Georgia Visa Guide 2026: Do You Need a Visa? Visa-Free Rules & 1-Year Stay
Georgia has one of the most open visa policies in the world, which is a big part of why it has become such a magnet for tourists, remote workers and long-stay travellers. For the great majority of visitors, entering the country is as simple as showing a passport at the border. But the details matter — how long you can stay, a new insurance requirement introduced in 2026, and what to do if your nationality is not on the visa-free list. This guide lays out the essentials for 2026. It is general information rather than legal advice, and because immigration rules can change, you should always confirm your own situation against the official Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) list before travelling.
Do you need a visa for Georgia?
Probably not. Citizens of roughly 95 countries and territories can enter Georgia visa-free. This list includes the United States, the United Kingdom, every member state of the European Union and the wider EEA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia), among many others. Recent additions have extended visa-free entry to several more nations, including some African countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius and Seychelles. For all of these travellers there is no form to fill in, no fee to pay and no visa sticker — you simply arrive.
How long can you stay?
For most visa-free nationalities, the allowance is generous: up to 365 days — a full year — in the country. That is far longer than the 30 or 90 days typical of many destinations, and it is why Georgia is so popular with digital nomads and slow travellers. During a visa-free stay you can also register as an individual entrepreneur or open a Georgian company without needing a separate residence permit. If you want to stay beyond your allowance, the usual routes are a short “border run” to a neighbouring country and back, or applying for a temporary residence permit. Overstaying without arranging this can lead to fines, so keep track of your entry date.
The new 2026 travel-insurance rule
The single most important change for 2026 is a health-insurance requirement. From the start of the year, every foreign visitor entering Georgia must hold valid travel insurance covering the entire period of their stay, with medical cover of at least 30,000 GEL. This applies regardless of nationality or visa status — so even visa-free travellers from the US, EU or the Gulf need it. In practice, a standard travel-insurance policy that includes medical and accident cover will satisfy the rule; carry proof (a policy document or certificate) in case you are asked for it at the border. It is inexpensive and, given the cost of private healthcare, well worth having anyway.
If your nationality needs a visa
If your country is not on the visa-free list, the most convenient option is usually the Georgian eVisa, applied for entirely online through the official e-Visa portal. You upload your documents, pay the fee and receive an electronic visa by email to print and present on arrival — there is no need to visit an embassy for most short-stay tourist applications. Processing typically takes a few working days, so apply well ahead of your trip. Some nationalities holding a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from an OECD, EU or GCC country may also qualify for simplified entry; the MFA list spells out these categories.
Passport and entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail (2026) |
|---|---|
| Passport validity | Valid for the duration of your stay |
| Visa (visa-free nationals) | None — up to 365 days |
| Travel insurance | Required — min 30,000 GEL medical cover, whole stay |
| eVisa (other nationals) | Apply online before travel |
| Onward/funds proof | Occasionally requested at the border |
At passport control the process is usually quick and friendly; officers may ask where you are staying and how long. Georgia does not generally require vaccinations for entry. Keep your insurance proof and accommodation details handy, and you will normally be through in minutes.
See fixed transfer prices in Georgia
Arriving: airports and borders
Most visitors fly into Tbilisi (TBS), Kutaisi (KUT) or Batumi (BUS). Land borders are also busy — with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey — and the same visa-free and insurance rules apply there. Because budget flights often land late at night, a pre-booked transfer met in the arrivals hall, with a fixed price agreed in advance, is the least stressful way to reach your accommodation. It avoids airport-taxi haggling at 3 a.m. and means a driver is waiting with your name even after a delayed flight.
How booking works — and who you pay
OrbiTrip is not a tour company and takes no commission. It is a free platform that connects you directly with a vetted Georgian driver. You choose the route and vehicle, see the fixed price up front, and pay the driver directly at the end of the ride. For an arrival that means a driver waiting in arrivals, space for your luggage, and a set price agreed before you land — a calm first hour in a new country.
Related guides
- Georgia travel insurance guide — how to meet the new 2026 rule.
- Georgia visa & border crossings — entering by land from Armenia, Azerbaijan or Turkey.
- Money, currency & tipping — the lari, cards and cash.
- SIM cards & internet — getting online on arrival.
- What to pack for Georgia — season by season.
- Tbilisi Airport to the city — your first transfer.
- Tbilisi Airport (TBS) transfers — prices & routes from arrivals.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?
Most likely not. Citizens of about 95 countries - including the US, UK, all EU/EEA states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan and the Gulf states - can enter Georgia visa-free for up to a full year, with no application and no fee. If your nationality is not on the list, you can usually apply for a Georgian eVisa online. Always confirm against the official MFA list before you fly.
How long can I stay in Georgia without a visa?
For most visa-free nationalities the allowance is up to 365 days - a full year - which is unusually long. You can even register a business during that time without a residence permit. To stay longer, travellers typically do a short border run to a neighbouring country or apply for a temporary residence permit; overstaying can lead to fines.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Georgia in 2026?
Yes. From the start of 2026, every foreign visitor must hold valid travel insurance covering the whole period of their stay, with at least 30,000 GEL of medical cover. This applies to everyone, including visa-free travellers. Carry proof of your policy in case it is checked at the border - a standard medical-and-accident travel policy normally satisfies the rule.
Does my passport need six months' validity for Georgia?
Georgia's stated requirement is a passport valid for the duration of your stay, rather than a fixed six months beyond departure. That said, many airlines and some officials prefer to see extra validity, so having at least a few months left on your passport avoids any complications.
Can I work or start a business on a visa-free stay?
You can register as an individual entrepreneur or open a Georgian company during a visa-free stay without a separate residence permit, which is why Georgia is popular with remote workers and freelancers. Taking local employment is different and may require the appropriate permit - check the current rules for your situation.