Georgia Rolls Out the Red Carpet: Indian Travellers Get Fast-Track Visa Access

In a significant development for the tourism and cultural exchange sector, Georgia has today set in motion a series of measures to make the travel visa process easier for Indian passport holders. 

 

India passport holders with a valid visa or residence permit in the United States, United Kingdom, from Schengen Area countries, or Japan will be able to enter Georgia without a visa. The new policy is designed to promote more travel from India by removing a significant barrier to travel. The new travel opportunities will further promote bilateral relations between Georgia and India. 

 

For Indian nationals without a visa from one of the specified countries, the government of Georgia is facilitating the visa application process considerably. Applicants will only need to provide required documentation which is as follows: a passport-sized photo, a scanned copy of the bio page of their passport, an Aadhaar linked mobile number and email ID, a copy of their Aadhaar card, copies of their last six months’ bank statements, copies of their last three years of Income Tax Returns, and a copy of their PAN card. Applicants must also provide proof of their employment status such as a company ID, salary slip, or an employment letter. If traveling under a sponsorship, a sponsorship letter will be required, data supporting the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant, and proof of the sponsor’s bank statements.

 

To prevent applicants from falling prey to unauthorized agents or fraud, the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) stated that people should only apply through official government channels. The GNTA also recommended that travelers prepare documentation well in advance before applying for approval. 

 

This makes Georgia a more attractive destination for Indian tourists by providing easier entry for visitors wanting to experience the beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and famed hospitality of the country. The new visa facilitation process will also further the US-India bilateral relationship, promote future cultural exchanges between countries, and further increase economic activity from tourism. 

 

Source: Times of India