Why Apply for a Georgia Visit Visa?

  • Apply easily online through Georgia’s official e-Visa system
  • Get visa approval within just 5 working days
  • Stay in Georgia for up to 90 days within 180 days
  • Enjoy the convenience of multiple-entry visas for frequent travel
  • Explore one of the world’s most visa-friendly destinations welcoming millions each year

 

Why Apply for a Georgia Visit Visa – infographic by Y-Axis

What is a Georgia Visit Visa?

A Georgia Visit Visa (Ordinary “C” Class) is a short-term visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to Georgia for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings. Depending on nationality and travel circumstances, entry to Georgia is possible through three main pathways:

  • Visa-free entry for eligible countries
  • e-Visa (online application) for short-stay visitors
  • Consular or sticker visa for those not eligible under the first two options

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Georgia?

Georgia applies different entry rules depending on your nationality and eligibility. Here’s who needs a visa and how you can apply

  • Visa-free nationals – Citizens of countries listed by the Government of Georgia can enter and stay in Georgia visa-free for up to one year. This includes nationals of Canada and the United Kingdom. Final permission and length of stay are confirmed by border authorities.
  • e-Visa eligible travelers – Nationals who are not visa-exempt but qualify under Georgia’s e-Visa program can apply fully online. The e-Visa provides the same entry rights as a traditional sticker visa.
  • Consular (sticker) visa applicants – Travelers who are neither visa-free nor e-Visa eligible must apply through the Georgian consulate using the Consular e-Application system.

Policy update (May 2025): Georgia introduced stricter rules for 17 specific nationalities who previously relied on Gulf country visas or residence permits for visa-free entry. Their Gulf document must now be multiple-entry and valid for at least one year at the time of entry. This change does not affect standard visa-free nationals such as those from Canada or the UK.

Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Georgia

Citizens of more than 90 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Georgia. Nationals from these countries can stay in Georgia for up to one year without requiring a visa. Final permission and length of stay are confirmed by Georgian border authorities upon arrival.

  • Canada and the United Kingdom are included on the official visa-free list.
  • Eligible travelers can enter Georgia without a visa for up to one full year.
  • The permitted length of stay and final entry approval are determined by Georgian border authorities at the point of arrival.

This visa exemption makes Georgia one of the most accessible destinations for long-term visits among countries in the region.

Eligibility for Georgia (e-Visa & Short-Stay)

Travelers may enter Georgia for short-term visits through visa-free entry, e-Visa, or consular application, depending on nationality and circumstances.

Who is Eligible for a Georgia e-Visa?

  • Nationals of countries listed under Georgia’s e-Visa program are eligible to apply online.
  • Applicants must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry.
  • A return ticket, hotel booking, or travel itinerary may be required.
  • Travelers must show proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Georgia.
  • The e-Visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Who is Eligible for Short-Stay Visa-Free Entry?

  • Citizens of over 90 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and all EU member states, can enter Georgia visa-free.
  • Visa-free nationals are allowed to stay in Georgia for up to one year.
  • Final permission and length of stay are determined by Georgian border authorities at the port of entry.

Requirements for Georgia e-Visa & Short-Stay Entry

To enter Georgia, travelers must meet certain entry conditions, which vary depending on whether they apply for an e-Visa or qualify for visa-free short stays.

Georgia e-Visa Requirements

Applicants eligible for the e-Visa program must prepare the following:

  • A valid passport (minimum validity of 6 months from date of entry, with at least 2 blank pages).
  • A recent passport-sized photograph (digital upload).
  • Travel details such as return ticket and hotel booking or invitation letter.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Georgia.
  • Travel/health insurance valid for the duration of stay.
  • Online payment of the visa fee (20 USD + 2% service charge).

Visa-Free Short-Stay Requirements

Travelers entering Georgia visa-free must:

  • Present a valid passport (or national ID card for certain European countries).
  • Show proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation).
  • Provide a return ticket or onward travel confirmation.
  • Demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover the visit.
  • Present travel/health insurance, if requested by border authorities.

To successfully apply for a Georgia e-Visa, you’ll need to prepare and upload the following documents:

  • Valid Passport
  • Recent Passport-Size Photograph
  • Completed Online Application Form
  • Proof of Accommodation
  • Travel Itinerary
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds
  • Purpose of Visit Documents

Documents Required for Georgia e-Visa Application – infographic by Y-Axis

Georgia e-Visa System 

The Georgia e-Visa Portal is the official online platform that allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain a short-term visa without visiting an embassy or consulate. The system enables travelers to apply electronically, pay the visa fee online, and receive the approved visa digitally.

How the e-Visa System Works:

  • Travelers complete an online application through the official e-Visa portal.
  • Payment for the visa is made securely online.
  • Once approved, the e-Visa is sent electronically and must be presented at the border together with a valid passport.
  • The e-Visa grants the same entry rights as a sticker (consular) visa.

Georgia Visit Visa Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for a Georgia Visit Visa through the official channels:

Step 1: Determine your eligibility – check if you qualify for visa-free entry, the e-Visa program, or a consular (sticker) visa.

Step 2: Prepare required documents - including a valid passport, photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds, and travel/health insurance)

Step 3: Submit your application – either online via the official e-Visa portal or at the nearest Georgian consulate (for sticker visas).

Step 4: Pay the visa fee – e-Visa applications require an online payment of 20 USD + 2% service charge. Consular visa fees may vary.

Step 5: Wait for processing – e-Visa applications are typically processed within 5 working days; consular visas may take longer.

