A significant announcement has captured the attention of the Ukrainian community in Georgia: the government has made a decision that fundamentally alters the visa-free stay conditions for Ukrainians.

Now, Ukrainians will only be able to remain in the friendly neighboring country without a visa for one year instead of the previous three years. 

Georgia Cuts Visa-Free Stay for Ukrainians to One Year

The corresponding decree has been signed by the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, effectively reverting the border crossing conditions to pre-war standards. This move has come as a surprise, considering that Georgia has shown support for Ukrainians since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion by extending the visa-free period first to two and then to three years.

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 behind such a drastic reduction. This has raised numerous questions and concerns among Ukrainians who have found refuge in Georgia, as well as those planning to visit the country for personal or business purposes.

According to unofficial information circulating in the 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 without a visa until February 24, 2026. However, this information remains unconfirmed and requires official validation from the competent Georgian authorities.

This has come as a real shock to us. Many were planning their future based on the three-year visa-free period. Now everything is once again in question.

Olena, a Ukrainian who has lived in Tbilisi for over a year

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

Experts in international law and migration have already begun analyzing the potential consequences of this decision.

The reduction in the visa-free period may lead to increased pressure on Georgia’s migration services and create additional administrative challenges for Ukrainians wishing to remain in the country longer.

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

Official Kyiv remains silent on this issue for now, but a response from the Ukrainian authorities is undoubtedly forthcoming.

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

Ukrainians currently in or planning trips to Georgia should be particularly vigilant and promptly track any updates regarding migration rules.