Visa to Georgia for citizens of the Russian Federation: how to get and what to visit in Georgia, ban on traveling to Georgia

Due to the current absence of any diplomatic ties between Russia and Georgia, many of our compatriots are wondering whether Russians need a visa to Georgia and how to apply for this visa.

Despite the past armed conflict between our states and the subsequent official severance of diplomatic relations, Russian citizens still do not need a visa to Georgia for short-term trips for tourist or personal purposes .

If you plan to find employment, long-term residence or study, then you need to apply for an immigration visa at a special institution in Russia - the Georgian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in the Russian Federation in Moscow.

Russians can stay in Georgia without a visa for a whole year.

Requirement for a visa

A visa is required for Russians in Georgia if they plan to stay for a period longer than three months, as was previously the case, but a year. A visa will have to be obtained in advance in Russia if the tourist/private visit will be delayed or the person wants to work/study in Georgia.

To clarify the details of the possibility of extending a visa-free stay, it is best to contact the Georgian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy, ​​since the section employees themselves talk about the fact that all information from the Internet about the extension of stay is unreliable, they should provide up-to-date information.

Visa-free entry

For those Russian citizens who are planning a tourist trip to Georgia or a private visit to family/friends and who are confident that their visit will not last for more than a year, a visa-free entry regime is suitable, that is, a regime in which a visa is not required. It is valid for all types of transport by which a foreigner enters the territory of the state.

According to the visa-free regime, appropriate stamps with dates are affixed at the border upon entry and exit; a visa stamp for Georgia is not affixed. According to the information contained in these marks, compliance with the period of stay is monitored.

Georgian border crossing stamp

Documents for visa-free entry

Russian citizens cannot enter Georgia using their internal civil passport; they need a foreign passport . If the border needs to be crossed by air, then this document will be quite sufficient.

If you plan to enter with your own car, you will additionally need:

1. Vehicle registration certificate;
2. A driver's license in the name of the applicant (not necessarily an international standard, a Russian license will also do);
3. If the car belongs to another person, then you will need to provide a power of attorney to drive it with the right to leave Russia from the owner.

Extension of visa-free stay

Due to the fact that our citizens can live in Georgia for a whole year without special pre-issued documents, the need to renew the permit automatically disappears. If there is a need to stay in the state for more than a year, then you need to apply for a residence permit.

In 2020, Russians will not need a special visa to Georgia for transit purposes. To travel through the state, for example, to Armenia, you can safely use the rules of visa-free entry and simply proceed to another country, presenting a single document - a foreign passport.

It should be remembered that transit passengers are subject to exactly the same customs rules as guests of the country.

Latest news about visas to Georgia

Previously, there were no time restrictions on entry for citizens of the Russian Federation, that is, it was possible to stay in Georgia only for a certain amount of time; a visa was required for a longer period. This was regulated by law from September 2014.

But the latest news about visas to Georgia for Russian citizens suggests that since 2015, some new rules have been introduced that began to allow for significant relaxations of the visa-free regime.

Since 2014, the Georgian authorities have established a norm that exactly copies the restrictions of the Schengen zone that apply to citizens of the Russian Federation.

Despite the fact that Russians do not need a visa to Georgia, with a visa-free permit they could stay in the state for no more than 90 days (three months) in each six-month period.

According to the latest changes to the law, since June 2015, citizens of the Russian Federation are allowed visa-free stay for up to one year.

Visiting Georgia after Abkhazia and South Ossetia

In the recent past, as a result of armed conflicts, the state has problems with two breakaway territories: South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Many Russian citizens visit these regions as tourists, as well as for other reasons. A natural question arises about the consequences of such trips and the possibility of visiting Georgia after them.

No problems will arise if the Georgian authorities do not become aware of the fact of the visit. It’s good that on the border with South Ossetia or Abkhazia no marks are put on the passport, especially since entry into these unrecognized states is possible with a Russian passport, and in Georgia a Russian shows a foreign passport. Therefore, you can plan your trip in any order.

It must be borne in mind that the checkpoints on the border with Abkhazia, as well as with South Ossetia, are closed for political reasons, that is, crossing the border through them by car is illegal. If the Georgian customs service discovers that a foreigner nevertheless entered Georgia in such an illegal way, then he will face a fine of 400 to 800 Georgian lari, and in some situations even imprisonment. The first time you can get away with a fine, but the second time you will face more serious sanctions.

Trip to Georgia with a child

For families who want to travel with children, it is very important to know the entry rules for the child.

The same rules apply here as for adults, that is, a visa to Georgia for children of Russian citizens is also not required if the child’s stay does not exceed one year.

It is allowed if a record of the child is present in the parent’s passport. From the age of 14, a minor can enter using his own passport.

Russian customs officers will need a special document called “permission for a child to leave the country.” It only needs to be issued if the minor is traveling with one parent or even with third parties.

It is also better to take your birth certificate with you if you need to confirm your relationship, but this is more of a formal requirement.

