Bottom Line: Georgia offers several visa categories: visa-free entry (90+ countries, up to 1 year), e-Visa (62 countries, short stays up to 90 days), C-category visitor visas (tourism, business, transit), and D-category immigration visas (work, study, long-term residency). Your nationality and travel purpose determine which option applies to you.
Overview of Georgia Visa Categories
Georgia’s visa system is designed to be accessible and straightforward. The country has emerged as one of the most traveler-friendly destinations in the Caucasus region, with multiple entry options depending on your nationality and purpose of visit.
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Duration | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | Citizens of 90+ countries | Up to 1 year | No application needed |
| e-Visa (C1-C4) | Citizens of ~62 eligible countries | Up to 90 days in 180 days | Online at evisa.gov.ge |
| C-Category Visitor Visa | Nationals requiring embassy visa | Short stay (varies) | Georgian embassy/consulate |
| D-Category Immigration Visa | Work, study, family reunification | Long-term (90+ days) | Georgian embassy/consulate |
| Transit Visa | Passing through Georgia | Up to 10 days | Georgian embassy/consulate |
| Residence Permit | Long-term residents | 1-6 years | Public Service Hall in Georgia |
Visa-Free Entry: The Easiest Option
Georgia offers one of the most generous visa-free policies in the world. Citizens of over 90 countries can enter Georgia and stay for up to one full year without any visa or prior application.
Key features of visa-free entry:
- No application, no fee, no processing time
- Valid for tourism, business, and transit purposes
- Stay up to 1 year from the date of entry
- Only requires a valid passport
Visa-free eligible countries include: all EU/EEA states, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Israel, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Turkey, Ukraine, Moldova, and most Latin American countries.
Important: Visa-free entry does not grant the right to work in Georgia. For employment, you need a separate work permit and D-category visa.
Georgia e-Visa: For Eligible Non-Visa-Free Nationals
The e-Visa is Georgia’s electronic visa system for nationals of countries not on the visa-free list. It covers several subcategories based on the purpose of your visit:
| e-Visa Category | Purpose | Details |
|---|---|---|
| C1 – Tourism | Holiday, sightseeing, leisure | Most common type; hotel bookings required |
| C2 – Business | Meetings, conferences, negotiations | Invitation from Georgian company needed |
| C3 – Family Visit | Visiting relatives in Georgia | Invitation from family member required |
| C4 – Medical | Medical treatment in Georgia | Letter from Georgian medical institution |
| C5 – Cultural/Sports | Events, competitions, cultural exchange | Event invitation or registration needed |
The e-Visa is valid for up to 120 days (depending on nationality) and allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. It generally allows multiple entries.
C-Category Visitor Visa (Embassy Visa)
If your nationality does not qualify for either visa-free entry or the e-Visa, you may need to apply for a traditional C-category visitor visa at a Georgian embassy or consulate. This visa covers the same purposes as the e-Visa (tourism, business, transit, etc.) but requires an in-person application.
The C-category visa is also the appropriate route for:
- Nationals of countries with very restricted access
- Applicants who have had their e-Visa rejected and need embassy review
- Travelers requiring longer or more specialized visa arrangements
D-Category Immigration Visa: Long-Term Stay
The D-category visa is for foreign nationals planning to stay in Georgia for more than 90 days. This is required for:
- Employment (D1) — working for a Georgian employer
- Study (D2) — enrolled in a Georgian educational institution
- Family reunification (D3) — joining family members who are Georgian residents
- Scientific research (D4) — conducting research at a Georgian institution
- Investment (D5) — making significant business investments in Georgia
D-category visas are applied for at Georgian embassies or consulates abroad. After entering Georgia with a D-visa, you can apply for a residence permit at the Public Service Hall.
Transit Visa
Georgia offers transit visas for travelers passing through the country en route to another destination. Key details:
- Valid for up to 10 days
- Allows passage through Georgian territory only
- Requires proof of onward travel to a third country
- Not required for citizens of visa-free countries (they can transit freely)
Which Visa Type Do You Need?
Use this simple decision guide:
- Check the visa-free list — if your country is listed, no visa needed. Enter with just your passport and stay up to 1 year.
- If not visa-free, check the e-Visa list — if eligible, apply online at evisa.gov.ge for $35 USD.
- If neither applies — contact the nearest Georgian embassy or consulate for a traditional visa application.
- If staying more than 90 days — apply for a D-category immigration visa regardless of your nationality.
Visa Extensions and Changes
Georgia has strict rules about visa extensions:
- Visa-free entry — cannot be extended beyond 1 year. You must leave and re-enter to reset the period.
- e-Visa — generally cannot be extended from within Georgia. Apply for a new e-Visa from abroad if needed.
- D-visa holders — can apply for a residence permit at the Public Service Hall before their visa expires.
Planning a trip? If you need an e-Visa, read our application guide and requirements checklist. See the fees and processing times for cost planning.
Can I switch from a tourist visa to a work visa while in Georgia?
You cannot directly convert an e-Visa or tourist visa to a work visa from within Georgia. You must leave the country, apply for a D-category immigration visa at a Georgian embassy, and then re-enter. Alternatively, if you qualify for a residence permit based on investment or other criteria, consult with the Public Service Hall.
What is the C5 visa in Georgia?
The C5 is a relatively new visa category introduced for cultural, sports, and scientific activities. It covers participants in cultural events, sports competitions, and scientific conferences or exchanges. Applications are submitted through the e-Visa portal with supporting documentation from the event organizers.
Do children need a separate visa for Georgia?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own valid travel document and visa (if required). Children listed on a parent’s passport may still need separate e-Visa applications. Check the specific requirements for minors on the official portal.
Can I enter Georgia multiple times with an e-Visa?
Yes. The Georgia e-Visa generally allows multiple entries within its validity period. You can leave and re-enter Georgia as many times as you wish, as long as your total stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period and your visa remains valid.
