Visa Free Countries for Georgia: A Comprehensive Guide
Georgia, a country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, has made significant strides in improving its international relations and travel opportunities for its citizens. As of 2024, Georgian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 122 countries and territories, ranking the Georgian passport 32nd according to the Henley Passport Index[1]. This article provides a detailed overview of visa-free travel options for Georgian citizens, including entry requirements, stay durations, and other essential information.
European Union and Schengen Area
One of the most significant developments for Georgian travelers in recent years has been the implementation of visa-free travel to the Schengen Area. Since March 28, 2017, Georgian citizens with biometric passports can travel visa-free to 26 Schengen countries for short stays[4].
Schengen Area Countries
Georgian passport holders can visit the following Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
It’s important to note that this visa-free regime applies only to short stays for tourism, business, or transit purposes. For longer stays or other purposes such as work or study, a visa is still required.
Other European Countries
Several non-EU European countries also offer visa-free access to Georgian citizens:
- Albania (90 days)
- Andorra
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
- Montenegro (90 days)
- North Macedonia (90 days)
- San Marino
- Serbia (90 days)
- Vatican City
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
Georgian citizens benefit from visa-free travel to several CIS countries, thanks to bilateral agreements and the CIS visa-free movement agreement[1]:
- Armenia (180 days)
- Azerbaijan (90 days)
- Belarus (90 days)
- Kazakhstan (90 days)
- Kyrgyzstan (90 days)
- Moldova (90 days)
- Russia (Unlimited)
- Tajikistan (Unlimited)
- Ukraine (90 days)
- Uzbekistan (Unlimited)
Middle East and Asia
Several countries in the Middle East and Asia offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Georgian passport holders:
- Bahrain (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 14 days)
- Bangladesh (Visa on arrival, 30 days)
- China (30 days)
- Iran (45 days)
- Israel (90 days)
- Jordan (Visa on arrival, 90 days)
- Kuwait (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
- Lebanon (Free visa on arrival, 30 days)
- Malaysia (30 days)
- Maldives (Free visa on arrival, 30 days)
- Nepal (Online Visa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
- Oman (14 days)
- Qatar (30 days)
- Saudi Arabia (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
- Sri Lanka (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 60 days / 30 days)
- Thailand (60 days)
- Turkey (90 days)
- United Arab Emirates (90 days)
Americas
While many countries in the Americas require visas for Georgian citizens, some offer visa-free access:
- Argentina (90 days)
- Brazil (90 days)
- Chile (90 days)
- Colombia (90 days)
- Ecuador (90 days)
- Haiti (90 days)
- Panama (90 days)
- Paraguay (90 days)
- Peru (90 days)
- Uruguay (90 days)
Africa
Several African countries offer visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa options for Georgian travelers:
- Benin (eVisa, 30 days)
- Botswana (eVisa, 3 months)
- Burundi (Visa on arrival, 1 month)
- Cape Verde (Visa on arrival)
- Comoros (Visa on arrival, 45 days)
- Djibouti (eVisa, 90 days)
- Egypt (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 30 days)
- Ethiopia (eVisa, up to 90 days)
- Gabon (eVisa, 90 days)
- Guinea-Bissau (Visa on arrival, 90 days)
- Kenya (Electronic Travel Authorisation, 90 days)
- Madagascar (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 60 days)
- Malawi (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
- Mauritius (90 days)
- Mozambique (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 30 days)
- Rwanda (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 30 days)
- Seychelles (Electronic Border System, 3 months)
- Sierra Leone (eVisa, 3 months)
- Somalia (Visa on arrival, 30 days)
- Tanzania (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
- Togo (eVisa, 15 days)
- Uganda (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 3 months)
- Zambia (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
- Zimbabwe (Visa on arrival, 30 days)
Oceania
While many Pacific Island nations require visas, some offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access:
- Cook Islands (31 days)
- Fiji (4 months)
- Micronesia (30 days)
- Niue (30 days)
- Palau (Free visa on arrival, 30 days)
- Samoa (90 days)
- Tuvalu (Visa on arrival, 30 days)
Special Administrative Regions and Territories
Some special administrative regions and territories have different visa policies:
- Hong Kong (Visa not required, 30 days)
- Macau (Visa on arrival, 30 days)
- New Caledonia (90 days within any 180-day period)
Important Considerations
While this list provides a comprehensive overview of visa-free destinations for Georgian citizens, travelers should keep the following points in mind:
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Passport Validity: Most countries require that passports be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
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Purpose of Travel: Visa-free access is typically limited to tourism, business, or transit purposes. Other activities may require a visa.
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Length of Stay: Even in visa-free countries, there are limits on the duration of stay. Overstaying can result in fines or future travel restrictions.
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Entry Requirements: Some countries may require proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, or hotel reservations.
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eVisa and Visa on Arrival: While these options simplify the process, they may require pre-registration or payment of fees upon arrival.
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Health Requirements: Some countries may require proof of vaccination or health insurance.
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Political Situations: Visa policies can change rapidly due to political developments. Always check the latest information before traveling.
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Biometric Passports: Many visa-free agreements, especially with the EU, require travelers to hold biometric passports.
Passport Validity: Most countries require that passports be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
Purpose of Travel: Visa-free access is typically limited to tourism, business, or transit purposes. Other activities may require a visa.
Length of Stay: Even in visa-free countries, there are limits on the duration of stay. Overstaying can result in fines or future travel restrictions.
Entry Requirements: Some countries may require proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, or hotel reservations.
eVisa and Visa on Arrival: While these options simplify the process, they may require pre-registration or payment of fees upon arrival.
Health Requirements: Some countries may require proof of vaccination or health insurance.
Political Situations: Visa policies can change rapidly due to political developments. Always check the latest information before traveling.
Biometric Passports: Many visa-free agreements, especially with the EU, require travelers to hold biometric passports.
Conclusion
Georgian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a diverse range of countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This increased global mobility reflects Georgia’s improving international relations and economic ties. However, it’s crucial for travelers to research specific entry requirements for each destination, as policies can change and additional documentation may be necessary.
For countries not listed as visa-free, Georgian citizens will need to apply for appropriate visas through the respective embassies or consulates. As Georgia continues to strengthen its diplomatic relations, it’s likely that the list of visa-free destinations will expand, offering even greater travel opportunities for Georgian passport holders in the future.
Always consult official sources, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia or the embassy of your destination country, for the most up-to-date and accurate visa information before planning your trip.
Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Georgian_citizens [2] https://www.guideconsultants.com/all-passports/georgia-passport-visa-free-countries-list/ [3] https://getgoldenvisa.com/passport/georgia [4] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/node/23697_en [5] https://www.passportindex.org/passport/georgia/ [6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Georgian_citizens