Types of visas

If a Russian citizen plans to stay in Georgia for a long time, more than a year, then only in this case will he need a visa to Georgia, which must be obtained in advance. A prerequisite is the subsequent registration of a residence permit .

Georgia visa photo

Tourist visa

Visas to Georgia for Russians in 2020 who plan to visit the country exclusively for tourism purposes are not required.

A visa-free stamp will be enough, which gives you the opportunity to travel around Georgia for a whole year with virtually no restrictions.

If a tourist decides to stay in the state after a year, he will need to apply for a residence permit. Similar rules are currently in effect.

Student/work/guest/other types of visas

To visit their relatives or friends, Russian citizens also do not need a visa to Georgia; invitations from the Georgian side indicating travel dates and other information will not be required.

To be able to work or study in Georgia or to join family, you will need a residence permit, and you must also first apply for a visa at the Georgian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy. More detailed information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia in Georgian or English.

Required documents for visa

If it turns out that a traveler’s private situation still requires a visa to Georgia, then to obtain it you will need to collect a small list of documents. For tourist or personal visits, you do not need any additional invitations, income certificates, return tickets, etc. - only a valid passport.

For all other visa types:

1. A foreign passport issued in the name of the applicant no more than ten years ago without damage or unnecessary entries, and the passport must have blank pages;
2. A completed electronic form, which after filling out must be printed and signed on the required page, the form is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia;
3. A personal photograph of size 35 by 45 mm, which is taken on a light background without emotions, objects, or edits in computer programs distorting the real image. If this is a photograph of a small child, then he should be alone in the frame;
4. Confirmation of income or sufficient financial resources: bank statements or documents that show that the applicant has a stable and regular income are suitable;
5. Medical insurance, which is valid throughout Georgia;
6. Papers confirming the availability of a reservation from a hotel/apartment (the place for accommodation in this case may not be a hotel, since we are talking about a fairly long period - real estate rental contracts are suitable);
7. For a work visa - a corresponding invitation from the Georgian side, a work contract and proof of business connections;
8. For a study visa – a corresponding invitation from the educational institution, a certificate of admission;
9. For reunification with relatives - confirmation of family ties, as well as confirmation of the fact that the relative lives legally in Georgia.
10. Receipt of payment of the consular fee.

Independent visa application

Russians can apply for any visa to Georgia themselves; it doesn’t require much effort. You need to contact the interests section of the Republic of Georgia at the Swiss Embassy. The same applies to a residence permit. The algorithm of actions is quite simple to follow:

1. Determine the type of visa you need, make sure that a one-year visa-free stay is definitely not enough;
2. Collect the required package of papers according to the type of visa requested;
3. Fill out the electronic form, print, sign;
4. Take all papers to the interests section of the Republic of Georgia and wait for a decision.

It should be recalled that any tourist or person who is going to stay with relatives/friends in Georgia for up to a year does not need to obtain any visa to Georgia for Russians.

Cost and validity of visas

Information on how much visas to Georgia cost and their validity periods is given in the table.

Type of visa
Cost of visa, consular fee
Duration of visa Visa-
free stamp Free One year Visa of any type 40 GEL Up to six years, must be extended

It is best to check the current information about how much a visa costs directly in the interests section, since changes are introduced quite often.

Visa processing time

Due to the introduction of an annual visa-free regime, visa processing times have been significantly reduced, since many travelers no longer need to apply for a Georgian visa. The process takes place over just a few days. It is better to check the current time intervals directly in the Georgian interests section.

Customs rules of Georgia

The Georgian Customs Service carefully conducts border inspections. In order not to have any problems with entry, you need to know the customs rules of the state.

Permitted for import:

• No more than two blocks of cigarettes, total quantity – no more than 200;
• No more than four liters of alcohol;
• Personal belongings whose weight does not exceed 100 kilograms;
• Cash over $2,000 must be declared.

It is prohibited to import:

• Materials condemning the political system and government system;
• Materials and substances that pose a threat to human health and life;
• Meat and dairy products without certificates.

Restricted import:

• The import of pets can only be permitted if there is a pet health certificate from a veterinary clinic;
• Medicines can only be imported with a confirming prescription from a doctor.

Possible failure

A Russian citizen may be denied entry or not given a visa if the Georgian authorities become aware of a visit to Abkhazia or South Ossetia. When crossing the border through closed border checkpoints, a fine will be imposed. Official authorities may even impose imprisonment on persistent visa violators.

Read also: Postpartum payments: for the first child, for the second and third

conclusions

According to the new latest news about visas to Georgia for Russian citizens, the need to obtain these visas in advance has practically disappeared, the rules of September 2014 were automatically canceled. This latest news is good - now you can stay in Georgia for a whole year without a visa.

Despite the fact that there was an armed conflict between the countries in the past, Georgia still simplified the visa regime, and to be more precise, it practically abolished entry visas for Russian citizens.

The only point is that when visiting the state, you should well hide the fact of your travel to Abkhazia or South Ossetia, if they took place in the past, otherwise entry may be denied and sanctions may be applied.

