Georgia waits to be discovered on the edge of Eastern Europe, where snow-capped mountains meet warm Black Sea breezes. It is a place that whispers tales of old kingdoms, vivid cultures, and wine-making techniques older than written records.

As an Indian passport holder, let's go through all you need to know about getting a Georgia visa.  

Do Indians Need a Visa for Georgia?

Indians certainly need a visa to come to Georgia. Thankfully, the nation provides a simple e-visa system you can apply, completely online.   

Visa-Free Entry for Some Travellers: Indian passport holders with legitimate U.S., U.K., Schengen nation, or Japanese residence permits or visas can enter Georgia without applying for a Georgian visa. Short-term stays are made possible under this relaxed policy free from the difficulty of more papers. 

Georgia E-Visa: How to Apply

Start Your Application Online
Start by visiting the official Georgia e-visa site. Select your nationality from the dropdown menu and enter your intended trip dates. You will also have to accept the platform's fundamental terms and conditions to continue. 

Enter Personal and Travel Details
Next, you will be asked to enter your passport details, contact information, and full name. Your planned trip in Georgia and your travel history will also be discussed in this section.   

Upload Required Documents
You will next upload the necessary supporting documents. This includes:   

• A scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least six months with two blank pages),
• A recent passport-size photograph,
• Proof of accommodation (like a hotel booking or host invitation),
• Travel health insurance,
• Bank statements from the last three months.

Additional Documents (if applicable)
Include a copy of your host's invitation or ID if you are going to visit relatives or friends. For business travel, you will need a letter from your employer as well as an official invitation from a Georgia-based firm for business travel.   

Pay the Visa Fee
You will be sent to a secure payment page after your documents have been uploaded. The standard e-visa cost is USD 20; there is also a 2% service charge. Check to see if your debit or credit card allows for foreign payments.   

Complete Identity Verification (if required)
DuVerify instructs some applicants to finish an extra verification. Paying an additional USD 15 for the verification procedure is necessary during this stage, along with the uploading of an Indian identification document such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID.   

Receive and Print Your E-Visa
Usually within 5 to 6 business days, once your application is processed and approved, you will receive the e-visa via email. Print a copy and keep it with your passport while travelling. Upon arrival in Georgia, you must provide it.  

Processing Time and Validity

• Processing Time: The e-visa is typically processed within 5 to 6 working days.
• Recommended Buffer: Apply at least 10 days in advance of your travel date.
• Visa Validity: The e-visa is valid for 120 days from the date of issue.
• Duration of Stay: You can stay for up to 30 days per visit, and the visa allows for multiple entries.

Georgia Visa Fees for Indians

• E-Visa Fee: USD 20 (approx. Rs.1,710)
• Service Fee: 2% of the visa amount
• DuVerify Fee (if required): USD 15 (approx. Rs.1,280)
• Total Estimated Cost: Around USD 35 or Rs.2,990

Ensure you use an internationally activated credit or debit card.

Top Places to Visit in Georgia

Tbilisi: Georgia's heart, filled with vibrant balconies, small alleyways, and the historic Narikala Fortress. The old-world charm of the city is enhanced by its sulphur baths and bustling local markets. 

Batumi: Famous for its laid-back atmosphere, botanical gardens, and contemporary beach clubs, Batumi is a seaside city on the Black Sea. Wonderful for a summer getaway.   

Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): Found in the Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) features stunning scenery, hiking trails, and the well-known Gergeti Trinity Church, perched against a snowy backdrop.   

Kakheti Wine Region: Georgia is among the world's oldest wine-producing nations, Kakheti Wine Region. Visit Kakheti to sample wines matured in historic qvevri clay pots, a method dating 8,000 years back.     

Georgia invites you to slow down, and really engage with a culture that is both ancient and still flourishing.