Explore Georgia: Your visit and business visa guide
Georgia, a captivating country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, boasts stunning mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, delicious cuisine, and a renowned winemaking tradition. From the charming streets of Tbilisi to the scenic Caucasus Mountains, Georgia offers unique experiences for tourists and business travelers alike. Indian citizens planning a trip to Georgia, whether for leisure or business, will need a specific visa. Understanding the specific Georgia visit visa and Georgia business visa requirements and the application process is consequently crucial. This comprehensive guide outlines these requirements, helping ensure your application is strong and compliant.
Discover how ATSOL VISA simplifies securing your Georgia visa.
Key requirements for your Georgia visa application
Meeting the specific Georgia visa requirements is fundamental for a successful application. Therefore, gathering the correct documents and presenting them accurately is essential.
Passport & photographs essentials
- Passport: You need an original passport. It must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Georgia. Additionally, it requires a minimum of two blank pages. You must also submit all old passports as well, if applicable.
- Photographs: Include two recent color passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm). You should take these within the last six months. They require a white background and a matte finish. Ensure your face occupies 70-80% of the photo area. Maintain a neutral expression and a closed mouth. Glasses are generally not permitted.
Application forms and necessary letters
- Visa Application Form: Submit a completely filled and signed Georgia visa application form. You can find this form on the official Georgia e-visa portal or download it for offline submission. You must complete it truthfully.
- Cover Letter: Prepare a personal covering letter. If employed, use plain paper. If self-employed, use company letterhead. This letter should state the purpose of your visit, your designation, passport details, and travel dates.
- Proof of Purpose of Visit: Provide documentation that supports your reason for traveling to Georgia. This varies depending on the visa type:
- For a Visit Visa: Include a detailed travel itinerary, flight bookings, and accommodation details. An invitation letter is useful if visiting friends or family.
- For a Business Visa: You must include a formal invitation letter from the Georgian company. This letter specifies the purpose of your business visit. You also need supporting documents, such as your company’s leave approval or business registration proof.
Travel arrangements confirmation
- Flight Tickets: You must provide confirmed return or onward flight tickets. These tickets demonstrate your intent to return to your home country.
- Accommodation: You need confirmed accommodation details. This includes hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host. If staying with a family/relative/friend, a copy of the invitation letter from the host is required. This letter must state your name and passport number, the purpose and duration of the visit, the host’s physical address and contact details, along with the host’s designation and signature.
- Travel Itinerary: Prepare a detailed, day-to-day plan for your stay in Georgia. This demonstrates clear travel intentions and helps support your visa application.
Financial proof for your stay
- Bank Statements: Provide original bank statements from the last three to six months, showing sufficient funds. You must submit official bank statements on bank letterhead with a stamp and signature. Passbooks, e-statements, or net banking copies are generally not accepted. Georgia visa authorities do not specify a minimum bank balance. However, having around INR 1.5 to 3 lakh in your account is advisable for demonstrating financial capability.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR): Submit ITR or Form 16 for the last year. This demonstrates financial stability. If someone sponsors your trip, you can provide their bank statements or ITR.
Travel and health insurance
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory for applying for a Georgia visa. You must provide proof of comprehensive travel insurance coverage. This insurance must cover medical expenses and emergencies for the entire duration of your stay in Georgia, with minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Health Requirements: You must be healthy enough to travel to Georgia. Authorities may request a medical test.
Georgia visa types for Indian citizens
Indian citizens can apply for different types of Georgia visas based on their purpose of visit.
- Visit Visa (Tourist Visa – C1 Category): This visa is for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. It allows a short-term stay, typically 30 days within a 120-day validity period for e-Visas.
- Business Visa (C3 Category): Apply for this visa if you are traveling for business activities, including attending conferences, meetings, or exploring opportunities. This category also covers participants in scientific or cultural events and journalists. It usually offers multiple entries and a stay of up to 30 or 90 days.
- Work Visa (D1 Category): This is for individuals planning to work legally in Georgia. It requires a pre-secured job offer and sponsorship. Work visas are typically long-term, issued for one year and extendable for up to five years.
- Student Visa (D3 Category): This visa is for students pursuing higher education. It requires an admission letter and proof of funds.
- Transit Visa: If you have a layover in Georgia while traveling to another destination, you may need a transit visa.
The Georgia visa application process
Applying for a Georgia visa involves several key steps:
- Determine Visa Type: First, select the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Next, collect all necessary documents for your chosen visa type.
- Complete Application Form: Accurately fill out the online application form with personal and travel details. Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay Visa Fees: Pay the visa fee through the online portal or at the Visa Centre.
- Submit Application: Submit the online application, or if applying offline, submit the form and documents to the designated location.
- Await Processing: Processing typically takes 5 to 7 working days for e-Visas. However, consular applications may take longer. Apply well in advance.
- Receive Visa: Upon approval, you receive an electronic visa via email or collect your passport with the visa stamp. Print your e-Visa and carry it during travel.
Georgia visa fees and validity
- Fees: A single-entry Georgia e-Visa costs USD 20 (approximately ₹1,710), plus a 2% service fee. Consular fees additional USD 15 for the 2nd stage documents verification; check with the specific embassy or consulate. Fees are generally non-refundable.
- Validity: A Georgia e-Visa for Indian citizens is typically a multiple-entry visa valid for 120 days. It allows a stay of no more than 30 days at a time. Some e-Visas offer single entry.
Georgia e-visa option for Indian citizens
Indian citizens are eligible to apply for a Georgia e-Visa online through the official portal. This is often the easiest way to obtain the visa. Upload documents digitally and track your status online. Upon approval, you receive an electronic visa via email. Print it and carry it during your travels.
Note: A valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Australia, Japan, or a Schengen country allows visa-free entry to Georgia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
How ATSOL Visa assists with your Georgia visa application
Navigating the specific Georgia visit visa and Georgia business visa requirements can be complex. ATSOL VISA simplifies this process by providing expert guidance. The team clarifies the exact Georgia visa requirements for your chosen visa type and meticulously reviews your documents, ensuring they meet guidelines and minimizing rejection chances. They also offer on-the-spot assistance for eligible applications for enrolled clients, streamlining your application process.
Important disclaimer
This page provides general guidance on Georgia visa requirements for Visit and Business purposes. Visa regulations are subject to change. Always verify the most up-to-date requirements directly with the Embassy, Consulate, or official visa application center for Georgia before applying.
Conclusion
Securing a Georgia visit visa or Georgia business visa requires careful attention to detail. Meeting the specific Georgia visa requirements for passports, photos, financial proof, and travel arrangements is essential. Understanding the distinction between visa types and processing steps helps streamline your application.
ATSOL VISA offers expert assistance in navigating these complex Georgia visa requirements to help guarantee a compliant submission.
Contact ATSOL VISA for personalized support.