In 2026, UK citizens need no Georgia eVisa for tourism: they can enter visa-free for up to 365 days. However, UK residents holding non-UK passports from eligible countries must apply online via the e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.ge. The standard processing time is approximately 5 working days, and the total fee is about $23.50 USD, roughly £18 to £19 GBP. Applicants should submit at least 2 weeks before travel.
Last reviewed: September 2026. All fee and processing data verified against the eVisa portal at evisa.gov.ge.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Georgia in 2026?
The Georgia eVisa is unnecessary for UK passport holders planning standard tourism, as Georgia grants British travellers visa-free entry for up to 1 year (365 days). No pre-registration or embassy visit is needed – just a passport valid at least 3 months from entry.
The Georgia eVisa applies to UK residents holding non-UK passports from eVisa-eligible countries. Travellers with a valid Schengen, US, Canadian, Australian, or GCC visa or residence permit can also enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days under the third-country visa exemption. The full visa-free countries list is available at geoconsul.gov.ge.
| Entry Option | Eligibility | Maximum Stay | Cost | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | UK passport holders | Up to 365 days | None | Lowest |
| Georgia eVisa | Eligible non-UK nationalities | 30 or 90 days | ~$23.50 USD | Online |
| Embassy Visa (C-Visa) | Non-eligible nationalities | Varies | Varies | In-person appointment |
Georgia eVisa Requirements: Eligibility, Documents and Photo Specifications
The Georgia visa requirements for eVisa applicants include a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended travel dates, a compliant digital photograph, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation. The Georgia eVisa applies primarily to UK residents holding non-UK passports from eVisa-eligible countries, as British passport holders enter visa-free for up to 365 days.
- Passport with 6 months validity beyond travel dates
- Digital passport photo: 3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background, JPEG format, minimum 600 dpi
- Passport biographical page scan: max 2 MB, accepted formats JPEG / PNG / PDF, all four corners visible
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance valid for the entire stay
Using a flatbed scanner rather than a phone camera produces more consistent results for the passport bio-page scan, as phone cameras often introduce shadows or uneven lighting that can trigger Georgia eVisa rejection. Verify your nationality’s eligibility on the eVisa portal before applying.
Georgia eVisa Fees: Exact Cost Breakdown for 2026
The Georgia eVisa costs approximately $20 USD as a base consular fee plus a $3.50 USD service surcharge, bringing the total to ~$23.50 USD per applicant. Payment is processed online via Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay on the e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.ge.
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (GBP) | Amount (EUR) | Amount (GEL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base consular fee | ~$20.00 | ~£15.80 | ~€18.40 | ~53.00 GEL | Historical figure; verify on evisa.gov.ge at time of application |
| Service/processing surcharge | ~$3.50 | ~£2.80 | ~€3.20 | ~9.30 GEL | Applied to all online applications |
| Total estimated | ~$23.50 | ~£18-£19 | ~€21.60 | ~62.30 GEL | Exchange rates are approximate |
GBP, EUR, and GEL figures are approximate conversions at typical 2026 mid-market rates. The actual charged amount depends on the card issuer’s exchange rate at the time of payment.
| Method | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | ✅ Yes | Credit and debit cards |
| Mastercard | ✅ Yes | Credit and debit cards |
| UnionPay | ✅ Yes | Confirmed on portal |
| American Express | ❌ Not confirmed | Recommend backup Visa/Mastercard |
| Prepaid travel cards | ⚠️ Varies | May be declined; use standard bank card |
The Georgia eVisa fee is non-refundable, including on voluntary cancellation. Keep a backup Visa or Mastercard; Amex and prepaid cards may be declined by the payment gateway.
How to Apply for a Georgia eVisa from the UK: Step-by-Step Guide
The Georgia eVisa application follows five sequential steps: check eligibility, complete the online form, upload documents, pay the fee, and receive approval by email.
Check eligibility
Verify your nationality on the eVisa portal at evisa.gov.ge before starting.
Complete the online form
Enter personal and passport details; your name must match your passport exactly.
