D1/D2 Visas for Non-Exempt Nationalities

Citizens of countries not on Georgia's visa-exempt list, and who don't hold qualifying visas from Schengen/US/UK/Canada, need to obtain Georgian visas from diplomatic missions before travel. Understanding D1 (single-entry) and D2 (multiple-entry) visa options, requirements, and application procedures enables proper planning for visits and eventual residence in Georgia.

Who Needs Georgian Visas?

While Georgia offers visa-free entry to over 90 nationalities and accepts qualifying visas from major countries, citizens of various nations still require Georgian visas. This includes citizens of some Asian countries, African nations, Middle Eastern states, and others whose nationalities aren't on the visa-free list and who don't hold qualifying visas from Schengen countries, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Japan. The specific list changes occasionally, so verify current requirements based on your nationality through Georgian diplomatic missions or official sources.

The visa requirement isn't a barrier to visiting Georgia – it simply means planning ahead to obtain the necessary documentation before travel. Georgian visa application procedures are generally straightforward compared to many countries, with reasonable requirements, fast processing, and moderate costs. The process provides proper documentation for legal entry and establishes your legitimate purpose for visiting Georgia.

D1 Visa - Single Entry

The D1 visa allows one entry into Georgia with stay duration up to 90 days from date of entry, though exact duration granted at the border may vary based on circumstances and officer discretion. The visa itself has validity period typically of three to six months from issuance, during which you must make your entry. Once you enter Georgia using the visa, it permits your stay for the granted duration. When you exit Georgia, the D1 visa becomes invalid – you cannot use it to re-enter. If you need to return to Georgia, you must apply for a new visa.

D1 visas suit single-purpose trips including short-term tourism to explore Georgia, business visits for meetings or negotiations, property viewing and real estate investigation, initial visits to establish business operations or register companies, exploratory trips to assess whether Georgia suits your relocation plans, and visits to apply for residence permits from within Georgia. The single-entry limitation means D1 works best when you plan to enter Georgia once, accomplish your objectives during one stay, and either remain in Georgia (applying for residence) or return home without needing to come back to Georgia in the near term.

Cost for D1 visas varies by nationality and bilateral agreements between Georgia and your country, but typically ranges from $50-80 USD equivalent. Some countries have different fees based on reciprocity arrangements. Processing fees are paid at Georgian embassies or consulates when submitting applications. The relatively modest cost makes D1 visa accessible for most travelers.

An important advantage of D1 visa is the ability to convert to residence permit while in Georgia. If you enter on a D1 visa and decide to establish residence through business registration, property purchase, or other qualifying basis, you can apply for residence permit from within Georgia without needing to leave and apply from abroad. This flexibility allows seamless transition from visitor to resident, making D1 visa suitable even for those planning eventual residence but wanting to visit first before committing.

D2 Visa - Multiple Entry

The D2 visa permits multiple entries into Georgia during its validity period, which typically runs six months to one year from issuance. Each individual stay can last up to 90 days, similar to D1 visa rules. However, you can exit Georgia and return multiple times during the visa's validity without needing new visas for each trip. This flexibility makes D2 visa ideal for ongoing business relationships, multiple property viewings or management visits, gradual establishment of business operations requiring several trips, situations where you're splitting time between Georgia and your home country during a transition period, and maintaining presence in Georgia while handling affairs elsewhere.

D2 visas cost more than D1, typically $120-180 USD equivalent depending on nationality and bilateral agreements. The higher cost reflects the greater flexibility and extended validity. For anyone planning multiple visits within a year, D2 visa is more economical and convenient than obtaining multiple D1 visas. Even two visits would likely make D2 visa cost-effective compared to two separate D1 applications.

The multiple-entry capability particularly suits business people conducting ongoing activities in Georgia who need to maintain presence in home countries, investors monitoring property or business interests requiring periodic visits, individuals gradually transitioning to Georgia while wrapping up affairs elsewhere, and people testing extended periods in Georgia across multiple shorter stays rather than one long visit. The D2 visa essentially provides a year of flexible access to Georgia, enabling you to structure your visits according to your needs rather than being constrained by single-entry restrictions.

Application Process and Requirements

Georgian visa applications must be submitted at Georgian embassies, consulates, or authorized diplomatic missions in your country of residence or citizenship. Some countries have both embassies in capitals and consulates in major cities, providing multiple application locations. If no Georgian diplomatic mission exists in your country, you'll need to apply at the nearest mission covering your region, which might be in a neighboring country. Georgian embassy websites typically provide information about which countries they serve and application procedures.

