Georgia is an increasingly popular tourist destination at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering stunning landscapes, rich history, and a unique culture to discover. In recent years, it’s become especially popular among travellers from Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
To support tourism, Georgia allows passport holders of many countries to enter without a visa. This includes UAE passport holders and, if specific conditions are fulfilled, UAE residence permit holders. But what exactly are the requirements?
This Remitly article includes the most up-to-date information about Georgia visa requirements for people living in the UAE, whether you’re a citizen or an immigrant. We’ll explain who is eligible for visa-free travel and what documentation you need to carry with you. For those who need to apply in advance, we’ll also take you through the tourist visa process, helping you plan your visit with confidence.
Who can travel to Georgia visa-free from the UAE?
Georgia allows citizens of many countries to enter visa-free for short visits. In many cases, including the UAE, visitors can stay for up to a year. Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the end of your stay.
UAE residence permit holders
Foreign nationals living in the UAE may also be eligible to visit Georgia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid, and your UAE residence permit must be valid on both your entry into and exit from Georgia.
In 2025, Georgia introduced stricter conditions for UAE residence permit holders from certain countries. If you’re a national of one of the countries listed below, your UAE residence permit must be multiple-entry and must be valid for at least one year from your date of entry to Georgia:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Congo
- Ethiopia
- Eritrea
- Ghana
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Yemen
If you don’t meet these conditions, you’ll need to apply for a C1 tourist visa before travelling to Georgia.
Documents to travel with
In addition to your passport, border officials may also ask to see any of the following when you arrive:
- Your Emirates ID
- Your valid UAE residence visa (if applicable)
- Proof of accommodation in Georgia
- A return or onward flight
- Proof of funds to support yourself
- Valid health insurance for the duration of your intended stay
Keeping these documents together in a place where you can easily access them can help make the process smoother and avoid delays.
What if I don’t have a UAE residence permit?
If you’re in the UAE without a valid residence permit, or if you’re from one of the restricted countries and your UAE residence permit has less than one year of validity, you’ll usually need to apply for a C1 tourist visa before travelling to Georgia. These are generally valid for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
If you’re a citizen or resident of a qualifying country, you can apply for the visa online via the e-Visa portal. If you’re not eligible for this, you must submit an e-Application and then visit a Georgian embassy or consulate in person to complete your application.
If you’re applying from the UAE, the Georgian Embassy in Dubai generally only accepts applications from holders of a valid UAE residence permit. Visitors in the UAE on tourist or short-term visas may need to apply through the Georgian embassy or consulate responsible for their home country or country of residence.
How to apply for a Georgian e-visa
The process for applying for a C1 tourist visa is generally straightforward, although requirements can vary depending on your nationality and place of residence.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Start by confirming your eligibility to travel to Georgia visa-free based on the nationality of your passport and your UAE residence permit. The Georgian government provides an official online tool to check your eligibility to travel to Georgia and determine what type of visa you might need. Also, double-check whether you’re eligible for an e-visa or if you must apply through a Georgian embassy.
Step 2: Gather your documents
If you need to apply for a C1 tourist visa, you’ll usually need to provide:
- Your valid passport issued within the last ten years, with validity of at least three months beyond your requested Georgian visa and at least two blank pages
- Your valid UAE residence permit, if available
- A passport photo no more than six months old, measuring 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm
- Travel or health insurance covering the period of your intended visit
- Proof of accommodation in Georgia
- A return or onward flight ticket
- Bank statements from the last three months (payslips or a letter of invitation may also be accepted) showing you can support yourself
Documents must generally be submitted in Georgian or English, or with an accompanying certified translation. Documents are usually scanned and uploaded as PDFs.
Step 3: Complete the online application:
You must apply via Georgia’s e-Visa or the e-Application portal. You’ll need to upload copies of all your documents and then print, sign, and re-upload the completed application form.
Step 4: Submit and pay the fee
When you submit your application, you’ll receive a verification email. You must complete this within one hour; otherwise, your application will be cancelled.
After you complete the email verification, you’ll receive a notification to pay the visa fee, which is currently $20 USD plus a 2% service fee. You’ll need to pay within five hours of receiving the notification, or the visa application will be cancelled. Payment options include Visa and Mastercard. Once you’ve paid, you should receive your e-visa within five working days via email.
If you’re required to apply through an embassy, after completing the online application form, you’ll be able to book an appointment. You must print out your completed application and take hard copies of all your documents to your appointment.
In addition to your other documents, you’ll need to provide proof of payment. Payment is made via the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, either online or by cash deposit. Details will be provided to you via email. Embassy applications usually take up to 10 working days. You can then organise to have your documents sent to you by post, or collect them from the embassy during designated hours.
The Embassy of Georgia in Abu Dhabi is located at Villa 20, Al Udhouq Street, Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 107886.
Arriving in Georgia: What to expect at immigration
Although Georgia allows visa-free travel for many nationalities, entry isn’t guaranteed. The final decision is made by border control on arrival, whether you’re travelling visa-free or with a C1 visa. Carry printed or digital copies of all your required documents when you travel, as border officials may ask to see them.
In most cases, travellers report a smooth and efficient arrival process in Georgia. However, it’s always best to be prepared and allow enough time for immigration checks.
Start planning your Georgia trip
Georgia offers generous visa-free access for UAE passport holders and many UAE residents, allowing stays of up to one year for citizens and up to 90 days within a 180-day period for most residence permit holders. If you’re eligible, carry the correct supporting documents with you, as entry is always at the discretion of border officials.
If you need to apply for a visa in advance, the C1 tourist visa application process is generally straightforward, with online systems for eligible nationalities and embassy applications where required.
With the paperwork taken care of, you can look forward to enjoying all that Georgia has to offer, from rich culture to stunning scenery and welcoming hospitality.
FAQs
Is there a Georgia visa on arrival for UAE residents?
Georgia doesn’t use a visa-on-arrival system. UAE citizens and passport holders can enter Georgia for up to one year visa-free. Many UAE residence permit holders are eligible for visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided they meet the conditions.
Travellers may be asked to show evidence of a return flight, accommodation, sufficient funds, and travel insurance.
What are the Georgia visa requirements for UAE residents who are Indian, Pakistani, or Filipino nationals?
Indian or Filipino passport holders with a valid UAE residence permit can generally enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Pakistani passport holders may also qualify, but usually need at least one year of remaining validity on their UAE residence permit. If these conditions aren’t met, a C1 tourist visa must be obtained before travelling.
How long must my passport and UAE residence permit be valid for?
For most foreign nationals holding a UAE residence permit, both the passport and residence permit must be valid for the full duration of the intended stay in Georgia.
For certain nationalities, the UAE residence permit must be valid for at least one more year from the day you arrive in Georgia to qualify for visa-free travel. If not, you need to apply for a C1 tourist visa before travelling.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Georgia?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended for all visitors to Georgia, as border officials may ask to see proof when you arrive.