Is Georgia still an easy trip for UAE residents? Travel agents say yes, with a catch
Travel agents reveal why proper paperwork is key for visa-free entry to Georgia and beyond
Dubai: While recent reports highlighting tighter visa regulations for visiting Georgia has raised concerns, travel agents are offering a reassuring and crucial perspective.
The new regulations, particularly impacting certain nationalities even if they hold valid UAE residency, can be overcome if you have all your ducks in a row, even for "visa-free" destinations.
Safeer Mahamood, General Manager at Smart Travels, explained that many travellers being denied entry are not solely due to nationality or new rules but rather a lack of proper supporting documentation, especially their UAE visa documents.
"We've seen people turned away from the border, not necessarily because they couldn't enter, but because they didn't have the necessary paperwork readily available," he said.
Mahamood shared that his agency recently processed over 400 passengers to Georgia and various other destinations, with most experiencing smooth journeys due to proper preparation. "These are random checks, routine checks, but they (immigration authorities in Georgia) are very strict about seeing the documents," he added.
Change in rules
Georgia's government introduced new entry rules on May 16 for citizens of 17 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and others. Previously, citizens from these nations could enter Georgia if they held a visa or residence permit from a GCC country (UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman), with no specified validity period.
However, the key change is a tightening of these rules: To enter Georgia visa-free, the GCC visa or residence permit must be valid for at least one year upon arrival. According to an official statement, the Interior Ministry clarified that this is a tightening of the visa regime for these specific nationalities, not an easing.
Georgia has seen a substantial increase in visitors from the Middle East in recent years. In 2022, Georgia received over 208,000 tourists from the Middle East, 15 times more than a decade prior, and surpassed pre-pandemic levels (around 160,000 in 2019), according to official statistics.
Document check-list
Even for countries that offer visa-free entry or e-visa options, immigration officials can, and often do, ask for more than just your passport. Mahmood said that travellers frequently underestimate the importance of carrying supporting documents.
"For destinations like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia, where many nationalities can enter with just a valid passport (valid for at least six months), it's still smart to carry additional proof of your travel plans," he said.
For countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek), where an e-visa is typically required before travel, it is essential to have it printed and ready. "The e-visa process means you don't waste time waiting in line at the airport, but you still need that confirmation," he added.
What immigration officials look for:
Mahmood pointed out common reasons why travellers might face issues at the border:
Proof of funds ‘show money): "Some people just don't have enough financial documents to show they can support themselves during their stay," Mahmood said. While there isn't always a fixed amount, immigration officers want assurance you won't become a burden. Bank statements, credit card statements, or proof of sufficient funds are advisable
Hotel bookings: "Always carry your confirmed hotel bookings," Mahmood stressed. "They want to know where you're staying and for how long. For shorter trips, say 3-4 days, it's usually fine, but for longer stays, like 5-6 nights, they might be more particular, especially for solo travellers or smaller groups." Larger groups, he observed, are less frequently affected
Return tickets: Proof of an onward or return ticket is almost universally required, even for visa-free entries. This demonstrates your intent to leave the country within the permitted stay
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the destination country
UAE visa/residency validity: Especially for the updated Georgia rules, your UAE residence visa or GCC visa might need a specific validity period (e.g., at least one year) on the entry date.2 Always check the latest requirements
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