Georgian Gov’t reduces visa-free stay for Ukrainians from three years to one

The Georgian government on Thursday announced a new policy reducing the visa-free stay period for Ukrainian citizens from three years to one. The decision, signed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, marked a return to the pre-war regulations in place before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Under the previous policy, Ukrainians fleeing the war were initially allowed to stay in Georgia for one year without a visa. This period was extended to two years on the first anniversary of the war, and in April 2024, the government increased it to three years. However, according to a new resolution dated April 2, 2025, the permitted stay for Ukrainian citizens has been rolled back to its original one-year limit.

An exception has been made for Ukrainians who entered Georgia before February 24, 2025. According to the government’s statement, their right of stay will be extended until February 24, 2026.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has resulted in thousands of deaths, including among children, and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. While many Ukrainian refugees have sought safety across Europe, only a small portion have settled in Georgia.