DUBAI – Dream holidays to the picturesque landscapes of Georgia have turned into harrowing nightmares for numerous UAE residents, who are being detained, interrogated, and deported upon arrival in Tbilisi and other airports without clear reasons, sparking fear and confusion among travellers.
An Eid getaway became a 12-hour ordeal for Muhammad, a 31-year-old Pakistani national and senior product manager living in Abu Dhabi. He and his friend flew to Kutaisi, excitedly planning a short vacation, armed with valid UAE residency, confirmed hotel bookings, return tickets, and travel insurance.
But their excitement evaporated the moment they landed.
“The moment we landed, things turned into a nightmare,” Muhammad shared in a viral Reddit post detailing his traumatic experience. “They heard ‘Pakistan’ and a guy from the police asked us to come on the side, took our passports, took our pictures in front of all people, which was very humiliating.”
What followed was a descent into chaos. Muhammad claims they were locked in a “prison-like room” for over 12 hours, deprived of food, clean water, and access to a sanitary bathroom. When they pleaded for a reason for their detention, the only answer they received was a blunt, “We cannot tell you.”
“We were treated like criminals,” he recounted. “The loss wasn’t just financial—we lost money on flights, hotels, insurance, and car rentals. But far worse was the mental anguish, anxiety, and psychological toll. We feel humiliated, angry, and dehumanized.”
Muhammad’s story is not an isolated incident. The Reddit thread he posted is flooded with similar accounts from other UAE residents, particularly South Asian and African nationalities.
“I’m Nigerian and this happened to me and my friend in 2023, it was a horrible experience,” one user commented. Another wrote, “They target many Indians too… very risky to go to Georgia due to that reason, best to avoid it.”
So, What’s Really Going On?
The wave of deportations appears to be linked to a new, stricter visa policy quietly implemented by Georgia on April 17, 2025.
Previously, residents of the UAE from certain countries could enter Georgia visa-free. Now, the rules have been tightened. For citizens of countries like Pakistan, India, Nigeria, and 14 others, a UAE or other GCC residence permit must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Georgia to qualify for visa-free access.
The Georgian government has stated the amendment is designed to combat illegal migration and strengthen border control. However, for travellers who booked trips under the old rules, the sudden change has caused chaos and heartbreak at the border.
Travel Agents Urge Caution
UAE travel agents are now scrambling to advise clients. Godly Babukutty of Epic Travel told media that while this type of rule isn’t new globally, the abrupt enforcement in Georgia has caught many off-guard.
“The reason why Georgia is now tightening its security measures is because people would often not have a proper itinerary or would book tickets without answering all the required questions on the form,” he advised.
His advice to residents is clear: book through a registered travel agency to ensure every document is in perfect order before you fly.
XPRESS CHECKLIST: Thinking of Flying to Georgia?
Before you book that ticket, make sure you have everything on this list to avoid a potential holiday disaster.
- Check Your Residency Validity: If you are a national of one of the 17 affected countries, your UAE residence visa MUST be valid for at least one full year from your planned entry date. If not, you will need to apply for a Georgian visa in advance.
- Carry Printouts: Don’t rely on your phone. Have physical, printed copies of your return flight ticket, confirmed hotel bookings for your entire stay, and travel insurance.
- Proof of Funds: Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your trip. While credit cards are useful, immigration officers may want to see a bank statement or even physical cash.
- Book Via an Agent: A travel agent can help verify that your documents meet the latest, and often confusing, requirements.
- Stay Calm: If questioned, remain polite and calm. Muhammad claims that when officials realised he was trying to contact the embassy, they attempted to snatch his phone.
With the rules being enforced so strictly and with reports of hostile treatment, many UAE residents are now thinking twice, suggesting it may be better to choose a different destination for that hassle-free getaway. Sources