It should be remembered that it is impossible to cross the border with a civil passport of the Russian Federation; you will need a foreign passport. Also, for transit to Armenia, Turkey or other border countries, a general passport, naturally, will not be suitable.

Car travelers should take into account that the wait at the border can last for two to three hours, but this only happens when the roads are heavily congested; usually the wait takes about an hour.

Russian travelers need to know that there is no Russian Embassy in Tbilisi either. The interests of our country are represented in the section of Russian interests at the Swiss Embassy in Tbilisi.

Video: travel to Georgia

Section of Interests of the Republic of Georgia at the Swiss Embassy in Moscow

• Address: Moscow, Maly Rzhevsky lane, building 6 (located at the address of the Swiss Embassy);
• Phones: +7 (495) 691-13-59, +7 (926) 851-62-12;
• Working days: weekdays;
• Opening hours: 10:00-13:00 – acceptance of visa documents, 14.00-16.00 – issuance of documents.

Source: https://VisaGet.ru/aziya/v-gruziyu/

Trip to Georgia in 2020: do you need a visa, international passport, flight ban - latest information

Georgian flavor and hospitality are known far beyond the borders of the former USSR republics. Over the past decade, Georgians have been able to provide their guests with European service. And this is not only in expensive hotels and sanatoriums, but also in mountain estates operating in the green tourism sector.

Georgia

Since a trip to Georgia is much cheaper than the most budget tour to Europe, more and more Russians are going on vacation to the Caucasus. Here they will find mountain trails, beaches of the Black Sea coast, mineral springs, unique Georgian cuisine, delicious local wine and unique male polyphony.

Do you need a passport to Georgia?

To visit Georgia, Russians must have a foreign passport. It must be valid after entering Georgian territory for at least 3 months, and preferably longer. You need to return to Russia before its expiration date.

Do Russians need a visa to Georgia?

Russia is among the countries whose citizens have been allowed to visit Georgia without a visa for tourist trips since June 2015. At border control, a stamp is placed in the international passport, with which you can legally travel around the Caucasian republic for up to a year.

Those wishing to stay longer will have to renew their residence permit (at the government agency at their place of residence). The reason must be justified. You can extend it for up to 3 months. Georgian officials make a decision within 3 days.

For violating the terms of stay in Georgia, a Russian citizen upon departure is issued a fine of 180 lari.

For a long-term stay in Georgia, a foreigner must obtain a residence permit. To do this, you need to register on the website geoconsul.gov.ge.

What do you need to travel to Georgia in 2020?

Visa-free entry into Georgia for Russians is valid for all types of transport.

By car

You can legally enter Georgia from the Russian Federation only through the Verkhniy Lars/Daryali checkpoint. It is located in the mountains at an altitude of more than 1100 m above sea level. Border guards periodically close it due to difficult weather conditions, so before traveling it is recommended to check the weather forecast and webcams for queues.

When crossing the Russian-Georgian border by car, in addition to your international passport, you need to have:

• an international driver's license or a Russian one, if the data in it is duplicated in Latin;
• vehicle registration certificate;
• power of attorney for a car with the right to travel abroad if the car is someone else’s.

Until March 2018, there were no requirements to insure cars entering Georgia. Now, for using a vehicle with foreign registration without insurance, Georgians are fined 100-200 lari.

You can get car insurance right at the Verkhniy Lars border crossing. MTPL and Green Card are not valid in Georgia.

In winter, when crossing a checkpoint, they can check for the presence of wheel chains. You may not be allowed to pass without them, since the route passes through the Cross Pass.

By plane

Foreigners are accepted at Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi airports. Flights from Moscow arrive all year round, from other cities - in the “high” season.

By train

There are no direct railway connections between Georgia and the Russian Federation in 2018. You can only arrive by train in transit through Azerbaijan.

By sea

Foreign ships are accepted at the Black Sea ports of Batumi, Kulevi, Poti, and Supsa. A ferry (comet) runs from Sochi to Batumi.

Before traveling to Georgia, it is recommended to check the absence (or presence) of debts in the Russian Federation. The Nevylet.rf service does an excellent job of checking such data.

As of the end of May, travel restrictions applied to 2.3 million Russian citizens, writes Meduza.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Ban on air travel between Russia and Georgia in June 2019

On June 21, 2019, Vladimir Putin signed a decree banning Russian airlines from flying to Georgia “in order to ensure national security.” Passenger air travel will be completely suspended from July 8. Most tours sold by Russian tour operators must end before this date.

Why were flights stopped?

The reason for the ban on air travel was anti-Russian protests in Georgia. They began after the speech of State Duma deputy Sergei Gavrilov at the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy.

It took place in Georgia and a deputy from the seat of the speaker of the Georgian parliament addressed the audience in Russian. This caused a protest at the beginning of opposition deputies, and then a rally outside the walls of parliament.

The police tried to disperse the protesters. The media reported 240 casualties and 305 detained.

