A Dubai Times report dated 24 October warns that Georgia has quietly tightened its visa-waiver scheme for holders of GCC residence permits—a change already disrupting holiday and business travel from the UAE. Under amendments first published in April but now being strictly enforced, travellers whose UAE residence visas have less than 12 months’ remaining validity are being refused entry on arrival, with several Pakistani and Bangladeshi residents detained at Kutaisi Airport during Eid break travel.
Previously, UAE residents of most nationalities enjoyed visa-free access if they held any valid Emirati residence permit. The new one-year validity rule, plus closer scrutiny of financial means and hotel bookings, effectively disqualifies many mid-to-entry-level expatriates whose visas are renewed annually.
UAE tour operators have begun rerouting clients or advising them to apply for e-visas in advance. Corporate travel managers should audit existing bookings to Georgia and ensure travellers’ Emirates IDs and residence stamps meet the new criteria. Failure to comply can result in overnight detention, return-flight costs and reputational risk for employers.
The episode underscores a wider trend of secondary destinations tightening checks on Gulf-based travellers amid global migration pressures. Mobility professionals should track similar policy shifts in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Eastern Europe, which often mirror each other’s rules.
Practically, UAE residents planning autumn or ski trips to Georgia should confirm that their passport has six months’ validity and that their UAE residence visa extends at least a year beyond their arrival date, or secure a pre-approved visa online.
Previously, UAE residents of most nationalities enjoyed visa-free access if they held any valid Emirati residence permit. The new one-year validity rule, plus closer scrutiny of financial means and hotel bookings, effectively disqualifies many mid-to-entry-level expatriates whose visas are renewed annually.
UAE tour operators have begun rerouting clients or advising them to apply for e-visas in advance. Corporate travel managers should audit existing bookings to Georgia and ensure travellers’ Emirates IDs and residence stamps meet the new criteria. Failure to comply can result in overnight detention, return-flight costs and reputational risk for employers.
The episode underscores a wider trend of secondary destinations tightening checks on Gulf-based travellers amid global migration pressures. Mobility professionals should track similar policy shifts in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Eastern Europe, which often mirror each other’s rules.
Practically, UAE residents planning autumn or ski trips to Georgia should confirm that their passport has six months’ validity and that their UAE residence visa extends at least a year beyond their arrival date, or secure a pre-approved visa online.
