Georgia Visa & Entry Information

Entering Georgia: Overview

Georgia boasts one of the world's most open and tourist-friendly visa policies. Citizens of more than 100 countries can enter Georgia without a visa or obtain an e-visa with minimal effort. Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia's liberal entry policy makes it an increasingly popular destination for travellers from all corners of the globe.

Turkish Citizens

Turkish passport holders enjoy one of the most generous visa-free arrangements in the world — they may enter and stay in Georgia for up to 365 days without a visa. Entry is permitted with either a valid Turkish passport or a biometric national identity card (TC Kimlik Kartı). No fees or pre-registration are required at the border.

Turkish citizens wishing to stay longer than 365 days must apply for a residence permit through the Public Service Hall (PSH) in Georgia.

Visa-Free Countries

Georgia grants visa-free entry to citizens of all European Union member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and many more. EU/EEA passport holders are typically permitted to stay for up to 365 days, while nationals of other visa-free countries are generally allowed 90 days per visit. Always verify the current list on the official website of the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling.

E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

Citizens of countries not covered by the visa-free arrangement can apply for a Georgian e-visa through the official portal at evisa.gov.ge. The application process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. The visa is usually approved within 5 business days. The fee is approximately USD 20 for a single-entry visa allowing a stay of up to 30 days. Multiple-entry and longer-stay options are also available for certain nationalities.

Border Crossings & Entry Points

Georgia can be reached by air, land, and sea:

• By Air: Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) and Batumi International Airport (BUS) are the main gateways, with direct flights from Istanbul and many European cities.
• By Land from Turkey: The Sarpi–Sarp border crossing (near Batumi, open 24/7) is the most popular; Türkgözü–Vale (via Ardahan) and Posof–Kartsakhi are alternatives.
• By Sea: Batumi Port handles ferry connections from Ukraine and Romania.
• By Land (Other): Border crossings with Armenia and Azerbaijan are also in regular operation.

Required Documents

For Turkish nationals, one of the following is sufficient:

• A valid Turkish passport (validity of at least 6 months recommended)
• A biometric Turkish national identity card (TC Kimlik Kartı)

For all other nationalities, a valid passport is mandatory. Border officials may request proof of sufficient funds and accommodation details.

Customs Rules & Duty-Free Allowances

The following customs regulations apply when entering Georgia:

• Cash: No declaration required for amounts up to GEL 30,000 (approx. USD 10,000). Sums above this threshold must be declared at the border.
• Alcohol: Up to 3 litres of alcoholic beverages may be brought in duty-free (for persons aged 18+).
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco are allowed duty-free.
• Personal Effects: Reasonable quantities of personal-use items are admitted duty-free.
• Commercial Goods: Items deemed to have commercial intent are subject to customs duty.
• Cultural Heritage: Exporting antiques, historical artefacts, or items of cultural heritage from Georgia is strictly prohibited and carries serious criminal penalties.
• Pets & Plants: Live animals and plant material require a valid veterinary or phytosanitary certificate issued prior to travel.

Health & Insurance

Georgia does not require travel insurance for entry; however, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. While public hospitals provide free emergency treatment, private clinics offer a significantly higher standard of care. Medical evacuation costs can be substantial without insurance cover.