The police actions further heated the situation. There were more protesters, anti-Russian slogans were louder. The situation did not return to normal even after the resignation of Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze.

How long will the ban last?

Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov said that the decree will be in force until the situation in Georgia stabilizes. Flights of Russian companies will resume when any threats to the safety of Russians disappear.

As for Georgian airlines, the Russian Ministry of Transport requires them, in addition to ensuring flight safety, to also pay overdue debt for maintenance. Without penalties, the debt of Georgian air carriers amounts to 792 thousand dollars and more than half a million rubles.

Which countries are now more convenient to fly to Georgia?

Russian airlines Aeroflot, S7, Pobeda, Ural Airlines, Smartavia, Red Wings have stopped selling tickets to Tbilisi since July 8. Those who have already purchased tickets after this date can return them or change the departure date to an earlier one.

Not all Russians are ready to give up visiting Georgia. Most hope for a loyal attitude towards tourists and that the situation will return to normal in the near future.

The aviasales service will help you find convenient flights to Tbilisi and back.

Residents of the Central and Northwestern Federal District will find it convenient to travel to Georgia with a transfer in Minsk. There are both direct Belavia flights to Georgia and with a transfer to Baku. For residents of the rest of Russia, it is more convenient to immediately choose flights with a transfer in Azerbaijan.

An alternative to air travel is traveling to Georgia by car or bus. To do this, you can fly to Baku, Pyatigorsk or Vladikavkaz, and then continue your journey by ground transport.

Crossing the border with Georgia

The rules for entry into Georgia for Russians are quite simple. The main thing is to have a valid passport and not to bring with you weapons, drugs or literature that undermines the local government system.

Arriving by any means of transport, you can go through Georgian border and customs control without any questions or be subject to a full luggage inspection. It all depends on how suspicious your behavior seems. Typically, Georgians are loyal to tourists.

Documents for crossing the border

Georgian border guards only check the validity period of a foreign passport and the presence of Abkhaz and South Ossetian stamps in it. No other documents (hotel reservations, etc.) will be needed to cross the Russian-Georgian border.

Medical insurance is not required. It is still recommended to arrange it for the duration of your trip to Georgia, since even the ambulance service here is paid.

It is convenient to apply for insurance using the Cherehapa.ru service - you choose a suitable company, pay and receive a health insurance policy.

To extend the period of stay in Georgia, you must provide the registry service with:

• two photos 3x4 cm;
• application form (filled out on site);
• payment of the registration fee.

Documents for children

To travel to Georgia, a child under 14 years old is not required to have his own passport. It can be included in the parents' travel document. After 14, a teenager will be allowed into Georgia only with his own passport.

Georgians are loyal to travelers with children. They do not require notarized permission from the absent parent. True, if one of the parents managed to put the child on the stop list (travel ban), then the Russian border guards will not let the minor through.

When sending a child with grandparents or third parties, it is important to take into account that you need to obtain a notarized permission to travel abroad for the trip.

Mtskheta, Georgia

Customs regulations

There are no restrictions on the import of currency into Georgian territory. Amounts from 30 thousand lari (in equivalent) must be declared. But you can export no more than $500.

It is allowed to import into Georgia without declaration:

• up to 100 kg of personal belongings;
• 400 cigarettes;
• 4 liters of any alcohol.

For imported non-food products, the weight of one item of which exceeds 20 kg (including indivisible goods), you need to pay 1 lari tax for each kilogram.

Many people are interested in how much Georgian wine they can take with them. It turns out that you can export an unlimited amount from Georgia, but import no more than 3 liters into the Russian Federation.

Jewelry and valuables do not need to be declared. However, some travelers recommend doing this voluntarily in order to avoid questions about their origin when leaving.

Entry denied

The presence in a foreign passport of a stamp from the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia unrecognized by Georgia may lead to denial of entry into Georgia. In the worst case, they will issue a fine or open a case for illegally crossing the Georgian border. To avoid this, it is recommended to travel to unrecognized republics using an all-Russian passport.

The reason for refusal may also be failure to pay a fine for exceeding the time spent in Georgia during a previous visit. For this you can get a ban on entry into the Caucasian republic from 2 to 5 years.

Batumi, Georgia

Rules for visiting Abkhazia and South Ossetia

According to Georgian legislation, it is impossible to enter Abkhazia and South Ossetia from the Russian Federation, since Georgia does not control these checkpoints. You can enter Abkhazia only from the Zugdidi municipality, and Tskhinvali (former South Ossetia) from the Gori municipality.

To visit the republics from Georgia, you must obtain a special permit. Russians are rarely given it.

Embassy of Georgia in the Russian Federation

Georgia does not have its own embassy in Russia. Its interests are represented by the Georgian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in the Russian Federation.

