# Overstaying in Georgia: fines and entry bans The fines and entry bans a foreigner faces for staying in Georgia after their lawful period ends — and how to avoid an overstay in the first place. [Administrative law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/) · October 11, 2026 · 4 min read Citizens of many countries can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to a year. If you stay after that period — or after your residence permit expires — you are breaking the law, and since 2025 the penalties are much stricter. ## The fines now Under Article 191 of the Code of Administrative Offences (as amended in 2025): - Overstay of up to 3 months — GEL 1,000 and a 6-month ban on entering Georgia - Overstay of up to 1 year — GEL 2,000 and a 2-year entry ban - Overstay of more than 1 year — GEL 3,000 and a 3-year entry ban The fine and the ban are imposed together — paying the fine does not cancel the ban. Until the fine is paid, you won't be issued a visa or allowed to enter. ## How to avoid it - Check in advance how long citizens of your country may stay - If you are staying long-term, apply for a residence permit while you are still lawfully in Georgia - If you have a residence permit, watch its expiry date and renew it in time - Since 2026, working or running a business also requires a separate right to work ## If your residence permit was refused A refusal can be appealed in court, but under the law an appeal does not by itself stop the authorities from considering your expulsion. Contact a lawyer as soon as you receive the refusal — they will assess whether to appeal or to file a new application on another basis. ## If you have already overstayed Don't wait — the longer the overstay, the higher the fine and the longer the ban. Before you go to the border, review your situation with a lawyer: how many days you have overstayed, whether you have other unpaid fines, and what happens to your property, job or family matters in Georgia. ## Legal basis - [Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/28216) - [Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/2278806) Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge. This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case. Every case is different — don't rely on general information. Contact a lawyer for advice. [Administrative law lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Does paying the fine cancel the ban? No. Under the law, the fine and the entry ban are imposed together. ### What if I don't pay the fine? Until the fine is paid, you won't be issued a visa or allowed to enter Georgia. ### How long can I stay visa-free? Citizens of many countries — up to one year. The exact rule depends on your citizenship, so check in advance. ## Related topics - [#For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/) - [#Public authorities](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/) - - [Residence permits · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/residence-permit-in-georgia/) - - [Residence permits in Georgia: which type do you need?](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/residence-permit-types-georgia/) - - [Refused entry to Georgia: reasons and what to do](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/refused-entry-to-georgia/) - - [Deportation from Georgia: grounds, deadlines and appeal](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/deportation-from-georgia/) - - [Immigration cases · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/immigration-lawyer-georgia/) - - [Buying property · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/buying-property-in-georgia/) - - [Company & business · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/company-registration-in-georgia/) - - [Criminal cases · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/criminal-defense-for-foreigners/) Blog ## All articles - [Criminal defense](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/foreigner-arrested-in-georgia/) — Foreigner arrested in Georgia: rights and first steps October 11, 2026 · 5 min read - [Administrative law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/deportation-from-georgia/) — Deportation from Georgia: grounds, deadlines and appeal October 11, 2026 · 5 min read --- Source: https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/overstay-in-georgia-fines/ · MMLAW · +995 551 00 43 00 · info@mmlaw.ge