Georgia offers a limited visa on arrival option for specific nationalities at designated entry points. However, for most travelers who need a visa to enter Georgia, the recommended approach is the Georgia e-Visa applied in advance online. This page explains which nationalities may be eligible for visa on arrival, the conditions and limitations, and why applying in advance through evisa.gov.ge is generally the better option.
Georgia Visa on Arrival – Who Is Eligible?
Georgia’s visa on arrival program is limited in scope. The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs periodically updates which nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, and the conditions can change. As of 2026, the visa on arrival option is available for a specific set of nationalities primarily from countries that do not have a Georgian embassy or consulate nearby, or as part of specific bilateral arrangements.
The most reliable way to confirm whether your nationality qualifies for Georgian visa on arrival is to:
- Check the official Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at geoconsul.gov.ge
- Contact the Georgian embassy or consulate in your country
- Check with your airline before departure
Important: Do not assume you can obtain a visa on arrival unless you have specifically confirmed this for your nationality. Arriving without a valid visa and being ineligible for visa on arrival will result in denial of entry.
Visa on Arrival vs. e-Visa – Key Differences
| Factor | Visa on Arrival | e-Visa (Online) |
|---|---|---|
| Where applied | At the border on arrival | Online at evisa.gov.ge before travel |
| Availability | Limited nationalities | ~60+ nationalities |
| Certainty | Uncertainty until arrival | Approved before you travel |
| Processing time | On the spot (30-60 min) | Up to 5 business days |
| Cost | Similar to e-Visa ($20+) | $20 + $15 DuVerify |
| Risk | Higher (no pre-approval) | Lower (pre-approved) |
Why the e-Visa Is Usually the Better Option
Even for nationalities that may technically qualify for a visa on arrival, applying in advance for a Georgia e-Visa is strongly recommended because:
- Certainty – You travel knowing your visa is approved. No risk of denial at the border
- Time – Visa on arrival queues can be long, especially at busy Tbilisi Airport. Pre-approved travelers clear immigration much faster
- Documentation – Visa on arrival officers may require the same documents as the e-Visa; having them ready avoids stress
- Rules can change – Visa on arrival eligibility can change without much notice; a pre-approved e-Visa protects you from last-minute rule changes
For eligible nationalities, the e-Visa application is simple, quick (15-20 minutes), and provides complete peace of mind before you board your flight.
Visa on Arrival for Holders of Other Countries’ Visas
Georgia has a special provision: holders of valid visas or residence permits from certain countries may be eligible for visa on arrival in Georgia regardless of their nationality. Specifically, holders of valid Schengen visas, US visas, UK visas, or Japanese visas may qualify for a Georgian visa on arrival.
This provision is particularly useful for nationalities that are not normally eligible for the Georgian e-Visa but hold valid visas from Western countries. The key conditions:
- The third-country visa must be valid (not expired)
- The visa must be from an approved list of countries (Schengen, US, UK, Japan)
- The traveler must meet all other Georgian entry requirements including insurance
Again, verify this arrangement is still in effect for your specific situation before traveling. See our eligible countries guide and 2026 entry requirements for the latest information.
Visa on Arrival at Georgian Land Borders
Visa on arrival is primarily available at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Land border visa on arrival has more limited availability and may not be offered at all crossings. If you plan to enter by land and believe you qualify for visa on arrival, confirm this specifically for your intended crossing before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Georgia visa on arrival at Tbilisi Airport?
Visa on arrival at Tbilisi Airport is available for specific nationalities. If your country is on the eligible list or you hold a valid Schengen, US, UK, or Japanese visa, you may qualify. However, it is always safer and more convenient to apply for an e-Visa in advance at evisa.gov.ge. Confirm your eligibility before traveling.
How long is the visa on arrival valid for Georgia?
Visa on arrival in Georgia typically grants the same parameters as a standard tourist e-Visa: a 30-day stay within a validity window. Exact parameters may vary by nationality and the discretion of border officers. A pre-approved e-Visa provides clearer and more predictable terms.
Does holding a US visa allow me to get a Georgia visa on arrival?
Yes, in most cases. Holders of valid Schengen, US, UK, or Japanese visas or residence permits are generally eligible for a Georgian visa on arrival regardless of their passport nationality. Ensure your US visa is valid (not expired) and bring all standard entry documents including travel insurance. Verify this is still the case before traveling as policies can change.
What documents do I need for Georgia visa on arrival?
Typically: your passport, the qualifying third-country visa (if using that pathway), return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, travel and health insurance, and proof of financial means. The documentation requirements are similar to the e-Visa – having these ready will make the on-arrival process much faster.