• Address: per. Maly Rzhevsky, 6 Moscow, 121069
• Reception for consular matters: 10:00 – 13:00
• Tel.: (495) 690 46 57

Email: [email protected]

Finally, be sure to watch the video from the Inter TV channel about the capital of Georgia - Tbilisi:

Read also: Benefits for large families when entering a university in 2020

Source: https://www.provizu.ru/strany/poezdka-v-gruziyu/

Visa to Georgia for Russians: who does not need a visa and who must apply for a residence permit

Russian citizens love Georgia, and not only for its unique flavor and hospitality. This country has a huge number of opportunities for tourism, budget and VIP holidays. High-quality service, developed infrastructure, and a large number of attractions attract Russians to Georgia, who come here at any time of the year.

Do Russians need a visa to Georgia?

Since 2015, Russian citizens do not need to obtain a visa to visit Georgia if the purpose of the visit to the country is a tourist trip. Be sure to have a foreign passport with you, which is stamped confirming your legal stay in the country.

Georgia without a visa: conditions of entry and stay for Russians

So, you don’t need a visa to visit Georgia. The establishment of a visa-free regime increases the influx of Russians to the Caucasian republic, which is suitable for recreation, health improvement, and treatment.

After the allowed 360 days of visa-free stay, a Russian citizen is obliged to leave Georgia or obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit from the Civil Registry Agency. The need to obtain a residence permit in Georgia must be justified with documentary evidence.

If the visa-free stay in Georgia is violated, the Russian citizen will be fined upon leaving the country. Its size is 180 GEL.

Important! The visa-free regime does not provide a 100% guarantee of crossing the border. The decision is made directly by the customs or border patrol officer.

There are several reasons for refusal to cross the Russian-Georgian border, among them it is worth noting:

• Visit to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These republics were not recognized by Georgia. If you have entry stamps into Abkhazia or Ossetia, border guards will issue a fine and will not allow you into the country.
• Failure to pay a fine issued for exceeding the period of stay in Georgia on previous visits. For this, a ban is issued that will not allow you to visit Georgia for two to five years.

Passport requirements

According to the terms of the visa-free regime between Russia and Georgia, Russians are required to have a valid foreign passport to enter the territory of Georgia.

There are no special requirements for the validity period of a foreign passport (it simply must be valid), however, departure from Georgia must be carried out no later than the expiration date of its validity. Otherwise, you will have to go through a lengthy and expensive procedure for obtaining a new foreign passport at the Russian Consulate in Georgia.

The travel document must have blank pages so that border guards can stamp the exit/entry of Russians into Georgia at the border.

Also remember that the passport should not have any damage: dented, have stains or unreadable writing on the page with personal data, etc.

If the passport is damaged, it is considered invalid, which means you will not be allowed to cross the border.

What other documents are needed to cross the border?

To cross the border you will not need any documents other than a foreign passport. It is this that border guards carefully check, paying attention to the validity period and the presence of stamps about visiting other countries, including unrecognized republics.

No hotel reservations, round-trip plane, bus or train tickets are needed.

Medical insurance is also not a mandatory document, but we recommend that you take it out before your trip, since treatment of foreign citizens in Georgia is carried out on a commercial basis.

By the way, you can apply for insurance online here. The service will compare offers from several insurance companies, and you can choose the most profitable one.

Documents for children

Children under 14 years of age are not required to have their own foreign passport. The child is allowed to be included in the passport of one of the parents. If a teenager is over 14 years old, then he must be issued a personal passport, which will be used to enter Georgia.

Notarized permission from one of the parents, if he does not take part in the trip, is required. You will need it to leave Russian territory.

In the absence of such a document, Russian border guards will not release the child with only one parent without formalized consent from the other.

Also, a notarized permission to travel abroad is issued for grandparents and grandchildren traveling to Georgia.

Be sure to take your children’s original birth certificate with you on your trip.

In what cases is it necessary to apply for a visa?

The visa-free regime applies only to trips the purpose of which is not labor or commercial activity, as well as long-term study. For these cases, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit.

Where to contact

You need to apply for a Georgian residence permit with the collected documents at the Civil Registry Agency at your place of residence in Georgia. This can be done both in person and online.

Documentation

You can obtain a Georgian residence permit on one of the following grounds:

• work activity;
• education;
• family reunion;
• residence permit for a former citizen of Georgia.

Depending on the basis, a package of documents is formed, but there is a general list, which we will now describe:

• A copy of the international passport.
• Two photographs measuring 3 by 4 centimeters. For a long-term visa, you need one color photograph measuring 3.5 by 4.5 cm.
• A questionnaire that is filled out on site or through the website (depending on the location of the Russian citizen).
• Receipt for payment of the registration fee.

Additionally, you will also need documents such as:

• For Russians traveling to Georgia for work purposes, it is necessary to provide documents from the employer, an employment contract, an invitation from government agencies, an individual or a legal entity.
• For students - papers confirming enrollment in a Georgian educational institution, a student card or a letter stating that the student is studying in an educational program.
• Those wishing to enter Georgia for family reunification must provide documents confirming the presence of family ties and the legal residence of relatives on the territory of Georgia.
• For businessmen, an extract from the register is needed to confirm the status of the founder or representative of a firm, company, or plant in Georgia.

