Georgia has recently tightened its visa policies for certain nationalities, notably affecting residents of the UAE, as part of changes officially implemented on April 17, 2025. These new regulations particularly target citizens from countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, even if they possess valid visas or residence permits issued by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
The revised rules took many by surprise, including Muhammad, a 31-year-old senior product manager residing in the UAE. He and a friend traveled from Abu Dhabi to Kutaisi International Airport to celebrate Eid Al Adha, believing they had complied with all entry requirements.
“We presented all necessary documentation, including proof of residence in the UAE, hotel reservations, return tickets, and travel insurance. Although some travelers were denied boarding, we were allowed to fly,” Muhammad explained.
Upon arrival, however, their experience took a turn. A police officer requested their identification before they reached the immigration area.
“They separated us, took our passports, and took photographs of us in front of other passengers,” Muhammad recounted. “We received no explanation until a female officer handed us rejection papers.”
Muhammad described feeling “humiliated” by how the situation was managed, stating that he and his friend were treated “like criminals.”
“We were held for over 12 hours in a cramped room without food, clean water, or proper sanitation,” he added.
Now, Muhammad is warning others, especially those holding Pakistani passports, to rethink any plans to travel to Georgia. “We lost money on flights, hotel bookings, insurance, and car rentals, but the emotional turmoil and stress we faced were far worse.”
Georgia’s visa regulations were revised through an amendment to the Government Resolution dated June 5, 2015, concerning the list of countries whose visas or residence permits previously allowed for visa-free entry under certain conditions.
Contrary to some reports in the media, this update does not simplify entry processes but instead implements stricter guidelines aimed at reducing illegal immigration and enhancing border security.
### Key Change
Holders of residency in the Gulf no longer automatically receive visa-free access.
Previously, citizens from specific countries could enter Georgia without a visa if they possessed valid visas or residence permits from GCC member states. However, there was no stipulation regarding the minimum validity period of these documents. As of April 17, 2025, this has been amended.
Now, individuals from designated countries can only enter Georgia without a visa if their Gulf-issued visa or residency permit is valid for a minimum of one year on the date of their entry, with this validity clearly indicated in their passport or supporting documentation.
Travel agents in the UAE have noted that since the new policy was enacted, some residents have faced issues at Georgian immigration.
Godly Babukutty from Epic Travel noted, “While we haven’t encountered such problems with our clients, we are aware that others have faced challenges due to the new regulations.”
He further explained, “What Georgia has recently put into place isn’t unprecedented; many nations have adopted similar measures for years. Georgia is tightening its regulations partly because travelers often lack a proper itinerary or would book flights without completing all necessary documentation.”
Babukutty advised potential travelers to ensure they have all requirements, such as hotel bookings, return tickets, and adequate cash, in order before purchasing flight tickets. “Utilizing travel agencies can help guarantee that all necessary documentation is in order prior to departure. Additionally, we always recommend that travelers do not fly without insurance.”
### Affected Countries
This new restriction predominantly impacts nationals from the following countries:
These individuals will no longer gain visa-free entry into Georgia solely based on a short-term visa or residence permit from a Gulf nation. Only those holding a Gulf-issued visa or residency with a minimum one-year validity will be granted this privilege.
Georgia maintains that these legislative amendments are intended to strengthen existing regulations rather than ease them. According to official sources, any misleading interpretations circulating in the media do not reflect the true nature or intent of these changes.