Georgia eVisa for UK Citizens — Visa Rules, Requirements, and Processing Times (2026 Guide)

Last verified on 9 September 2026. This guide is independently researched and not affiliated with any government website. We checked the visa-free 365-day rule, passport validity, and the 1 March 2026 work-permit requirement against gov.uk’s Georgia travel advice, evisa.gov.ge, and the State Employment Support Agency before publishing.

UK citizens do not need a Georgia eVisa in 2026. British passport holders enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days. The Georgia eVisa system applies only to non-exempt nationalities, including UK residents holding foreign passports. Mandatory health insurance covering at least 30,000 GEL is required for all visitors.

Those planning to work, study, or stay longer than one year must apply for specific long-term visas. UK residents holding foreign passports may need to use the eVisa system or qualify for a 90-day visa exemption if they hold valid permits from the UK, Schengen area, or USA.

Do UK Citizens Actually Need a Georgia eVisa?

No. British passport holders enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days with no visa or eVisa required. UK passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for tourism and business visits under a bilateral arrangement confirmed by gov.uk. Passports must be valid for the duration of stay, not the standard three-month rule that applies to other nationalities.

Who Needs a Georgia eVisa?

The eVisa system serves non-exempt nationalities only. UK residents holding foreign passports may need an eVisa unless they qualify for the 90-day exemption with a valid UK, Schengen, or US visa or residence permit. Check the full visa-free country list at geoconsul.gov.ge to confirm your status before travelling.

Georgia eVisa Requirements, Process, and Fees for Non-Exempt UK Residents

UK residents holding foreign passports may qualify for 90-day visa-free entry with a valid UK, Schengen, or US visa or residence permit; others must apply for a Georgia eVisa at evisa.gov.ge. BRP holders may obtain a visa on arrival. For assistance, contact the eVisa portal at [email protected] or (995 32) 2945050 (fax: (995 32) 2945001). The portal office is located at 0118 Georgia, Tbilisi, Sh. Chitadze str. 4.

eVisa Application Steps

Processing Time and Fees

Standard processing takes approximately 5 working days; apply at least 10 working days before travel. The fee is USD 20 plus a bank/service charge, payable by credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied. UK-based applicants should factor in possible delays during peak tourist seasons.

eVisa Validity and Entry Types

The Georgia eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue and permits multiple entries. Carry a printed copy at the Georgian border. UK citizens entering visa-free do not need an eVisa but must respect the 365-day limit.

Passport and Health Insurance Requirements for UK Citizens

Passport Validity Rules

British passport holders enter visa-free for up to 365 days. British passports must be valid for the duration of stay – the “3 months from entry” rule applies to non-UK nationalities under the general visa-free regime, not to UK citizens under the bilateral arrangement. At least 1 blank page is needed for entry stamps. Dual passport holders should present their UK passport to claim visa-free entry; a foreign passport triggers standard visa or eVisa requirements.

Health Insurance Minimum Coverage

Health and accident insurance is mandatory for all visitors, including UK citizens entering visa-free or with a Georgia eVisa. The minimum coverage is 30,000 Georgian Lari (~£8,500 GBP), covering medical treatment, hospitalisation, repatriation, and medical treatment abroad for the full period of stay including arrival and departure dates. Policies from Georgian or foreign insurers are accepted. Insurance is verified at airline check-in or by immigration officers upon arrival. Non-compliance may result in entry refusal. Consult TravelHealthPro’s Georgia guide for medical entry requirements.

Working in Georgia as a UK Citizen – New 2026 Work Permit Rules

Since 1 March 2026, all foreign nationals including UK citizens must obtain a work permit from the State Employment Support Agency before working in Georgia. Paid employment, remote work, self-employment, and business activities require separate authorisation regardless of the 365-day visa-free allowance. The Georgia eVisa does not grant work rights.

Work Permit Application Process

• Issuing authority: State Employment Support Agency, supervised by the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia
• Validity: 1 year, restricted to a specific job and employer only
• Post-approval requirement: UK citizens must then obtain an appropriate visa and/or worker’s residence permit

Income Tax Obligations

• Threshold: staying more than 183 days with any paid employment triggers income tax liability
• Reporting authority: Revenue Service of Georgia
• Non-compliance penalty: fine

Other Visa Types, Customs, and Medicine Rules for UK Travellers

D-Category and Special Visas

• D1 Work Visa – up to 6 months, single or multiple entry; requires a document from Georgian state bodies confirming entry purpose.
• D2 Student Visa – up to 6 months; requires a university acceptance letter; passport must have minimum 6 months validity and 1 blank page.
• D3 Family Visa – up to 180 days, multiple entry; requires proof of relationship to a Georgian resident or citizen.
• D5 Investment Visa – residency for qualifying investments; requires investment proof.
• Diplomatic Visa – up to 3 months, single or multiple entry; requires a cover letter from a British institution.
• Transit Visa – up to 5 days; requires proof of funds.
• Digital Nomad Programme – designed for remote workers staying long-term in Georgia.

For long-term visa applications, UK civil documents may require notarisation, apostille, or Georgian translation. Contact the Georgian Embassy in the UK for specific requirements.

Customs and Medicine Restrictions

• Strict anti-drugs policy – non-prescription medicines containing codeine are prohibited without prior approval.
• Prescription medicines require a doctor’s prescription and original packaging.
• Pre-travel assessment: email [email protected] – processing takes approximately 1 month.
• Consequences of non-compliance: detention, criminal prosecution, and fines.
• Customs declaration is required for prohibited goods or goods subject to tax or duty. Cash exceeding 30,000 GEL equivalent must also be declared.

Safety, Travel Advisories, and Practical Tips for 2026

The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Georgia, particularly border regions near Russia and Azerbaijan. UK citizens should check the latest FCDO guidance before departure. Whether entering visa-free or with a Georgia eVisa, carrying the right documents at the border remains essential.

FCDO Travel Advisory

UK citizens planning cross-border trips should verify land border crossing status and Azerbaijan restrictions from Georgia before setting out. Visa runs to Armenia or Turkey to reset the 365-day visa-free stay are not guaranteed to work. Overstaying results in fines collected at the departure border.

Documents to Carry at the Border

• Valid UK passport (dual citizens: present the UK passport for visa-free entry)
• Health insurance proof (minimum 30,000 GEL coverage)
• Return or onward ticket
• Accommodation confirmation
• Proof of sufficient financial means

UK citizens driving in Georgia can use a UK photocard licence, though an International Driving Permit is recommended. Currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). For entry-requirement clarifications, contact the Georgian Embassy in the UK.

UK citizens do not need a Georgia eVisa in 2026. British passport holders enter Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year without a visa. The Georgia eVisa system is designed for non-exempt nationalities. UK residents with foreign passports may need an eVisa – check eligibility at evisa.gov.ge.

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