Step 6: Receive your visa – e-Visas are issued electronically, while sticker visas are stamped into your passport.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Georgia e-Visa

  1. Visit the e-Visa Portal
  2. Fill out the online form: Include travel details and passport info.
  3. Upload required documents: passport, photo, travel plans, insurance
  4. Pay the visa fee: Approx. USD 20–40
  5. Complete DuVerify: Upload additional documents within 24 hours
  6. Receive e-Visa via email: Print and carry it during travel.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Georgia e-Visa – infographic by Y-Axis

Georgia Visa Processing Fee

The cost of a Georgia Visit Visa depends on the application type:

  • e-Visa applications – The fee is 20 USD, plus a 2% service charge for online payment. The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
  • Consular (sticker) visas – Fees may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, visa category, and the Georgian consulate handling the application. Payment is generally accepted in the local currency of the consulate’s location.
  • Visa-free nationals – Citizens of countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom do not need to pay any processing fee, as they are exempt from visa requirements.

Note: Payments for e-Visa applications must be made electronically using the official e-Visa portal’s secure payment system.

Georgia Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Georgia Visit Visa depends on the application type:

  • e-Visa applications are generally processed within 5 working days once submitted through the official portal.
  • Consular (sticker) visas may take longer, depending on the embassy or consulate where the application is filed, as additional verification or supporting documents may be required.
  • Visa-free nationals, including Canadian and UK citizens, do not require prior processing and are granted entry directly at the border.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their planned travel to avoid delays.

Stay Duration and Entry Rules for Georgia

The permitted length of stay in Georgia depends on the type of entry granted:

  • Visa-free nationals – Citizens of eligible countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, may stay in Georgia for up to one full year without a visa.
  • e-Visa holders – The Georgia e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Consular (sticker) visas – May be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry depending on the applicant’s purpose of travel and eligibility.

Entry and Exit Rules

  • Travelers must enter and exit within the validity period of their visa or authorized stay.
  • Overstaying is not permitted and may result in fines, refusal of entry on future visits, or legal penalties as defined by Georgian law.
  • Final entry permission, including the length of stay, is always determined by Georgian border authorities at the time of arrival.

Avoid These Mistakes When Applying for a Georgia Visa

Applicants are advised to carefully follow official guidelines when applying for a Georgia Visit Visa. The most common reasons for visa delays or rejections include:

  • Providing incorrect passport details, such as mismatched numbers, expiration dates, or names.
  • Submitting incomplete documentation, including missing proof of funds, travel insurance, or accommodation details.
  • Not respecting the permitted length of stay, which may result in fines, entry bans, or future visa refusal.
  • Uploading poor-quality or invalid photographs that do not meet official specifications.
  • Failing to pay the visa fee correctly, which leads to automatic rejection of the application.

Note: Carefully reviewing all requirements before applying helps avoid these issues and ensures faster processing.

Latest Policy Changes

  • In April 2025, Georgia introduced amendments tightening visa-free entry rules for citizens of 17 specific countries.
  • From May 16, 2025, travelers from these countries must hold a multiple-entry visa or residence permit from a Gulf country, valid for at least one year at the time of entry, to qualify for visa-free access.
  • Authorities clarified that this update represents a stricter application of existing rules, replacing the earlier system where Gulf visas or permits of shorter validity were accepted.
  • These changes do not affect standard visa-free nationals, such as citizens of Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and EU member states, who continue to enjoy visa-free entry for up to one year.

How Can the Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis offers expert support for travelers from Canada:

  • Guidance for non-Canadian residents applying for a Georgia e-Visa
  • Help with document preparation and submission
  • Travel insurance and itinerary assistance
  • Updates and follow-ups until visa approval

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Georgia Visit Visa as a Canadian citizen?

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Georgia for tourism, business, or family visits. Georgia has a visa-free policy that allows Canadian passport holders to stay in the country for up to 360 days without applying for a visa. This generous stay period makes it convenient for travelers who may wish to explore, conduct business, or spend extended time with family. Upon entry, you must present a valid Canadian passport. While a visa is not required, border officials may still ask for proof of return travel and sufficient funds for your stay.

How to apply for an e-Visa Georgia Visit Visa?

Although Canadians are visa-exempt, some travelers may still wish to apply for an e-Visa if their travel circumstances require it or if planning to stay beyond the visa-free period. The e-Visa application process is fully online and straightforward. You begin by filling out the application form on the official Georgian e-Visa portal, providing your personal and travel details. Next, you upload the required documents, including a scanned passport copy and photo. Once the application is complete, you pay the fee securely online. After approval, the e-Visa is emailed to you and should be printed and carried for travel.

What documents are required for a Georgia Visit Visa?

For Canadian citizens applying for a Georgian e-Visa, the following documents are typically required:

  • Valid Canadian passport with sufficient validity.
  • Recent passport-style photograph that meets official standards.
  • Scanned copy of the passport bio-data page.
  • Proof of accommodation in Georgia (hotel booking or invitation letter from a host).
  • Confirmed travel itinerary or return ticket (recommended).
  • Valid payment method (credit or debit card) for the visa fee.
What are the fees for a Georgia Visit Visa?

The Georgia e-Visa requires payment of a state duty fee, which is typically around USD 20. Applicants should note that additional charges may apply, such as a small bank or service processing fee when making the payment online. The fee must be paid at the time of submitting the application, and it is non-refundable, even in cases where the visa application is denied. This cost is comparatively lower than many other countries’ visa fees, making Georgia a budget-friendly travel destination in terms of visa requirements. Canadian travelers, however, generally do not need to pay this fee due to visa exemption.

How long does a Georgia Visit Visa take to process?

The processing times for a Georgian visit visa depend on the application method. If you apply online through the e-Visa system, approval usually takes about five business days. In cases where an application is made through a consulate or embassy, the processing time for a short-term visa may take up to ten calendar days. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their planned travel dates to avoid delays. Canadian citizens who are visa-exempt do not need to wait for processing and can travel immediately, provided their passport and supporting travel documents are in order.