The presence of these documents does not guarantee 100% receipt of a Georgian residence permit.

Cost and production time

The issue of issuing a residence permit is considered within 30 calendar days, the cost of service is 210 Georgian lari. It is possible to order expedited review of documents:

• 20 calendar days – 330 Georgian lari,
• 10 calendar days – 410 Georgian lari.

Subtleties of visiting Georgia after a visit to Abkhazia and South Ossetia

If Russians have a note in their foreign passport about visiting South Ossetia or Abkhazia, entry into Georgia will be prohibited. When illegally crossing borders through Georgian territory, a fine is issued and deportation of Russian citizens is organized. Quite often, such punishment as imprisonment is used. Russians are circumventing Georgian legislation by using an all-Russian passport and entering Abkhazia or South Ossetia through Adler.

Georgian customs: what you need to know

Georgian customs officers have a positive attitude towards Russian citizens, but this does not mean that at the checkpoint they will be loyal to people trying to violate customs rules. Foreigners should pay attention to the following features of Georgian customs:

• A valid foreign passport.
• You cannot import drugs, weapons or literature that undermines the state system of Georgia.
• You can enter Georgia using any type of transport.
• The amount of money must be declared if it exceeds 30 thousand lari. You can export no more than 500 US dollars.
• Without declaration, you are allowed to import up to 100 kg of personal belongings, 4 liters of alcohol of any kind, and 400 cigarettes.
• When importing non-food products weighing more than 20 kg, you need to pay 1 lari tax for each kilogram.
• Only 3 liters of Georgian wine can be imported into Russia.
• There is no need to declare valuables and jewelry.

You will have to declare video and photographic equipment, and also receive a special permit from the Georgian Ministry of Culture for the import of art and cultural objects. When returning back to Russia, you can return the tax free tax at the border, the amount of which is 13%. The refund is valid for purchases over 200 GEL.

Source: https://provisi.ru/aziya/gruziya/viza-v-gruziyu-dlya-rossiyan.html

Visa to Georgia for citizens of the Russian Federation: how to get and what to visit in Georgia, travel ban to Georgia

Georgia is a country that is attractive in many respects.
The cuisine, scenery and hospitable attitude of local residents attract tourists and travelers here year after year
.
However, most already know that entry into some states for the purpose of further stay in them requires the presence of a number of
documents. Therefore, before planning a trip, it is important to understand whether you need a visa to Georgia in 2019 and
what is required to prepare it.

Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?

A visa is a permit that allows a person to cross the borders of states of which he is not a national.

Outwardly it looks like a seal or stamp affixed to a foreign passport.

Visiting most countries of the world is not allowed without a visa. In this case, the person is simply denied entry.

However, there are exceptions. Georgia is one of them. In 2019, you will not need a visa to cross its borders.

True, this mode has some features that every tourist and traveler should know about.

The conditions for visa-free entry are as follows:

• the purpose of the visit is tourism (sightseeing
  , cultural acquaintance, etc.), meeting with
  relatives, other personal reasons;
• the period planned for stay in the country
  should not be more than 1 year.

Entry into the territory of Georgia under a visa-free regime
is permitted by any type of transport, including a car.

Similar regulations apply to residents of a number of countries. For example, a visa to Georgia is also not required for Belarusians or Ukrainians.

Visa-free period

As already mentioned, the period available for staying within Georgia without a visa is 365 days. Not a day more. The same procedure has been established for residents of Ukraine.

But for citizens of other countries, different deadlines apply.

In particular, for Belarusians the period of visa-free stay in Georgia is 90 days. In this case, records are kept every six months.

In other words, the total period of stay in the country should not be more than 3 months for every 180 days.

You should not forget about the need to comply with the terms of visa-free stay in the country. Violation of the rules may result in penalties and, in some cases, forced deportation.

Documents for entry into the country

Despite the fact that
a visa is not required for a short stay in Georgia, when crossing its borders a tourist
will be asked for a number of documents.
Moreover, the list of the latter depends on the method of entry into the country.

When using air transport, you will only need a foreign passport. A stamp indicating the date of arrival will be affixed here.

The information will be reviewed upon return. This is how employees control the length of stay of foreign nationals in the state. In the reverse procedure, a date is also entered indicating the day of departure from the country.

When entering Georgia in a personal car,
you should have the following documents with you:

• international passport;
• car registration certificate;
• civil liability insurance;
• driver's license (international is not required).

If the owner of the car is another person, then he will need
a power of attorney to drive the car with the ability to travel outside the Russian Federation.

In what cases is a visa required?

• If a citizen plans to stay in Georgia for more than 1 year, a visa will need to be prepared.
• The goals of such a long stay in the country in this case may be different.
• The most common ones are:

• relocation for permanent or long-term residence;
• treatment;
• getting an education;
• employment, business activities.

In these situations, it is important to understand how to obtain a visa to Georgia .

In this case, you need to apply for its preparation to the Swiss Embassy in Moscow, which has a separate section representing the interests of the country.