Upload documents
Submit the documents listed in the Georgia eVisa Requirements section above.
Pay the fee
The total is ~$23.50 USD, payable by Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay.
Receive your eVisa
The Georgia eVisa Confirmation PDF arrives by email; print and carry it at the border.
Track your application via the eVisa status check on the portal using your reference number and passport number. Status labels progress: Pending → Processing → Approved / Rejected. If “Processing” persists beyond 10 working days, contact eVisa support via the portal’s contact form.
Georgia eVisa Processing Time in 2026
The Georgia eVisa processing takes approximately 5 working days under standard processing in 2026. The system advises applicants to submit their requests at least 2 weeks (14 calendar days) before the intended departure date to accommodate unexpected delays.
The Georgia eVisa system does not offer an advertised express or expedited service. Processing pauses during weekends, as Saturday and Sunday are excluded from the working-day count. Additionally, Georgian public holidays temporarily halt government operations, extending the total turnaround time for applicants.
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Impact on Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Orthodox Christmas | 7 January | Office closure |
| Independence Day | 26 May | Office closure |
| St George’s Day | 23 November | Office closure |
Georgia eVisa Validity, Entry Types and Ports of Entry
The Georgia eVisa is issued as a single or multiple entry permit for 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality and visa category, and is accepted at all major Georgian airports, land borders, and sea ports.
| Visa Type | Validity | Entry Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay Georgia eVisa | 30 days | Single entry | One-off holiday, short tourism trip |
| Standard Georgia eVisa | 90 days | Single or multiple entry | Longer tourism, multiple border crossings, family visits |
| Business Georgia eVisa | 90 days | Multiple entry | Business meetings, conferences |
The Georgia eVisa validity period counts from the date of issuance, not from the date of entry. Applicants must plan travel dates accordingly to avoid losing usable days between approval and arrival.
| Entry Point Type | Locations | eVisa Accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| Airports | Tbilisi International (TBS), Batumi International (BUS), Kutaisi International (KUT) | Yes |
| Land borders | Sarpi (Turkey), Sadakhlo (Armenia), Red Bridge (Azerbaijan), Guguti (Armenia) | Yes |
| Sea ports | Batumi, Poti | Yes |
The Georgia eVisa must be printed and presented at immigration alongside the passport. A digital copy on a phone is not sufficient at Georgian border control points.
10 Common Georgia eVisa Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common Georgia eVisa rejection reasons include passport validity under 6 months, incorrect photo dimensions, and uploading blurry passport scans.
- Passport valid for less than 6 months. The Georgia eVisa requires a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates. Renew your passport before applying.
- Incorrect photo. Follow the exact specifications in the Requirements section above.
- Blurry passport scan. Use a flatbed scanner; ensure all four corners are visible.
- Booking non-refundable trips before approval. Wait for the eVisa confirmation email before confirming non-refundable flights or hotel bookings.
- Applying less than 1 week before travel. Submit at least 2 weeks before departure.
- Name mismatch. Ensure the name on your application matches your passport exactly, including middle names.
- Missing accommodation proof. Upload a confirmed hotel booking or host invitation letter.
- Not checking nationality eligibility. Verify your nationality qualifies on the evisa.gov.ge portal before starting the form.
- Using an unsupported payment method. Use Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay.
- Ignoring the confirmation email. Save your unique reference number immediately to track your Georgia eVisa status online.
Georgia Overstay Penalties: Fines, Bans and How to Avoid Them
Overstaying a Georgia eVisa or visa-free period results in financial penalties per day of overstay and a potential entry ban imposed by Georgian border authorities. The Georgia eVisa does not permit in-country extensions, so the authorised stay expiry must be tracked from the moment of arrival.
| Overstay Duration | Financial Penalty (Approx.) | Entry Ban | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 days | Fine up to ~400 GEL (~$150 USD) | Potential future scrutiny | Flagged in system |
| 11-30 days | Higher fine range | 1-year entry ban possible | Difficulties with future Georgian visas |
| 31-90 days | Significant fine | Multi-year entry ban | Negative record for Schengen/UK/US visa applications |
| 90+ days | Maximum fine + deportation | Extended or permanent ban | Serious consequences for international travel |
Count remaining days from the entry stamp placed in your passport at the border. Set a calendar reminder 7 days before your authorised stay expires, and keep a printed copy of the entry stamp date. Per Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs regulations, the Georgia eVisa cannot be extended from within the country. Source: geoconsul.gov.ge.
