Georgia and China Sign Visa-Free Agreement: China Allows Easy Entry into Georgia

China has taken a significant step towards boosting tourism by granting visa-free entry to visitors from Georgia. The new Georgia-China visa-free agreement, which came into effect on May 28, 2024, allows Georgian nationals to enjoy short stays in China, opening up new opportunities for tourism in both countries.

While Georgians no longer need a Chinese visa to visit, they still have to meet certain entry requirements set by Chinese authorities. These requirements include holding a Georgian passport with a minimum of six months validity, providing hotel reservations, and having travel health insurance.

The visa-free entry allows Georgian tourists to stay in China for up to 30 days at a time, with a total visa-free stay not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. If visitors plan to stay longer for work, study, or other reasons, they will need to apply for a visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate.

This agreement marks a significant development in China-Georgia relations, following a similar policy implemented by Georgia in 2023, allowing Chinese travelers visa-free entry for up to 30 days. China has been expanding its visa-free policies to stimulate its post-pandemic economy, including initiatives such as visa-free entry for cruise ship passengers for up to 15 days and extending visa-free access for citizens of several countries until 2025.

With these new measures in place, both China and Georgia are poised to benefit from increased tourism and strengthened bilateral relations.