The institution’s staff will clearly explain what is needed to obtain a visa and provide up-to-date information on all issues.

The following documents will be required:

• international passport;
• questionnaire;
• photograph (size 3.5×4);
• income certificate or financial account statement;
• health insurance;
• fee payment receipt – $35;
• additional documents (depending on the reason for moving) - invitation from relatives/employer/to study, employment contract, certificate of enrollment in an educational institution and others.

Read also: Payment of child support after 18 years of age: if the child is studying

It is recommended to apply for a visa at least a month before departure.
Such forethought will prevent delays in your trip and save your nerves.

Sights of Georgia

When preparing for your trip, it would be a good idea to find out what to see first in Georgia .
A travel plan will help you spend your vacation productively and not miss a single
attraction.

The following parts of the country are worth attention:

• the capital of Georgia is Tbilisi with its new and old
  streets, monuments, museums, bridges (botanical garden, Mount Mtatsminda,
  Tsminda-Sameba temple);
• outskirts of the capital - Mtskheta, Mount Kazbek,
  cave city Uplistsikhe, Borjomi;
• the main resort of the country is Batumi with its sea and
  beaches, as well as the surrounding area - Makhuntseti waterfall, Queen Tamara's bridge;
• Kakheti is a region in the eastern part of Georgia,
  famous for its winemaking;
• Vardzia cave complex and Prometheus cave;
• monasteries in Motsameta and Gelati;
• Sataplia Nature Reserve and Martvili Canyons,
  located near Kutaisi.

And, of course, you shouldn’t forget about the unique Georgian cuisine; fortunately, restaurants and cafes are open here on almost every corner.

In addition, local cordiality and hospitality can conquer anyone. After all, local residents will always share their friendliness and tell you where to go if you don’t have much time for relaxation, but want to spend it usefully.

Staying in Georgia for less than 1 year does not require a prior visa.

Entry into the country for tourism or private purposes is allowed freely, but with a foreign passport.

In other cases that require a longer stay within the state, a visa is still required.

Its preparation is carried out through the Swiss Embassy. Here you can get advice regarding the package of documents, deadlines and other issues of interest.

Ban on travel to Georgia

The decree banning travel to Georgia was signed by the president on July 8, 2019.

The ban applies to:

• direct flights to Georgia by Russian airlines (Aeroflot, S7 and Ural Airlines);
• Georgian airlines;
• cessation of sales of tourist packages to Georgia.

The ban was introduced for an indefinite period until the political situation in Georgia normalizes.

Do Russians need a visa to Georgia?

Source: https://pravasemei.ru/deti/pyteshestviya/viza-v-gruziyu-zapret-na-vyezd-v-gruziyu/

Visa to Georgia for Russians in 2020: new rules for entry and stay

Due to the complex political relations between the countries, many Russians are interested in whether they need a visa to enter Georgia? Since June 2015, new visa rules have been in force, according to which Russians and citizens of other 93 countries do not need a visa for trips up to 1 year.

Visa-free entry to Georgia for Russians

You can cross the border by car, bus, or plane.

You can enter many CIS countries with an all-Russian passport, so many are interested in whether a foreign passport is needed for Georgia? Yes, this is the only document passengers need to cross the border .

It must be valid at least until the end of the trip and have 2 blank pages for stamps (without Abkhazia and South Ossetia, see below).

For the driver you need to have (except for a passport):

• Vehicle registration certificate (vehicle registration certificate);
• Driver's license (Russian or international, the main thing is that the data is duplicated in Latin). If your license was confiscated on the way to Georgia, you will not be allowed in unless there is another driver nearby.
• International MTPL insurance – green card
• If the car is someone else’s and you are driving without the owner, you need a power of attorney with the right to travel abroad, certified by a notary. The power of attorney must clearly indicate this permission; an ordinary “general” one will not do. Translation of the power of attorney is not required; Russian border guards usually ask for it when leaving.

Previously, compulsory car insurance was not required, but since March 2018 it is mandatory. Therefore, confusion is possible.

For children:

• Children must have their own passport, which can be obtained at any age, or must be included in their parents’ passport.
• To confirm the relationship, a child's birth certificate is required.
• If a child is traveling without parents (with third parties, uncles, aunts, grandparents, brothers or sisters), you must have permission from one of the parents/guardians, certified by a notary. If at least one parent is present, no consent is required (unless the other parent has made a travel ban).

Entry restrictions

If your passport contains notes about visiting Abkhazia or South Ossetia, you will not be able to get to Georgia. Under Georgian law, you are considered to have crossed the border illegally and may be fined as these countries were formerly part of Georgia.

If you are traveling by car, you can only get from Russia to Georgia by road through the Verkhniy Lars international checkpoint (from the side of Vladikavkaz). The road through Abkhazia and South Ossetia is closed for political reasons.

In May 2014, the Georgian Military Road was blocked due to a landslide, and access to Georgia by car was only possible through Baku.

Download a road map of Georgia for your trip.

Upon entry, you may be asked to declare expensive equipment. The Georgian side carefully checks things at the border.