Georgia eVisa for Families and Minors
The Georgia eVisa requires every traveller, including infants, to hold an individual passport and a separate Georgia eVisa application. Children must meet the same passport-validity and photo requirements as adults (3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background, JPEG, 600 dpi). Each minor’s application incurs the full $23.50 USD fee (~£18 to £19 GBP), with no reduced rate. Parental consent documentation may be requested when a minor travels with one parent or a guardian.
Key Takeaways: Georgia eVisa for UK Citizens in 2026
UK citizens enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days. Georgia eVisa-eligible nationalities pay ~$23.50 USD, receive approval in ~5 working days, and must apply at least 2 weeks before departure. The Georgia eVisa is valid from the date of issuance, cannot be extended in-country, and must be printed for border control.
This is an independent informational guide. We are not affiliated with the Government of Georgia. Always confirm current Georgia visa requirements on the eVisa portal before applying.
FAQ
What documents do I need for a Georgia eVisa application from the UK?
You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a digital photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, JPEG, white background, 600 dpi), a passport bio-page scan (max 2 MB, JPEG/PNG/PDF), return ticket, accommodation proof, sufficient funds, and travel insurance.
How much does a Georgia eVisa cost in British pounds in 2026?
The total is approximately $23.50 USD (~£18 to £19 GBP at 2026 rates), comprising a ~$20 base fee and ~$3.50 service surcharge. The exact GBP amount depends on your card issuer’s exchange rate, and the fee is non-refundable if rejected.
How long does it take to get a Georgia eVisa in 2026?
Standard processing takes approximately 5 working days, with no express service available. Apply at least 2 weeks (14 calendar days) before departure to account for weekends and public holidays.
Can I extend my Georgia eVisa after arriving in the country?
No, Georgia short-stay eVisas cannot be extended from within the country. You must exit Georgia and submit a new application if a longer stay is needed.
What happens if my Georgia eVisa application is rejected?
The fee is non-refundable, but you may reapply immediately with corrected documents. Common rejection causes include passport validity under 6 months, incorrect photo dimensions, and blurry scans.
Is travel insurance required for a Georgia eVisa?
Yes, travel insurance is a mandatory supporting document for Georgia eVisa applicants and must cover the entire stay. For UK citizens entering visa-free, insurance is recommended but not required.
Can I cancel my Georgia eVisa application and get a refund?
Once payment is processed, the fee is non-refundable, even if you cancel voluntarily before processing completes. This policy applies to all applications regardless of outcome.
How do I scan my passport correctly for the Georgia eVisa portal?
Use a flatbed scanner at 300 dpi or higher, or a high-resolution phone camera, ensuring all four corners of the bio-page are visible. Save as JPEG or PDF with a maximum file size of 2 MB.
Do children and minors need a separate Georgia eVisa?
Yes, every traveller including infants requires an individual passport and separate eVisa application at the full ~$23.50 USD fee. Parental consent documentation may be requested during processing.
Can UK citizens enter Georgia without any visa at all?
Yes, UK passport holders can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days with no eVisa or pre-registration required. A passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry is sufficient.
Which payment methods are accepted on the Georgia eVisa portal?
Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay are confirmed accepted methods, with payment processed in USD. American Express and prepaid travel cards may not be supported, so carry a backup Visa or Mastercard.
Are there Georgian public holidays that could delay my eVisa processing?
Yes, Georgian government offices close on Orthodox Christmas (7 January), Orthodox Epiphany (19 January), International Women’s Day (8 March), Independence Day (26 May), and St George’s Day (23 November). Apply well in advance to avoid holiday-related delays.
