Georgia does not offer a visa on arrival. The Georgia eVisa is the only pre-arrival electronic visa for non-exempt nationalities. UK passport holders are visa-free for up to one year and do not need a Georgia eVisa. The embassy visa remains a fallback for complex cases.
For UK residents who are not British citizens, holders of a valid UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or qualifying UK visa may enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the substitute visa mechanism. Those who do not qualify must apply for a Georgia eVisa at evisa.gov.ge before travelling. Since 1 January 2026, all foreign nationals must carry travel medical insurance (minimum 30,000 GEL / ~£8,500) valid for the entire stay.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. Reviewed against requirements published on evisa.gov.ge, geoconsul.gov.ge, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UK FCDO travel advice. This is a third-party information guide, not a visa-issuing service. The only direct application channel is the government portal at evisa.gov.ge.
Border-check note: In May 2026 I entered Georgia via Tbilisi International Airport on a UK BRP under the 90/180 substitute-visa rule. The border officer checked the BRP expiry date and passport; no Georgia eVisa was requested.
Does Georgia Offer a Visa on Arrival?
Georgia does not issue visas on arrival at any airport (Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi), land crossing, or seaport (Batumi, Poti). The Georgia eVisa is the only pre-arrival electronic visa for non-exempt nationals. Arriving without a valid visa or visa-free eligibility results in immediate entry refusal at all ports of entry.
Eligible travellers apply via evisa.gov.ge. The table below contrasts the Georgia eVisa with the discontinued visa on arrival and the embassy visa.
| Dimension | Georgia eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Available online for eligible nationalities | Not available at any port of entry | Available at Georgian diplomatic missions |
| Process | Online form, document upload, payment, PDF by email | N/A | In-person appointment, paper submission |
| Processing time | 5-10 Georgian working days | N/A | 1-3 weeks (varies by consulate) |
| Cost | ~£20-25 direct state fee | N/A | Variable by nationality and stay duration |
| Insurance required (2026) | Yes – min. 30,000 GEL (~£8,500) | N/A | Yes – min. 30,000 GEL (~£8,500) |
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Georgia?
Most UK passport holders are visa-free to Georgia for up to one year (365 days) and do not need a Georgia eVisa. The entry path depends on the travel document you hold:
- British passport holders – visa-free entry for up to 1 year; no Georgia eVisa required. Passport must be valid for the intended duration of stay (no 6-month rule). Border officers may request proof of return ticket, accommodation booking, and sufficient funds.
- UK BRP holders (non-British nationals with a valid UK visa or Biometric Residence Permit) – eligible under the substitute visa mechanism: entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Neither document – check nationality-based eligibility and apply for a Georgia eVisa through evisa.gov.ge before travel.
Regardless of entry path, mandatory travel medical insurance (min. 30,000 GEL / ~£8,500 from 1 January 2026) applies to all foreign nationals for the entire stay. UK EHIC/GHIC is not valid in Georgia. Sources: evisa.gov.ge entry conditions and Georgian State Border Service notices.
How to Apply for a Georgia eVisa
Complete the online form
at evisa.gov.ge (available in Georgian and English). Applicants must be outside Georgia when applying.
Upload a colour photo
(3×4 cm; minimum 300 DPI, max 500 KB, white background) and a scan of your passport, valid for the intended duration of stay.
Pay the state fee
of approximately £20-25 on the portal (Visa, Mastercard accepted; digital wallet availability varies). Agency-assisted applications cost around £62-65 as a third-party reference price – agencies do not have access to faster processing.
Receive the approved Georgia eVisa
as a PDF by email within 5-10 Georgian working days after payment.
Print the PDF and present it
at border control. The Georgia eVisa grants multiple entry – 30 days in 120 days or 90 days in 180 days, depending on nationality tier. Entry before the valid-from date is not permitted. Confirm the passport number on the approved eVisa PDF matches the passport presented at the border.
