Starting today, May 28, 2024, nationals of Georgia will be able to enter China for short stays visa-free.
Announcing the news, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia said that the agreement reached with China on visa-free travel for Georgians officially entered into force today.
The same emphasised that even though Georgians no longer need to apply for a Chinese visa, they still need to meet some requirements under the visa-free agreement, VisaGuide.World reports.
In line with the agreement reached between the two countries, Georgians can enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days.
In addition, they need to make sure that they do not exceed 90 days of stay in China within any 180-day period in order not to be penalized from entering the country without a visa in the future.
Georgian citizens can travel to China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days per visit. However, the total duration of visa-free travel and stay should not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
This agreement between Georgia and China covers only Georgians entering China for short stays. This means that Georgian passport holders who want to stay in China for more than 30 days to work, study, or other purposes need to obtain a visa.
Georgians Need to Hold These Documents to Be Permitted Visa-Free Entry to China
In order to be permitted visa-free entry to China, Georgians need to hold a passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the stay period in the country.
In addition, Georgians need to have proof of having made a hotel reservation and having purchased travel health insurance.
The above-mentioned documents need to be presented when crossing the border, and the Chinese border officers are responsible for checking them and permitting or denying entry to Georgians.
The Ministry noted that something that Georgians need to keep in mind when traveling to China is that social and mobile platforms are restricted in the country.
Georgian citizens are subject to Chinese laws and regulations. The Georgian Consular Service provides assistance within its legal powers.
The same stressed that photographing and filming the government, military, or other special-purpose buildings is prohibited without permission.
Georgia Already Permits Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Travelers
Georgia has been permitting visa-free entry for Chinese travelers since September 11, 2023.
Similarly, Chinese travelers are permitted to stay in the territory of Georgia for up to 30 days without the need to obtain a visa.
The decision of Georgia to drop the visa requirement for Chinese travelers was taken in an attempt to attract more tourists as well as to promote investments.
Since Georgia was the first to drop the visa requirement, it means that the decision of China to permit visa-free entry for Georgians comes as a reciprocal move.