A UK Biometric Residence Permit does not grant automatic visa-free entry to Georgia – eligibility depends on your passport nationality. British citizens enter visa-free for up to one year; non-British BRP holders may qualify for 90 days visa-free under the third-country residence permit exemption; refugee travel document holders need a Georgia eVisa. This guide is written for UK BRP holders, refugee travel document holders, and airline staff, based on Georgian government sources (evisa.gov.ge, geoconsul.gov.ge) and UK gov.uk travel advice. Information is accurate as of September 2026; rules may change, so always verify before travel.
Do You Need a Visa for Georgia? BRP Holders, Refugees & Travel Document holders
Georgia’s eVisa requirements for UK BRP holders: eligibility depends on passport nationality, not the BRP. A BRP is not a travel document – you must carry a valid passport from your country of citizenship, valid for the duration of stay. Under Georgia’s visa exemption framework, holders of a valid residence permit from a qualifying country (the UK qualifies) may enter visa-free for up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.
| Traveller Profile | Georgia Entry Rule |
|---|---|
| British citizen with BRP | Visa-free for up to 1 year using a valid British passport only |
| Non-British from visa-exempt country + valid BRP | Visa-free 90 days in a rolling 180-day period via third-country residence permit exemption |
| Non-British from non-exempt country + BRP | Georgia eVisa required – apply before departure |
| 1951 Convention Travel Document (blue) | Typically NOT eligible for visa-free entry – eVisa required |
| Certificate of Travel (black) | Almost certainly requires a Georgia eVisa |
UK Biometric Residence Permit holders with a Refugee Travel Document (blue) or Certificate of Travel (black) should apply for a Georgia eVisa via evisa.gov.ge before booking travel. Verify your document type against the exemption list at geoconsul.gov.ge.
How to Apply for a Georgia eVisa – Documents, Insurance & Fees
UK BRP holders can apply online at evisa.gov.ge. Tel: (995 32) 2945050. Email: [email protected].
Select nationality and document type
Select nationality and document type on the portal.
Complete the online form
Fill in all required fields on the eVisa application portal.
Upload required documents
Upload a passport (valid for the duration of stay), digital photo, UK Biometric Residence Permit copy, proof of accommodation, return/onward ticket, and travel insurance.
Pay the fee
Approximately $20 USD (single-entry) or $50 USD (multiple-entry).
Receive your eVisa
Receive the eVisa by email within 5 working days.
Mandatory health and accident insurance applies since 1 January 2026. Policies must provide minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL (approximately £8,500) for the entire stay, including arrival and departure dates. Georgian or foreign insurers are accepted. Proof is checked at airline check-in and Georgian immigration.
| Requirement | Detail | Where Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage amount | 30,000 GEL (~£8,500) | Check-in + border |
| Duration | Full stay incl. arrival/departure dates | Check-in + border |
| Issuers | Georgian or foreign insurer | Either accepted |
| Scope | Medical treatment abroad + repatriation | Check-in + border |
What to Present at the Georgian Border & UK Airport Check-In
As the UK transitions from physical BRP cards to digital UKVI status, UK Biometric Residence Permit holders should carry both formats in 2026.
- Passport from country of citizenship (BRP is not a travel document)
- Physical BRP card OR printed UKVI Share Code as evidence of valid UK residence
- Travel insurance certificate covering at least 30,000 GEL for the full stay
- Return or onward ticket (required for non-British BRP holders)
- Printout from gov.uk confirming digital leave, if your physical BRP expired with December 2024 stamps
If airline staff are unfamiliar with Georgian entry rules, show information from evisa.gov.ge and request a supervisor. At the Georgian border, present your passport alongside evidence of valid UK residence status.
Common Pitfalls – Customs, Overstays & Denied Boarding
Codeine-containing medicines (e.g., co-codamol, tramadol without prescription) are illegal in Georgia. Carry a doctor’s prescription and original packaging for any legal medication. Drug-status queries: [email protected] (State Regulation Agency for Medical and Pharmaceutical Activities; responses take approximately 1 month).
The visa exemption for UK BRP holders permits 90 days within a rolling 180-day period. Example: enter Georgia 1 January, stay 60 days, leave 2 March – next entry is possible after 30 June. Overstaying triggers fines, detention, and potential entry bans.
If denied boarding due to BRP ambiguity, show information from evisa.gov.ge or geoconsul.gov.ge, request a supervisor, and contact the Georgian Embassy in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visa Eligibility & eVisa Application FAQs
Can I travel to Georgia with a UK BRP instead of a passport?
No. A BRP is not a travel document. You must hold a valid passport from your country of citizenship, valid for the duration of your stay in Georgia.
Do I need a Georgian eVisa if I am a British citizen with a BRP?
No. British citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Georgia for up to 1 year using only a valid British passport.
How long can a non-British BRP holder stay in Georgia visa-free?
Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, provided your nationality qualifies for the third-country residence permit exemption and your BRP is valid on arrival.
What is the cost of a Georgia eVisa in 2026?
Approximately $20 USD (single-entry) and $50 USD (multiple-entry), payable online via evisa.gov.ge.
How long does Georgia eVisa processing take?
Standard processing takes up to 5 working days from application submission. You will receive your approved eVisa by email.
Entry Rules, Insurance & Penalties FAQs
Does Georgia accept a UK Certificate of Travel for visa-free entry?
Almost certainly not. Holders of a UK Certificate of Travel (black document) should apply for a Georgian eVisa before departure via evisa.gov.ge.
Can I work in Georgia on a BRP-based visa exemption?
No. The 90-day exemption covers tourism and business visits only. Working in Georgia requires a permit from the State Employment Support Agency, valid for 1 year and restricted to a specific job and employer. Remote work also requires this permit as of 1 March 2026.
What health insurance do I need for Georgia in 2026?
All visitors must carry insurance covering at least 30,000 GEL (approximately £8,500) for medical treatment abroad and repatriation, valid for the entire stay including arrival and departure dates.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Georgia with a UK Refugee Travel Document?
No. Georgia does not offer visa on arrival for any category of traveller. You must apply for an eVisa online at evisa.gov.ge before travelling.
What happens if I overstay my 90-day limit in Georgia?
You face fines, possible detention, and potential entry bans. The 90-day limit applies within a rolling 180-day period – always track your permitted days carefully.
