Guide for visa-free travel to the EU / Schengen area

From 28 March 2017, Georgian nationals with biometric passports can travel visa-free to the EU/Schengen countries. Visa-free travel applies to the Schengen area, which includes 22 EU members and 4 non-members, as well as to 4 countries that are candidates to join the Schengen area.

EU countries covered by the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Greece, France, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic.

Non-EU countries covered by the EU Schengen countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

EU countries being candidates to join the Schengen area: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania,

An exception is Ireland, a member of the European Union – to obtain a visa of Ireland, Georgian nationals need to apply to the relevant consular service.

Duration of visa-free travel:

  • Under the visa-free regime with the European Union, Georgian nationals may travel to the EU/Schengen area for short visits without a visa.
  • Visa-free travel does not apply to long-term visits, for example, for the purposes of higher education or employment.
  • Short-term visit means 90 days within any 180-day period. 90 days can be spread over 180 days, but they can also be used all at once in a row
  • Youmay enterEU/Schengen countries as many times as you want, as long as your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days.  

The purpose of a short-term 90-day visit may be:

  • sightseeing;
  • visiting family members/friends/relatives;
  • holding business meetings, negotiations;
  • participating in international seminars, conferences, symposiums or exhibitions;
  • participating in short-term training courses, exchange /internship programs;
  • participating in cultural, scientific and sports events;
  • benefitting from healthcare services – short-term medical treatment/surgey.

Documents required for visa-free travel:

  • A biometric passport issued withinthe last 10 yearsand valid for at least 3  months beyond the date of departure from the EU/Schengen territory. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of your intended departure from the Schengen territory.

Requirements when going through border checkpoint to enter the territory of EU/Schengen country:

  • When traveling to EU/Schengen country, upon request of a border officer, you may need to prove the purpose of your trip (e.g: business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, enrolling in a course of study for a period of up to 90 days).

To prove the purpose of your trip, a border officer may ask you to present:

  • Return ticket, hotel reservation or address of the host with legal residence in the EU/Schengen territory, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds for travel (e.g. cash or a valid credit card)

On 1 January 2021 a new regulation came into force, according to which Schengen documents will be checked additionally at the border checkpoint of Georgia.

Georgian nationals may be refused to cross the Georgian border if they have Schengen entry ban or fail to present the documents required by law. For additional information, please see the link at:   https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/ka/schengen

Please note!

  • Georgian nationals must leave the EU/Schengen area before their stay exceeds 90 days in any 180-day period! Once they have used up their quota of 90 days in a row, they cannot return to Schengen area until 90 more days have passed.
  • Visa-free travel does not grant citizens the right to take up employment /enrol in a long-term course of study in EU/Schengen countries!
  • Georgian national is denied entry into the EU/Schengen country if he/she:
  • Fails to provide documents to prove his/her travel purpose/proof of sufficient financial resources for the visit;
  • Poses a threat to public order and health or internal security of any EU/Schengen member country;
  • Is convicted for a criminal offense punishable by more than 1 year’s imprisonment in any EU/Schengen country;
  • There is irrefutable evidence suggesting that he/she was involved in the commission of crime or had the intention to commit a crime;
  • Is banned from entering the EU/Schengen area or is subject to an expulsion decision.
  • Georgian nationals are obliged to observe the rules of entry and stay in the country of residence, as well as other laws in force in that country:
  • Staying in the EU/Schengen area beyond 90 days will be considered illegal and will result in explusion and a re-entry ban to the Schengen area for up to 5 yeas and, possibly, a fine in the amount of 3 000 euros
  • In case of committing a criminal offense during the period of authorized stay, a Georgian national concerned will be held liable according to the legislation of the country of residence, after which he/she will be expelled and banned from entering the EU/Schengen area for a period of up to 5 years;
  • Working in EU/Schengen countries without a work permit is considered illegal and may result in expulsion and entry ban.

 

 

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