Georgia Travel Alerts & Entry Updates
Georgia is intensifying immigration enforcement with 20,000 planned removals under new Right to Labour permit rules. Since May 1, foreign nationals face immediate deportation and three-year entry bans for protest-related offenses. While new flight routes from Copenhagen and Cairo launch June 27, travelers face increased scrutiny following a document forgery bust and the suspension of EU visa-free access for official passport holders. Infrastructure shifts include Batumi waterfront demolitions and regional gas outages.
Georgia targets 20,000 removals under new Right to Labour permit rules
The Georgian government is intensifying enforcement to identify and deport approximately 20,000 foreign nationals residing in the country without valid permits. This crackdown follows a year of record-high deportations and signals a stricter environment for expats and travelers overstaying their visa-free periods.
EU suspends visa-free Schengen access for Georgia official passport holders
European Union officials will meet with Georgian counterparts on June 11 to discuss the possible suspension of visa-free access to the Schengen Area. If implemented, Georgian citizens and residents would lose the ability to travel to most of Europe for 90 days without a formal visa application.
Georgia forgery bust triggers tighter U.S. visa scrutiny for 65 applicants
Georgian authorities and the U.S. Embassy uncovered a criminal group fabricating asylum claims and forging documents for U.S. and Canadian visa applications. Travelers and expats in the region should expect increased scrutiny of migration documentation and stricter verification processes at border crossings.
Georgia waterfront demolitions remove nomad hubs in Batumi through July
Dozens of popular seaside restaurants and cafes in Batumi are being cleared as part of a new city master plan. Expats and digital nomads should expect significant construction noise and fewer social venues along the waterfront throughout the year.
Georgia protest offenses now trigger immediate deportation for nomads
Starting May 1, foreign nationals in Georgia face immediate expulsion and a 3-year entry ban for minor protest-related offenses like disobeying police. This significantly increases the legal risk for digital nomads and expats living in or traveling through Tbilisi during periods of civil unrest.
7 Georgia protest leaders jailed as instability grows for digital nomads
Georgian authorities have issued lengthy prison sentences to protest organizers, indicating a crackdown on public demonstrations. Expats and digital nomads should avoid political gatherings to ensure their legal standing and personal safety remain secure.
Georgia adds 2 direct flights from Copenhagen and Cairo starting June 27
Georgia is expanding its international air network with new routes across Europe and beyond starting in the summer season. The increased connectivity to Batumi and Tbilisi makes the country more accessible for digital nomads and expats looking to relocate or travel within the region.
Gas shutdowns are hitting Batumi neighborhoods
A major Socar pipeline leak will cause a significant gas outage across Batumi and Khelvachauri starting tomorrow morning. Remote workers and expats relying on gas for cooking, heating, or hot water should prepare for several hours of service disruption.
What happened in Batumi
Georgian security forces conducted a high-profile counterterrorism operation in Batumi, a popular hub for digital nomads and expats. While the city remains generally safe, travelers should expect increased police presence and security checks in the Adjara region.