Eligibility of ETIAS

  • Georgia will be among the first countries to join ETIAS.
  • In 2025, citizens of Georgia will be able to apply for ETIAS.
  • A convenient online application system will be available for Georgian citizens to apply for ETIAS.

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • The option to apply for ETIAS online will be available for Georgian citizens.
  • ETIAS can be used for entering Europe via air, sea, or land.
  • An e-passport that is machine readable is a requirement for travellers.
  • ETIAS is designed for short trips, including tourism, business, transit, and medical visits.
  • ETIAS will be complimentary for applicants who are either under 18 or over 70 years of age.

As of 2025, Georgian citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS in order to enter participating European countries for short-term stays, lasting no more than 90 days. This includes travel for general tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.

The introduction of ETIAS is a measure taken by the European Union in response to the global increase in terrorist activities. The program aims to screen travellers arriving from overseas to ensure the safety of European citizens. The increase of terrorist attacks have led to the need for stricter security measures, and the ETIAS program is one of them. By requiring travellers from certain countries to obtain an ETIAS before entering the EU, authorities will be able to screen for potential security risks and prevent those with a history of criminal or terrorist activity from entering.

The ETIAS program is an important step in ensuring the safety of citizens and visitors to the EU. It will not only help in preventing terrorist attacks but also in detecting and preventing other forms of crime such as illegal immigration and human trafficking. The program will also strengthen the EU’s external borders and increase the effectiveness of the EU’s migration and asylum policy.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) program was given the green light in 2016 and is expected to take four years to fully develop. This includes the creation of systems that will integrate with existing immigration databases and other security data to provide an efficient new screening method for participating European countries.

Starting in 2025, residents of Georgia will have to obtain ETIAS authorization prior to embarking on any mode of transportation, including flights, ships, and buses heading to Europe. This mandate applies to all travelers, including those making stopovers in Europe on their way to other locations.

For Georgian citizens who wish to enter Europe for longer than 90 days or for reasons not covered under the ETIAS program, a Schengen visa will be required. Additional information on this can be obtained by visiting the ETIAS website at https://etias.co.uk/ and using the homepage assessment feature.

It is recommended that Georgian citizens submit their ETIAS application at least 96 hours prior to their scheduled departure date. Detailed information on the application process and requirements can be found on the ETIAS requirements page and the ETIAS FAQ’s. Reviewing these pages before starting an ETIAS application can help to avoid delays or the possibility of an ETIAS being denied.

It is important to understand that ETIAS is not a visa, and is different from a Schengen visa. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation system that is mandatory for certain travellers visiting the EU for short-term stays of 90 days or less. It is designed to screen travellers for potential security risks and prevent those with a history of criminal or terrorist activity from entering the EU.

On the other hand, a Schengen visa is a type of visa issued by the countries in the Schengen area that allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen zone for a certain period of time. This visa is mandatory for certain travellers visiting the EU for longer stays, or for purposes not covered by ETIAS. Therefore, it is important for Georgian citizens to understand the difference between ETIAS and Schengen visas and apply for the appropriate one for their travel purpose.

As of 2025, a crucial requirement for applying for an ETIAS is to be a full Georgian citizen. This means that travellers holding a passport or travel document with a different status may be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa instead of an ETIAS. This is to ensure that the program is able to screen travellers for potential security risks and prevent those with a history of criminal or terrorist activity from entering the EU.

Travellers need to be aware of the requirement to be a full Georgian citizen before applying for an ETIAS. This will ensure that the travellers are applying for the correct travel authorisation and avoid any delays or the risk of an ETIAS being refused. If the traveller holds a passport or travel document with a different status, they may need to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa.

Getting an ETIAS authorization for Georgian citizens should be a fast and simple process. Approval is typically given in a matter of minutes after submitting the application. The authorization will be delivered to the applicant by email in PDF format. Physical documents are not necessary, as the ETIAS information will be electronically linked to the passport data in the European Immigration system.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • An ETIAS authorisation will remain valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
  • An ETIAS can be used for multiple entries within a 90-day period.
  • An ETIAS authorisation can be obtained quickly and delivered electronically.
  • You can apply using a desktop, tablet, or mobile device.

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • Ensure that your ETIAS application is submitted at least 96 hours prior to your departure.
  • Travellers who have been denied an ETIAS can still apply for a full visitor visa.
  • Having an ETIAS does not automatically grant entry to Europe, as the decision is left to the discretion of the border security personnel at the point of arrival in the European country.