Required documents for Georgian visa applications typically include valid passport with at least six months remaining validity beyond your intended stay and blank pages for visa stamps, completed visa application form downloaded from embassy website or provided at mission, passport-sized photographs meeting specifications detailed in guidelines usually 3.5 x 4.5 cm with white background, travel itinerary showing intended dates and purpose of visit, evidence of accommodation arrangements such as hotel reservations or invitation letters if staying with residents, proof of financial means demonstrating ability to support yourself during the visit through bank statements, employment letters, or other documentation, travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for the duration of stay, and sometimes invitation letters from Georgian individuals or organizations if applicable to your visit purpose.

Additional documents may be required depending on visit purpose. Business visitors might need letters from their companies explaining business purpose and guaranteeing financial responsibility. Those applying for residence during their visit might benefit from providing documentation supporting their residence plans. Property buyers might include purchase agreements or viewing confirmations. The more documentation supporting legitimate visit purposes, the smoother the application process.

Applications can often be submitted in person or by mail depending on embassy procedures. In-person submission allows immediate verification that documents are complete and fees are paid correctly. Mail submission requires careful attention to instructions and usually registered or tracked shipping. Some embassies work with visa application centers that handle submission and collection, streamlining the process.

Processing times typically run five to ten working days for standard applications, though this varies by embassy workload and specific circumstances. Rush processing might be available for additional fees if you need faster decisions. Complex cases or applications requiring additional verification might take longer. Plan to apply at least two to three weeks before intended travel to allow for processing and potential delays.

Electronic Visa (E-Visa) Option

Georgia offers electronic visas (e-visas) for citizens of many countries, providing an alternative to traditional visa applications at embassies. The e-visa system allows applying online through the official Georgian e-visa portal, submitting documents electronically, paying fees online by credit or debit card, and receiving visa approval electronically without visiting embassies. Approved e-visas are emailed as PDF documents that you print and present on arrival at Georgian borders along with your passport.

E-visa processing typically takes three to five business days, often faster than embassy applications. The online system is available 24/7, making applications convenient. E-visas are typically single-entry with 30-day stays, though specifics vary by nationality. Check whether your nationality qualifies for e-visas through the official portal. E-visa fees are generally comparable to or slightly lower than embassy visa fees.

Not all nationalities have access to e-visas, and some purposes of visit might require traditional visa applications at embassies. The e-visa system primarily serves tourism and business visits rather than longer-term or complex purposes. If e-visa is available for your nationality and suits your visit purpose, it represents the easiest and fastest visa option.

Using Your Visa Upon Arrival

When arriving in Georgia with a D1 or D2 visa, present your passport with the visa to immigration officers at the border crossing or airport. The officer verifies the visa validity, stamps your passport with entry stamp, and determines your permitted stay duration up to the visa maximum (typically 90 days). The officer may ask questions about your visit purpose, accommodation plans, and intended activities. Having supporting documentation readily available helps answer any questions.

Keep all visa documentation, approval letters, and supporting documents with you during your stay. If you apply for residence permit while in Georgia, you'll need to demonstrate legal entry through your visa. Hotels, banks, or other entities might request proof of legal status, making visa documentation essential.

Extending Stay or Converting to Residence

If you arrive on a D1 or D2 visa and wish to stay longer than permitted or establish permanent residence, you can apply for residence permits from within Georgia without leaving. The process involves establishing qualifying basis for residence such as registering as Individual Entrepreneur, purchasing property worth $100,000+, securing employment, or meeting HNW program criteria, gathering required documents for residence application, submitting residence permit application at Public Service Hall, paying residence fees and providing biometric data, and waiting for approval which typically takes one to two weeks.

This in-country conversion from visa to residence permit eliminates the need to return home and apply from abroad, making the transition seamless. Many visitors enter on D1 visas intending to establish residence if Georgia meets their expectations, keeping their options open by maintaining the ability to transition directly to resident status.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenges that can arise include incomplete documentation leading to delays or rejections, which is solved by carefully reviewing requirements and preparing comprehensive documentation before submission. Language barriers when dealing with embassies in non-English-speaking countries can be addressed by seeking assistance from embassy staff or using translation services. Uncertainty about which visa type to choose is resolved by assessing whether you need single or multiple entries based on your plans. Delays in processing when time is short require applying well in advance of intended travel dates.

Professional visa assistance services can help with document preparation, form completion, submission coordination, and follow-up if issues arise. For complex situations or if you're uncertain about requirements, professional assistance ensures applications are submitted correctly, maximizing approval chances and minimizing delays.

Planning Your Visa Application

Successful visa applications require advance planning. Begin the process at least three to four weeks before intended travel. Gather all required documents early, allowing time to obtain items like travel insurance or bank statements if needed. Complete application forms carefully and accurately, ensuring all information matches your passport and supporting documents. Prepare for potential questions by having clear answers about visit purpose, accommodation plans, financial means, and return plans.

Once approved, verify all details on the visa are correct including name spelling, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries. Mistakes can cause problems at borders. Keep copies of your visa and all application documents separate from originals as backup in case originals are lost or damaged during travel.

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