Apply Georgia e-Visa from Maldives

Georgia, the ancient country nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, offers Maldivian travelers a starkly beautiful contrast to their island home, boasting deep history, stunning mountain scenery, and vibrant cities like Tbilisi. Navigating the visa requirements for this journey is straightforward through the official electronic visa (e-Visa) system.

This comprehensive guide is tailored for Georgia e-Visa from Maldives citizens, clarifying the necessary documents, detailing the purpose of travel, explaining the online application process, and ensuring you are fully prepared for your visit to the 'Gem of the Caucasus'.

Do Maldives Need a Visa for Georgia?

Yes, Maldivian citizens are generally required to obtain an e-Visa prior to traveling to Georgia.

While some informal sources may suggest a visa-free stay, official guidelines often require Maldivian nationals to secure an e-Visa for short-term visits. This e-Visa is mandatory for ordinary passport holders intending to travel for tourism or business.

• Duration of Stay (e-Visa): The typical stay granted via the e-Visa system is up to 30 days within any 120-day period.

Who might require a visa? Any Maldivian citizen planning to stay longer than 30 days or traveling for purposes other than tourism or short-term business (such as work, full-time study, or long-term residency) must apply for a D-Category (Long-Term) visa through a Georgian diplomatic mission or consulate, not the e-Visa portal.

How long can Maldives citizens stay in Georgia visa-free?

Since the general requirement is an e-Visa, Maldivian citizens do not enjoy a default visa-free stay. They must adhere to the limits granted by their approved e-Visa:

• Maximum Stay (e-Visa): Up to 30 days within any 120-day period.

It is crucial to note that this is a cumulative limit. Overstaying this 30-day allowance will result in fines and potential travel bans, even if the 120-day validity period has not expired.

What documents do Maldivian citizens need for a Georgian e-Visa application?

The Georgia e-Visa application process is entirely digital, requiring high-quality scans or digital copies (in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format) of several mandatory documents:

• Passport Bio Page: A clear scan of the passport bio-data page. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the validity date of the requested e-Visa (i.e., at least nine months from the application date).
• Applicant Photo: A recent, high-quality digital photograph adhering to specific standards (see Section 6).
• Travel Insurance: Mandatory health or accident insurance covering the entire duration of your stay in Georgia.

What passport validity is required for Maldivian citizens visiting Georgia?

Maldivian citizens applying for the short-term e-Visa must ensure their passport's validity extends for at least three months beyond the validity period of the requested Georgian visa. Given that the e-Visa is often valid for 120 days (four months), the passport should ideally be valid for a minimum of nine months from the date of application.

What financial documents are needed to prove sufficient funds for a Georgian e-Visa?

The Georgian authorities require applicants to demonstrate they can financially support themselves during their stay. Acceptable proof includes:

• Bank Statement: Recent bank statements (covering the past three months).
• Employment Reference: A letter from your Maldivian employer confirming your position, income, and authorized leave.
• Sponsorship Letter: A dated and signed letter from a financial sponsor, detailing their contact information and commitment to covering the applicant's expenses.
• Property Ownership: Documents proving possession of significant real estate or assets.

Explain the requirements for a Georgian e-Visa photo

The photograph is vital for the digital application and must adhere to strict biometric standards. Failure to meet these requirements is a common reason for application delays or rejection.

• Type: Recent digital color photo (taken within the last six months).
• Background: Mandatory plain white or light neutral background, with no shadows or patterns.
• Dimensions: While specific pixels vary, the photo must be of high quality and resolution. Standard required dimensions are typically around $35 \text{ mm} \times 45 \text{ mm}$ (or a 4x5 cm digital equivalent).
• Facial Requirements: Full-face view, head centered, with a neutral expression (mouth closed, eyes open, and visible). Headwear is only permitted for religious reasons, provided it does not obscure facial features.

What are some alternatives to hotel reservations for proof of accommodation?

If you are not staying in a hotel for your time in Georgia, you can use the following documents as proof of accommodation:

• Invitation Letter from Host: A formal, dated, and signed invitation letter from a private host residing in Georgia (a Georgian citizen or legal resident). The letter must explicitly state the host's address, phone number, and confirm the specific duration of the applicant's stay.
• Rental/Lease Agreement: A copy of a rental agreement if the Maldivian citizen has privately booked accommodation for a significant duration.
• Tour Operator Confirmation: A confirmation letter from a Georgian tour company detailing pre-arranged accommodation as part of a tour package.

What are common travel purposes for a Georgian e-Visa?

The short-term e-Visa (C-Category) is designed for non-immigrant visits and covers several purposes:

• Tourism: Leisure, sightseeing, exploring historical sites, and travel for personal enrichment.
• Visiting Friends and Relatives: Social calls to family members or friends residing in Georgia (requires invitation letter).
• Business/Professional: Attending meetings, conferences, seminars, or short-term training (requires invitation letter from the host organization).
• Education and Training: Short, non-degree training programs.
• Health and Medical Care: Receiving non-emergency medical treatment.
• Religion/Pilgrimages: Traveling for religious purposes.

What are some popular tourist attractions or activities in Georgia?

Georgia offers breathtaking diversity. Popular activities and sites for Maldivian travelers include:

• Tbilisi: Explore the eclectic capital city, ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress, wander the colorful Old Town, and relax in the historic sulfur baths.
• Wine Region (Kakheti): Visit the picturesque town of Sighnaghi and tour the vineyards in the region, which boasts a winemaking tradition dating back 8,000 years.
• Caucasus Mountains: Take a trip to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) to see the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church set against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek.
• Ancient Caves: Explore the rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe or the vast cave monastery complex of Vardzia.
• Black Sea Coast: Relax at the modern coastal resort city of Batumi.

Do travel agents help with visas?

Yes, using a travel agent or a specialized visa service provider is highly beneficial, especially when dealing with specific document requirements like Georgia's.

Agents provide services including:

• Document Assurance: They meticulously check all uploaded files (passport, photo, financial proof) for compliance with Georgian standards before official submission, minimizing the risk of rejection.
• Language Barrier Assistance: They provide expert guidance in English throughout the application process.
• Error Prevention: They ensure all data is accurately transferred to the application form, preventing delays due to typos or mismatched information.
• Status Tracking: They monitor the application status (which typically takes 5 working days for a decision) and inform the traveler immediately upon approval.

Can Maldivian citizens use an ID card instead of a passport for travel to Georgia?

No, Maldivian citizens cannot use an ID card for travel to Georgia.

The Georgian e-Visa policy explicitly requires a valid ordinary passport that meets the minimum six-month validity requirement. ID cards are only accepted from citizens of specific countries (like Turkey, Ukraine, and certain EU/CIS nations) that have special bilateral agreements with Georgia.

What are the entry requirements for Georgian citizens traveling to the Maldives?

As of the last update, Georgian citizens are granted a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when traveling to the Maldives for tourism.

• Stay Duration: A VOA is typically granted for 30 days, which can often be extended for up to 90 days if required.
• Requirements: Must have a valid passport, a confirmed booking at a tourist resort or hotel, a confirmed onward/return ticket, and sufficient funds (estimated at $100 USD per day).

Maruhabaa to Georgia! (Welcome to Georgia!)

While your Maldivian passport requires a pre-approved e-Visa, the digital application process is quick and efficient. By preparing your essential documents, particularly your travel insurance and passport, you are ready to secure your entry and enjoy the unique beauty and history of Georgia.