Key Points
- Georgia now limits visa-free entry for nationals of 17 countries holding Gulf state visas or residence permits.
- Only multiple-entry visas or residence permits valid for at least one year qualify.
- The changes aim to reduce illegal migration and strengthen entry control.
Overview
On April 17, 2025, the government of Georgia implemented amendments tightening visa-free entry rules for nationals of select countries who hold visas or residence permits issued by a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member state. Previously, travelers from these countries could enter Georgia without a Georgian visa if they possessed a Gulf-issued visa or residence permit, regardless of the remaining validity period. The updated regulation introduces stricter requirements to address concerns about unauthorized migration.
Now, eligible travelers must present either a multiple-entry visa or a residence permit valid for at least one year at entry. This policy specifically applies to nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The reform aims to strengthen border control measures and ensure that visa-free travel is used only for legitimate short-term visits. Georgian immigration authorities will strictly enforce these new requirements at ports of entry.
Looking Ahead
Travelers from the listed countries and their employers or sponsors should review their visa documentation in advance to avoid being denied entry, particularly if they hold shorter-duration or single-entry Gulf state visas or permits. Applying for a Georgian visa before travel is now required. Employers and mobility professionals should update internal compliance checklists and travel protocols accordingly. Further adjustments to Georgia’s immigration rules remain possible as the government continues to refine its border management strategy.
