Georgia’s tougher visa rules announced

Stricter visa rules for foreign visitors wanting to spend time in Georgia will come into effect this autumn.

The reason for reviewing Georgia’s open-door policy for foreigners came about following Georgia’s signature of the Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union (EU). Moves were also made to tighten regulations as high numbers of migrants were coming into the country, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry said.

The new rules will come into effect from September 1, 2014.

Director of the Consular Department within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Giorgi Tabatadze believed "the design of the visa regulations [are] similar to the Schengen visa”.

"[We have worked to ensure] migration and visa policies are aligned with the common system for foreign visitors staying in the country, where the maximum stay in Georgia will be 90 days per 180 days,” Tabatadze told journalists before meeting with diplomats to introduce Georgia’s new visa rules.

"These are the same principles the European Union has for Schengen countries.”

From September 1, short term multi-visas will be issued for people who want to enter the country numerous times within 90 days per 180 days.

In addition, foreigners who intend to stay longer than 90 days to study or work in Georgia must obtain appropriate visas.

Tabatadze said EU nationals, plus people from Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, members of NATO and CIS countries, as well as people from Georgia’s neighbouring countries Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia, will be allowed to enter Georgia for a short visit without needing to obtain a visa.