Georgia has introduced stricter visa-free entry requirements for citizens of 17 countries who previously qualified for entry based on holding valid multiple-entry visas or residence permits issued by the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, or Oman.
The decree states:
“Citizens of countries who hold a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit issued by the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, or the Sultanate of Oman are allowed to enter and stay in Georgia without a visa, provided that, on the date of entry (border crossing), the validity of their visa or residence permit is at least one year. This must be confirmed by a travel or other relevant document.”
Under the new regulation, these individuals must now present a visa or residence permit valid for at least one year on the day of entering Georgia. Previously, any valid visa or permit was sufficient.
The 17 affected countries are:
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Afghanistan
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Bangladesh
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Ghana
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Ethiopia
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Eritrea
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Yemen
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Cameroon
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Côte d’Ivoire
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Morocco
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Nigeria
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Pakistan
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Somalia
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Syria
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Sudan
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Tanzania
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Uganda
The new rules aim to strengthen immigration control and ensure that visa-free access is limited to individuals with more secure, long-term legal status in the Gulf states.
Currently, citizens of 96 countries and territories can enter Georgia without a visa under various agreements. Additionally, as per a 2015 government decree, citizens of 50 countries holding valid visas or residence permits from select states can also benefit from visa-free entry under certain conditions.
