Going on a trip to the CIS countries, our compatriots, as a rule, count on a warm welcome. Does Georgia need a passport or visas for Georgians to vacation in Ukraine? In connection with current political events, the situation is changing very quickly, and travelers and tourists are sometimes put before the fact in the very least. We will try to understand the basic requirements that are associated with crossing the border of individual states.
Basic Rules for Entering Georgia
So, do you need a passport to Georgia? Yes, such a document is required for citizens of the Russian Federation. If you travel to the territory of this small Caucasian state for tourist purposes, then a visa is not required. At the same time, one essential condition must be observed - you can stay in Georgia for no more than 90 consecutive days. When crossing the state border you will be asked to present a passport and fill out a special form. To enter personal information in it will be required in two languages, English and Russian. At the end of the form will be required to leave a personal signature.
The main varieties of Georgian visas
Now that we know for sure that a passport is needed in Georgia, we will clarify the nuances of the visa regime. If you want to receive such a document, then you should contact your local embassy (consulate / representative office). There are three main types of visas:
- transit (when crossing a country in order to proceed to another state);
- single entry (for a single entry into the territory of the state, most preferred for long-term tourism);
- multiple (for periodic entry for a certain period, ideal for doing business).
List of required documents
To obtain a visa, you will need to prepare a number of documents, a complete list of which is indicated at the embassy. In general, it is pretty standard:
- international passport (original and copies);
- A completed application form;
- photos according to the established model;
- invitation from the host, if any;
- birth certificate of a child (for minors), passport of parents for lack of personal, power of attorney to leave.
Possible reasons for refusing a visa
Do citizens of Abkhazia or South Ossetia need a passport to Georgia? Unfortunately, they will not need such a document for more than an unpleasant reason. Persons from these regions are strictly prohibited from entering Georgia. Very severe punishment awaits violators of the border, up to and including detention and forced deportation. In addition, it should be noted that the entry of persons with a passport mark on visiting Abkhazia and South Ossetia is also not allowed. Most often, entry into the territory of Georgia is denied precisely for this reason. If you think that the decision to issue a visa was made unfairly, you can challenge it at a reception at the consul. As a rule, any possible reasons for the refusal are related to political issues.
Conditions of entry to Georgia for citizens of Ukraine
Another popular question is: "Do you need a passport for Ukrainians when traveling to Georgia or not?" In this case, the conditions absolutely coincide with those presented to Russian citizens. So, you only need a passport, if you are going on a tourist trip for a period of not more than 3 months (90 days). Information about the prohibitions and permits applicable at the border will not be superfluous before the holidays. So, they will not let you in if they find:
- drugs
- weapons;
- explosives;
- illicit drugs;
- historical values;
- terrorist literature and more.
As for permissions, it is permissible to have:
- cigarettes (up to 200 pcs.);
- wine (up to 3 l.);
- beer (up to 10 liters);
- jewelry (declared as appropriate);
- personal items not included in the list of prohibited.
Consular fee
So, we need a passport to Georgia or not, we have already decided. You will present it to the customs officers at the border, fill out the form, and only after that you will receive the cherished visa stamp. Get ready to pay a consular fee of approximately $ 30 (in local equivalent, taking into account the average rate), or 50 lari. By the way, its cost will be much less if you need a transit visa. An additional cost may include a service charge, since its amount is very small.
So, do you need a passport to Georgia in the near future? Despite the rather stable relations in the sphere of politics between our states, we are not talking about a clear rapprochement, so a similar document will be needed for quite some time. It is worth noting that its use is extremely convenient and gives global migration policy uniform standards. Traveling in Georgia will be pleasant and convenient, subject to all requirements and standards adopted in the field of customs relations between the two countries.