Georgia entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
No visa required
360 days
Max stay
360 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Russian passport holders can enter Georgia without a visa for up to 360 days per calendar year. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Georgia. Georgia does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your departure date, but airlines sometimes check for 6 months — carry a printout of Georgia's official policy if questioned. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Georgia within the 360-day visa-free limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers rarely ask for proof of accommodation, but having a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host can speed things up if questioned. Keep a copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Georgia does not enforce a minimum cash requirement, but carrying a credit card and a bank statement showing at least $500 equivalent is smart. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip. | Recommended |
360-day stay resets each calendar year
The 360-day allowance is per calendar year, not per entry. If you stay 200 days in 2026, you can return in 2027 for another 360 days. But if you stay 360 days straight, you must leave before the year ends.
No overstay extensions
You cannot extend the visa-free period. If you need to stay longer, apply for a temporary residence permit before your 360 days expire. The Public Service Hall in Tbilisi handles these applications.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Georgian border
You'll enter through Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), Kutaisi Airport (KUT), or a land border from Russia (e.g., Upper Lars checkpoint). At the immigration counter, hand over your passport and any requested documents.
2
Present your documents
The officer will check your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. They usually speak basic English or Russian.
3
Get your entry stamp
If everything is in order, you'll receive an entry stamp in your passport. No visa is issued or needed. The stamp shows your entry date; your 360-day stay starts from that day.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if flying), then customs. Green channel for nothing to declare. You're free to enter Georgia.
Download Georgia Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$20 USD (equivalent in GEL)
Available at Georgian embassies; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Work Visa (D3)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For those with a job offer in Georgia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (D4)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at Georgian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (D5)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in Georgian business or real estate. Fast track to permanent residence.
digital nomad visa
Remotely from Georgia (no specific visa)
Up to 360 days visa-free
Free
Georgia allows remote workers to stay up to 360 days without a special visa. No tax on foreign income if staying under 183 days.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplied if you exceed 360-day stay; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | ~20 GEL (~$7.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Georgia
No transit visa needed
Russian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Georgian airports, as Georgia allows visa-free entry for up to 360 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsTbilisi International Airport (TBS) · Batumi International Airport (BUS) · Kutaisi International Airport (KUT)
Health & vaccines for Georgia
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Tbilisi can have high air pollution in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tbilisi
Public Service Hall (Immigration Section)
2 Sanapiro Street, Tbilisi
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport and photos.
Batumi
Public Service Hall (Batumi Branch)
1 Ninoshvili Street, Batumi
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions for visitors in Adjara region.
Practical information for RU travellers
Country basics
CapitalTbilisi
LanguageGeorgian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 1 year.
Money
CurrencyGeorgian Lari (GEL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.67 GEL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in Tbilisi and major cities.
Emergency numbers
US EmbassyFind contact
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Georgia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Georgia after 360 days. To stay longer, you'd need to apply for a temporary residence permit through the Public Service Hall in Tbilisi or online, which requires a valid reason (work, study, family reunification). Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, the same visa-free rules apply at all border crossings, including the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Georgian-Russian border. You just need a valid passport and a return ticket. Note that the Upper Lars crossing can have long queues during peak seasons.
You will likely be denied entry. Georgian immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. There are no exceptions for emergency travel.
No, there is no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. However, if an officer suspects you might overstay or work illegally, they could ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is sensible, but not mandatory.
No, the visa-free regime is for tourism, business visits, and short-term stays only. Working (including remote work for a foreign company) is technically not allowed without a work permit. In practice, many digital nomads work remotely, but officially you need a residence permit for employment.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 180 GEL for the first 90 days) and a ban from re-entering Georgia for a period proportional to the overstay. If you overstay by more than 90 days, you may face deportation and a longer ban. Always leave before the 360-day limit.
No, transit passengers staying airside (not passing through immigration) do not need a visa. If you need to enter Georgia (e.g., to catch a connecting flight the next day), the visa-free rules apply — you can enter for up to 360 days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.