Georgia Tightens Entry Rules for UAE Residents

Stricter Entry Rules: Some UAE Residents Turned Away at Georgian Airports During Eid

Since April 17, 2025, Georgia has tightened its visa-free entry regulations, affecting foreigners living in the United Arab Emirates. As a result of these changes, many individuals previously traveling visa-free were turned back at the Georgian border, even if they had valid residence permits or visas issued by GCC countries. The new rules created significant reactions during the Eid Al Adha long weekend when many planned to relax in Georgia.

What exactly has changed?

The amendments represent an update to the Georgian government's resolution issued on June 5, 2015, regulating visa-free entry conditions. Previously, citizens of designated countries could enter Georgia without a visa if they held a valid visa or residence permit issued by a GCC country, without any specification for the validity period of the document. Under the new regulations, foreigners are exempt from visa requirements only if they possess such a permit with a validity of at least one year on the day of entry.

List of affected countries

The tightening primarily affects citizens from the following countries:

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Morocco, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda

Citizens of these countries can no longer automatically enter Georgia with short-term GCC country visas or residence permits—only documents valid for over a year are accepted.

Reality at the airport: rejection and humiliation

Several travelers living in the UAE with valid documents reported humiliating treatment. Many, including those arriving on direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Kutaisi, found themselves detained and rejected after landing and before crossing the border.

According to reports from the affected individuals, they did not receive any prior notification and were held for over 12 hours in a detention room without food, clean water, or proper hygiene conditions. The experienced stress, uncertainty, and humiliation left lasting impacts on many, and the money spent on the trip was also lost—including flight tickets, accommodation bookings, insurance, and car rentals.

Message from the Georgian government: stricter, not easing the rules

Despite misleading information appearing in some media and social platforms, Georgia has clarified that the purpose of the new regulations is to prevent migration abuses and strengthen border security, not to ease entry conditions. Georgian authorities emphasized that the new rules are targeted and do not apply to all foreigners, but impose clear and stricter requirements for the designated countries.

What should travelers from the UAE consider?

Travel agencies in the UAE confirmed that several travelers have been turned back since the new regulations were implemented, especially if they attempted to enter with incomplete documentation or short-term GCC permits. Travel advisors highlight:

Double-check the validity of visas or residence permits in advance

Have all documents on hand: accommodation booking, return ticket, travel insurance

Cash reserves are also recommended

Bookings should be made through a reliable travel agency

Summary

Georgia's latest entry rules have served as a wake-up call for those relying on GCC countries' residence permits to enter the country visa-free. Those who do not meet the specific requirements—particularly travelers with visas valid for less than one year—can expect unpleasant surprises, even during festive periods. It is wise to plan every trip with caution and information—especially if traveling to a country with changeable and sometimes unclear entry rules for travelers.

(Source of the article: Based on Georgia’s announcement.)