Travelling to Georgia? Indian passport holders to benefit from relaxed visa policies

Georgia has streamlined its visa policies for Indian citizens, aiming to enhance tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations. As reported by the Times of India, Indian passport holders with valid visas or residency permits from the US, UK, Schengen Area, or Japan can now enter Georgia without a separate Georgian visa.

For Indian travellers not holding these visas, Georgia has introduced a simplified visa application process. Applicants are required to submit a passport-sized photograph, a scanned copy of the passport's bio page, Aadhaar-linked contact details, Aadhaar card, financial documents including a six-month bank statement, three years of Income Tax Returns, PAN card, and proof of employment such as a company ID, salary slip, or employment letter.

Georgian officials advise Indian travellers to apply for visas and obtain travel information exclusively through official government channels to avoid unauthorized agents and potential online fraud. Early preparation is recommended to ensure a smooth application process.

These changes are part of Georgia's strategic efforts to boost local tourism by making travel more accessible for Indian tourists. By reducing entry barriers, Georgia positions itself as a gateway to the Caucasus region, anticipating increased tourism and strengthened bilateral relations.

(With inputs from TOI)