Georgia will introduce revised entry regulations from 2026, affecting travellers from the UAE and other Gulf countries.
The updated framework is designed to strengthen border controls and improve traveller safety, with new requirements covering travel insurance, visa eligibility and documentation checks. UAE residents planning trips to Georgia next year are advised to review the changes carefully to avoid disruption at entry points.
One of the most significant updates is the introduction of mandatory travel health insurance. From January 1, 2026, all foreign nationals entering Georgia must hold valid health insurance covering the full duration of their stay. The policy must include coverage for medical treatment and accident-related expenses, in line with minimum thresholds set by Georgian authorities. Border officials will require proof of insurance on arrival, and travellers without valid coverage may be denied entry.
Georgia continues to offer visa-free access to many travellers from the UAE, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, subject to eligibility. UAE citizens remain entitled to visa-free entry, provided they present a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity. However, Georgian authorities have introduced stricter rules for travellers entering on the basis of a UAE residence permit.
Under the revised regulations, many foreign nationals residing in the UAE will only qualify for visa-free entry if their UAE residence permit is valid for at least 12 months on the date of arrival in Georgia. The permit must also allow multiple entries. Travellers whose residence permits do not meet the one-year validity requirement will need to apply for a Georgian visa before departure.
Not all UAE residents are eligible for visa-free travel under the new framework. Nationals of certain countries living in the UAE may be required to obtain a C1 tourist visa or a Georgia e-Visa, depending on their nationality and residence status. Authorities recommend checking eligibility through official Georgian government portals or consular channels before finalising travel plans.
For those required to obtain a visa, Georgia’s e-Visa system remains available for short-term visits. Applications must be completed online prior to travel and typically require passport details, proof of accommodation, return or onward flight bookings, valid travel insurance and payment of the relevant fees. Applications cannot be submitted after arrival in Georgia.
Travellers are also advised to ensure their passports are in good condition and valid beyond the intended length of stay, with sufficient blank pages for entry stamps. Georgian border officials may request proof of financial means, confirmed accommodation and return tickets as part of standard entry checks.
Authorities have confirmed that border enforcement has been tightened, particularly around insurance documentation and residence permit validity. Travellers arriving with incomplete or marginal documentation have, in some cases, been refused entry.
Separate regulations apply for those intending to work or remain in Georgia for extended periods. New work permit rules are set to take effect from March 1, 2026, and long-term stays require advance approval outside standard visitor entry provisions.
