement risk is low, especially in Tbilisi. Border guards are more concerned with your passport and entry requirements than what you do once inside. However, if you were to engage in local employment or run a local business, that would be a different story and could lead to problems. For simply working on your laptop for clients abroad, you’re unlikely to face scrutiny.

What's new with Georgian entry rules?

Georgia has been making some changes, though not dramatically in the last 12-18 months. The country previously rolled out an eVisa system for certain nationalities that require a visa, simplifying the application process. You can apply online through the official government portal. Fees and processing times can vary, but it’s generally a more streamlined approach than traditional embassy applications.

There haven't been major shifts in the visa-free allowances for the most popular nationalities like US, UK, and EU citizens. The 365-day rule remains firmly in place. However, it's always wise to check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia website or contact a Georgian embassy before your trip. Rules can change, and relying on outdated information is a common way people get caught out. Keep an eye on official sources.