If you hold a valid UAE residence visa, you can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for most nationalities. Georgia sits in the Caucasus on the Black Sea coast, bordered by Russia, Turkey and Armenia — one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, with evidence of winemaking dating back roughly 8,000 years (Wikipedia). The one rule that changed in 2026 catches people out, and we cover it below.
Who this applies to
This guide is for UAE residents — meaning you hold a valid UAE residence visa or long-term visa, regardless of your original passport. If you are a UAE citizen, different rules may apply; check the official portal directly.
Visa-free entry: the actual conditions
- Your UAE residence permit (or long-term visa) must be valid on both the day you enter Georgia and the day you leave.
- Most nationalities on a valid UAE residence visa get 90 days visa-free in any 180-day period.
- Holders of passports from a short list of 17 countries — including Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan — need a UAE residence permit valid for at least one year, or must apply for a Georgian C1 visa instead.
- Your passport should have at least 90 days of validity remaining from your entry date; we recommend 6 months as a safer margin.
If you need an e-Visa instead
If your nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry on a UAE residence permit, you will need to apply for a Georgia e-Visa. Standard processing time is around 5 working days, so apply at least 2 weeks before travel to leave room for delays. You will typically need proof of onward travel, proof of accommodation, and evidence you can support your stay.
New for 2026: mandatory travel insurance
From 1 January 2026, every visitor entering Georgia — including UAE residents using the visa-free route — must carry travel or health insurance covering at least GEL 30,000 for the full length of the stay. Border officers can ask to see proof of this. See our full breakdown in how to choose a compliant policy.
[AFFILIATE LINK SLOT — Compare Schengen/Georgia-compliant travel insurance]
What to carry at the airport
- Passport with the validity above
- Valid Emirates ID or UAE residence visa page
- Proof of travel insurance meeting the GEL 30,000 minimum
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or address of stay
- Proof of funds for your stay, if requested
Planning the rest of the trip
Once your visa and insurance are sorted: see the best month to visit Georgia and our real Georgia trip cost breakdown from Dubai.
A note on accuracy
Visa and insurance rules can change without notice, and requirements differ by exact passport nationality. Always confirm your specific case with the Georgian Embassy or the official evisa.gov.ge portal before you book flights.
Sources: Georgia e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.ge); Georgian entry-requirement reporting for the 2026 insurance rule change; Wikipedia — Georgia (country).
How Georgia visa rules differ from Schengen
Georgia is not in the Schengen Area or the EU, so its entry rules are entirely separate from Schengen visa rules. This matters if your trip combines both: a Schengen visa does not grant entry to Georgia, and Georgia’s GEL 30,000 insurance minimum is different from the Schengen €30,000 requirement. If your itinerary covers both, you may need two separate insurance certificates, or one policy explicitly covering both minimums — check with your insurer before buying.
Applying by nationality: three common scenarios
Scenario 1: Indian passport, valid UAE residence visa
You qualify for 90 days visa-free entry as long as your UAE residence visa is valid on both your entry and exit dates. No embassy application needed. Carry your passport, Emirates ID, and proof of GEL 30,000 insurance.
Scenario 2: Pakistani passport, valid UAE residence visa
Pakistan is on the 17-country list requiring extra scrutiny. Your UAE residence permit must be valid for at least one year remaining, not just valid on your travel dates. If your permit has less than a year left, you will need to apply for a Georgian C1 visa in advance instead of relying on visa-free entry.
Scenario 3: Filipino passport, valid UAE residence visa
Filipino passport holders on a valid UAE residence visa generally qualify for the standard 90-day visa-free entry, the same as Scenario 1. Always verify current rules on the official evisa.gov.ge portal before booking, as country-specific lists are reviewed periodically.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter Georgia on a UAE tourist visa, not a residence visa?
No. The visa-free route described here applies specifically to UAE residence visa holders. If you are in the UAE on a tourist or visit visa, check Georgia’s requirements for your actual passport nationality directly, as the residence-visa exemption will not apply to you.
What happens if I do not have the required insurance at the border?
Border officials can deny entry if you cannot show proof of insurance meeting the GEL 30,000 minimum. Buy your policy before you fly and keep both a digital and printed copy.
Does the 90-day visa-free period reset if I leave and re-enter?
No. It is 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, not per trip. If you have already spent time in Georgia earlier in the same 180-day window, those days count against your total.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?
Visa-free stays are generally not extendable from within Georgia. If you need longer than 90 days, you would need to apply for an appropriate visa category before travelling.
What we still need to verify
This guide is based on published rules as of August 2026. Country-specific lists, insurance minimums, and processing times are reviewed periodically by the Georgian government. We recommend confirming your exact requirements on evisa.gov.ge within a week of booking your flights, not months in advance.