Georgia Tourist Visa for Indian - Definitive Guide

When a traveller is willing to travel to Georgia for tourism, a tourist visa to Georgia is issued in the traveller’s name. This visa is one of the common types of visa and is also belongs to single-entry C1 type. There are certain benefits to the visa type as well. With a different type of C visa, the holder can tour the country and can even visit their friends and family in the country, it is the C2 type. Although a visa does not guarantee you an entry in Georgia. If in case the airport authorities find an issue with the visa or yourself, there are chances that you may not be allowed to enter the country. The validity offered by the visa is of about 3 months and the stay permitted per visit will vary, generally, it is about 30 days.

To be able to get a tourist visa Georgia, the applicant first needs to meet the eligibility criteria. These are the parameters put forth by the Georgian Embassy to differentiate the visa applicants. The procedure for the visa is carried out online. Scanned copies of the documents must be submitted at the time of applying on the Georgia e-visa portal. The step by step procedure is given as follows:

• Online procedure

1. You can start by creating an account on the Georgia e-visa portal.
2. You can then go to the application section. 
3. Start filling out your details on the Georgia tourist visa application form.
4. Fill out your nationality and citizenship details on the first step.
5. Then select your travel period and the dates.
6. Go through the terms and conditions of the visa and agree for the next step.
7. Fill out your personal details and including the purpose of the visit.
8. Submit the required documents online.
9. Pay the visa Georgia tourist visa fees online.
10. Wait until you get the documents and your information verified.

• Offline procedure

1. You can start by downloading the application form.
2. Fill out the form thoroughly and sign it.
3. Attach a recent photograph as per the specifications.
4. Collect the required supporting documents.
5. Submit the application form and the copies of the documents.
6. Pay the required visa fee.

Also, at the time of filling out the application, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. The information provided must be correct and verifiable. If in case any kind of false information has been found, there are chances that your visa may get rejected. There are certain consequences to this situation. A visa rejection will affect your future application to any of the visas to the same country or even another.

The eligibility criteria must be met before applying for the visa. Some of the important parameters are listed as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Georgia.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Georgia.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Georgia.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds
• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Georgia.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents required as per the type of the visa and hence, the Georgia tourist visa requirements will differ as well. The common Georgia tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens are given as follows:

• An original passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel.
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
• A cover letter with all the required details
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Income Tax Returns proof
• Travel Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, hotel reservation, etc. (scanned copies)
• Proof of purpose of visit - invitation letter, exhibition or conference pass, etc. (scanned copies)
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement or any other equivalent document. (scanned copies)

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• A gap of 2mm to 6mm must be kept between the top of the head and the frame.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required for the issuance of the tourist visa to Georgia is about 7 to 9 days. The time will still vary depending on certain factors like the workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters. 

The tourist visa cost will depend on several factors which include the type of visa, whether the visa is single or multiple-entry, or the purpose of the visit. The Georgia tourist visa fees for Indian applicants is to be paid at the time of submission of the form. It is to be paid using a credit or debit card.

When the form has been submitted, 

• Your application and the information that you have provided will be verified. 
• If there are any changes to be made or if the visa is going to be delayed, you will be updated accordingly. 
• This is also the period when you can cancel your visa if there is a change of plans. 
• When the process is complete, you will receive the visa on your registered email. 
• You can then print your visa at the time of travelling to Georgia.
• It must be noted that the visa fee will not be refunded. 

Since a tourist visa to Georgia follows an online procedure, it can be tracked online. If you have applied through a visa application centre or a professional agency, you can visit their website for visa tracking. Else, you can even do a visa status check online on the Georgia e-visa portal.

When you finally get the visa, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. Some of the most important ones are listed as follows:

• Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Georgia within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border

• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Georgia

• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for visa extension in time.