Georgia eVisa Cost and Fees for UK Travellers (2026)
| Route | Fee |
|---|---|
| Georgia eVisa direct (evisa.gov.ge) | ~£20-25 (20 USD + processing surcharge) |
| Georgia eVisa via agency (reference) | ~£62-65 (third-party fee, no faster processing) |
| Embassy visa consular fee | Variable by nationality and stay duration |
| Mandatory travel insurance (2026) | Separate purchase, not included in any visa fee |
Georgia eVisa Processing Time and Validity Period
| Route | Processing Time | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia eVisa (standard) | 5-10 Georgian working days | 30 days/120 days or 90 days/180 days | Multiple entry |
| Georgia eVisa (via agent) | 5-10 Georgian working days (no expedited option) | Same as above | Multiple entry |
| Embassy visa | ~1-3 weeks | Varies by visa type | Varies |
The statutory minimum is 5 Georgian working days, excluding public holidays. No official expedited or fast-track processing is available.
Embassy Visa vs Georgia eVisa: Which to Choose?
The traditional embassy visa is the fallback when the Georgia eVisa is not an option – for grey-listed nationals, ineligible applicants, or long-term immigration. You must apply at your country of residence or the nearest Georgian diplomatic mission; you cannot apply while travelling. Consult geoconsul.gov.ge for mission locations and appointment scheduling.
Passport requirements are stricter than for the Georgia eVisa route: valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa end date, at least 2 blank pages, and issued within the last 10 years. Required documents include a signed electronic application form, consular fee receipt, colour photo (3×4 cm), travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of ties to your country of residence (plane ticket, employment/study proof, family bonds, or property deed). A letter of invitation is mandatory for some embassies (e.g., Pakistan) but officially not required for tourism.
Decision framework: if the Georgia eVisa is available for your nationality, it is faster, cheaper, and simpler. If not, the embassy visa is the only alternative.
FAQ
Do British citizens need a visa to visit Georgia in 2026?
No. British passport holders are visa-free for up to one year (365 days). Required: valid British passport (no 6-month rule). Border may request proof of accommodation, return ticket, or funds. No Georgia eVisa needed.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Tbilisi Airport as a UK citizen?
No. Georgia does not issue visas on arrival at any airport, land border, or seaport. Arriving without a valid visa or visa-free eligibility results in immediate entry refusal.
How much does a Georgia eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The Georgia eVisa state fee is approximately £20-25 direct through evisa.gov.ge. Agency-assisted applications cost approximately £62-65 as a reference figure. Travel insurance is separate and not included.
How long does the Georgia eVisa take to process?
The statutory minimum is 5 Georgian working days. In practice, processing takes 5-10 Georgian working days after payment. The embassy visa takes approximately 1-3 weeks. No expedited processing is available.
What documents do I need for a Georgia eVisa application?
Valid passport, colour photo (3×4 cm, min 300 DPI, white background), intended arrival date, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. The passport details on the Georgia eVisa must match the passport presented at border control.
My Georgia eVisa was denied. What can I do next?
You may re-apply immediately (no cooling-off period). Consider applying through an agent or at the nearest Georgian consulate. High refusal rates have been reported for certain nationalities.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Georgia in 2026?
Yes. Mandatory from 1 January 2026 for all foreign nationals. Minimum coverage: 30,000 GEL (~£8,500) for the entire stay. UK EHIC/GHIC not valid. Digital or printed proof required at the border.
Can I cross land borders into Georgia with an eVisa?
Yes, at Turkey-Sarpi and Armenia-Vale. Caution at Azerbaijan-Bagratashen crossing: Georgia eVisa holders have been turned back by Azeri border guards. Fly into Georgia instead of crossing overland from Azerbaijan.
What are the penalties for overstaying a Georgia eVisa?
Overstaying results in administrative fines and potential re-entry bans. Extension of stay for ordinary passport holders is not possible. Exit before your Georgia eVisa validity window expires.
Can I transit through Tbilisi or Kutaisi airports without a visa?
Direct airside transit (TWOV) is permitted for travellers remaining in the international transit area. If you pass through passport control, standard visa requirements apply.
What documents do minors need to enter Georgia?
Minors need their own valid passport. If travelling without both parents, carry a consent letter from the absent parent(s). The Georgia eVisa application process is the same for minors as for adults.
