New Visa Restrictions for Ukrainians in Georgia: A Year-Long Limit

Shocking news has erupted in the Ukrainian community in Georgia: the government has decided to significantly reduce the visa-free stay period for Ukrainian citizens to just one year.

From now on, Ukrainians can only stay in the friendly neighboring country without a visa for one year, instead of the previous three.

One year instead of three: Georgia unexpectedly cuts visa-free access for Ukrainians

This decree has been signed by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, effectively reverting border crossing conditions to pre-war standards. This move comes as a surprise, as Georgia had shown support for Ukrainians since the full-scale Russian invasion by initially increasing the visa-free period to two years and then to three.

This decision was seen as a gesture of solidarity and assistance to those forced to leave their homes due to the war.

Currently, there have been no official comments from the Georgian authorities regarding the reasons for this sharp reduction, raising concerns and questions among Ukrainians who have found refuge in Georgia, as well as those planning to visit for personal or business reasons.

According to unofficial information circulating in media and among the Ukrainian community in Georgia, there is a possibility of a transitional period.

It is reported that Ukrainian citizens who entered Georgia before February 24, 2025, and have not yet obtained a residence permit, will be allowed to stay in the country visa-free until February 24, 2026. However, this information remains speculative and requires official confirmation from the relevant Georgian authorities.

This has been a true shock for us. Many were planning their futures based on the three-year visa-free period. Now everything is once again in question.

Olena, a Ukrainian residing in Tbilisi for over a year

The Ukrainian consulate in Georgia has not yet commented on the situation officially. However, diplomatic sources advise Ukrainian citizens to closely monitor official announcements from the Georgian authorities and to seek clarifications if needed.

Experts in international law and migration have already begun analyzing the potential repercussions of such a decision.

The reduction of the visa-free period could lead to increased pressure on Georgia's migration services and create additional administrative challenges for Ukrainians wishing to remain in the country for an extended period.

Given the tense geopolitical events in the region, this decision by Georgia raises many questions about the future relations between the two countries and the support for Ukrainian citizens affected by Russian aggression.

Official Kyiv has remained silent on this situation, but a response from the Ukrainian authorities is undoubtedly forthcoming.

Future developments and official statements from the Georgian side will soon shed light on the reasons for this unexpected move and its implications for Ukrainians.

Ukrainian citizens currently in or planning to travel to Georgia should be especially vigilant and promptly track any updates regarding migration rules.