If an e-visa application is successfully completed with patience and intelligent scheduling, Georgia becomes a more convenient vacation option for Indian passport holders who are experiencing difficulties with their Schengen visa this summer. Travelers are drawn to Georgia by its easy visa application procedure for holders of Japan or Schengen visas, as well as its direct flights from Delhi.
Georgia: A New Vacation Option for Indians: 10 Key Points To Know
- E-Visa Accessibility: Indian passport holders can conveniently apply for an e-visa to visit this destination, easing travel for those facing Schengen visa issues.
- Direct Flights: Budget airlines offer three weekly direct flights from Delhi to Tbilisi, making travel more accessible for Indian tourists.
- Visa-Free Entry: Indian nationals holding a valid Schengen or Japan visa can enter Georgia without needing an additional visa.
- Application Challenges: The e-visa application process can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially during the payment phase, leading to a high rejection rate of 72%.
- Application Timeline: Applicants typically receive a response within five working days, with the option to reapply within ten days if rejected.
- Arrival Concerns: Rumors of random deportations at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport cause anxiety among Indian travelers, but a valid Schengen or Japan visa can ensure a smoother experience.
- Cultural Richness: The destination offers a unique blend of European and Asian experiences, with historical sites like Jvari Monastery and Mtskheta providing cultural and scenic value.
- Wine Heritage: Georgia boasts a rich winemaking history in the Kakheti region, known for its ancient kvevri method of wine storage.
- Popular Attractions: Key sites include Tbilisi’s old town, Shota Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square, and Batumi’s Ali and Nino sculptures.
- Travel Seasons: The best times to visit are May through June and September through October, avoiding the extreme summer heat and winter cold.
Georgia, which is part of both Europe and Asia, provides a unique experience that is unmatched by any continent. For tourists who choose to go outside of Europe or Southeast Asia, this former Soviet country is both a surprise and a mystery. Indian nationals holding a valid Schengen or Japan visa do not need a visa to enter Georgia. For others, the immigration site of the Georgian government is where one may apply for an e-visa.
Despite its seeming simplicity, the e-visa application procedure is time-consuming since there are often mistakes made during the payment gateway phase. Considering the high rejection rate of 72%, applicants must allow enough time for visa processing after completing the first application obstacle. In most cases, applicants hear back within five working days, and if they are rejected, they may start again with a fresh application within 10 days.
A budget airline that operates three weekly direct flights from Delhi to Tbilisi may also be booked. Indian tourists may experience anxiety while arriving at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport due to rumors of what seem to be random deportations of Indian nationals. However, a comfortable travel experience is almost guaranteed if you pass immigration with a Schengen or Japan visa.
Upon exiting the airport, travelers are greeted by the refreshing Tbilisi air, which is noticeably colder than that of Delhi. The airport is conveniently located within a 25-minute drive away from the city center. Tbilisi is well-known for its high terrain, ancient old town, and important sites including Shota Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square.
Visitors to Tbilisi come across kind, welcoming people. Situated atop the 653-meter-high Jvari peak, the Jvari Monastery is just a short drive away from the city. Views of Mtskheta, the former capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, and the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers are available from this location.
Wine has a rich cultural and historical heritage in Georgia. With 8,000 years of history, the Kakheti area is known as the cradle of winemaking and is home to historic vineyards. Here came the invention of the kvevri, an earthen pot used for subterranean wine storage that preserves the wine’s flavor as opposed to earlier techniques using animal-leather casings.
Also Read: US is Now the Second Most Popular for Indian Tourist
In summary, there are a plethora of economical and engaging alternatives available in Georgia. The capital, Tbilisi, is a popular tourist destination because of its easy accessibility and wealth of attractions. Another well-liked location is Batumi, which is on the Black Sea coast and is well-known for its moving metal sculptures of Ali and Nino, two star-crossed lovers.
Other noteworthy locations in Georgia include Mtskheta, the ‘City of Love’ Sighnaghi, the ski resort Mestia, Kutaisi, and the well-known wine area Kakheti. The Georgian Military Highway showcases the splendor of the Caucasus Mountains with a scenic path via Kazbegi National Park.
Unless an Indian visitor has a valid visa for the US, UK, Schengen, Japan, or both, they must get an electronic visa in order to enter Georgia. Applications for e-visas take five days to complete, and because of the high rejection rate, enough of time should be set aside in case the applicant has to reapply. Each application has an additional service charge of $20 USD.
Georgia is best visited in May through June and September through October to escape the intense summer heat and the harsh winter weather.
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