Long-term tourist visa

To apply for long-term visas, you need to contact the Georgian Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Moscow at the address: Maly Rzhevsky Lane, building 6. Phones: +7 (495) 690 46 57, +7 (495) 691 13 59, Fill out the form and make an appointment You can through the official website of the consulate.

Required documents

Documents must be submitted personally by the applicant or his legal representative in electronic and paper form. All documents must be completed in English or Georgian.

To obtain any type of visa you will need:

• A foreign passport whose validity period must cover the duration of the trip. It must have at least 2 blank pages.
• The visa application form is filled out electronically via the website and signed manually.
• Receipt of payment of the consular fee. Please note that for some transfers a commission is charged. The fee must be paid in full. The consular fee for a 90+ day visa for Russians in 2020 is 40 GEL.
• Color photograph 3.5*4.5 cm.
• Individual health insurance.
• Payment of a fine if it was imposed due to illegal border crossing (for the first violation, the fine is 400 GEL).
• To obtain a visa, minors or persons with mental disabilities must have written permission to travel from their legal representatives.

For tourists:

• Confirmation of accommodation: a certificate from a private or legal entity about the provision of housing (indicating the location) or a printout of the hotel reservation.
• Confirmation of financial resources: bank statement for the last six months, employment certificate, sponsorship letter or other documents confirming the availability of finances.

If you are traveling for work purposes:

• Invitation from Georgian government. authorities, individual (IP) or legal entity who will confirm your employment relationship. It must indicate the preliminary duration of the employment contract and salary, or information about other income.
• A document from the employer confirming that you are employed by the company and that you require a work visa.
• An employment contract that contains information about the duration of work and the amount of salary or other income.

For training:

• Certificate proving admission to an educational institution;
• A document from an educational institution (letter or student ID) proving enrollment in its educational program.

For family reunification:

• Confirmation of family ties;
• Confirmation of the legal residence of your relatives in Georgia.

For business:

• An extract from the public register that confirms your status as a founder/co-founder or representative of a commercial enterprise registered in Georgia.

Conclusion

If you want to get to Georgia without problems, and at the same time visit Abkhazia or South Ossetia, you need to enter them with an all-Russian passport so as not to put any stamps on the border. Otherwise, there are usually no problems, even if you violated the 360-day period by several days (no more than 10). You can enter Abkhazia from Georgia only with permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: https://viza-info.ru/aziya/gruziya.html

Rules for crossing the Georgian border

If you are planning to spend your vacation in Georgia, then you should prepare for it in advance so that you do not have any problems or surprises when crossing the border.

No matter how you get to your holiday destination, be it by plane, ferry or car, you will still have to go through a checkpoint and so that nothing overshadows the upcoming days of holiday, you should take care of some things in advance.

This article was written specifically for this purpose; it contains the main points and rules for crossing the Georgian border, the observance of which will allow you to have one of the best vacations of your life. Information is current for 2019.

Entry into Georgia

Visa-free entry into the territory of Georgia is open for Russians, Ukrainians and many other foreign citizens.

You should not think that the rules for entering the country for citizens of the Russian Federation are somehow special - no one will pay close attention to you, check your suitcases with bias or be rude behind your back - all these are prejudices and fictitious stereotypes.

Anyone who wants to legally enter the country is first and foremost a tourist, so relax and leave the political squabbles to the trained people. Here they have understood this for a long time and therefore they are equally happy to welcome Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians, with truly Georgian cordiality and hospitality.

At the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint, it is prohibited to cross the border on foot, but you can cross the border by bicycle.

As mentioned above, the visa regime in Georgia was simplified - visas were canceled for citizens of 94 countries, including the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Belarus. Now you can cross the Georgian border without unnecessary hassles and stay on its territory for a whole year without the need to travel beyond its borders.

What documents are needed to enter Georgia?

Citizens of Russia and other foreign citizens

The only required document is a foreign passport.

Many people do not know what validity period a foreign passport should have - it, in principle, should be valid at the time of entry into the territory of Georgia.

This rule has been significantly simplified and now it is not required that the document be valid for another 3 months from the day you leave the country.

For children

If you are taking a child with you, you will need to obtain an international passport for him or enter it into yours. You can include children under 14 years of age in your document, but you must include a photograph of the child, which must be stamped by the passport and visa service.

It is not necessary to have a birth certificate in hand, but it is better to take it, especially if the minor has a different last name or is traveling to a separate foreign country - theoretically it may be needed to confirm the relationship.

Children cannot be included in a biometric passport; in this case, you will have to issue a separate document for each family member.

Does a child need permission from the other parent to travel to Georgia?

Since 2015, there is no longer a need to make a power of attorney (obtain permission or consent of the second parent) to take children abroad if they are traveling with only one of them. The exception is when one of the spouses has imposed a ban on taking the child abroad, then you will have to obtain his written consent or seek a judicial annulment of this ban.

Source: https://kray-zemli.com/34-pravila-vezda-v-gruziyu.html