Biometric Passport in Georgia: Getting One for Travel

A biometric passport is the foundation of any trip abroad — it's exactly what lets Georgian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the EU. A biometric passport contains a chip with the holder's biometric data and meets the international standard. This guide explains where and how to get a biometric passport in Georgia, what it costs, how long it takes to produce and how to renew it in time before you plan a trip.

🏛️ Where to get one

Biometric passports are issued by the Public Service Hall (House of Justice) and the territorial offices of the Public Service Development Agency. You must apply in person, because your biometric data — a photo and fingerprints — are captured on site.

In many cities you can book an online appointment, which cuts down the wait in line. Citizens abroad can apply at consulates, though processing times there are longer.

📋 Documents you need

• A valid ID card or your old passport
• A photo taken on site — you don't need to bring your own
• Fingerprints captured biometrically on site
• Payment of the service fee (on site or online)
• For a minor — a parent's/legal guardian's consent and documents

💰 Cost and production times

The fee for a biometric passport depends on how fast you need it — the quicker, the pricier. Standard (about 10 working days) is cheapest — roughly $25-35; a 5-day rush is $35-45; next-day is $45-60; same-day issuance is the priciest, in the $60-80 range.

Always verify the exact, current rates on the Public Service Development Agency's official site (sda.gov.ge) or at the House of Justice — fees change over time. If your trip is close, the rush option is worth it; if you have time, standard is far cheaper.

⏳ Expiry and the 3-month rule

A biometric passport is usually valid for 10 years (less for minors). However, many countries and the Schengen area require the passport to be valid for at least 3 more months after your return. So traveling in your passport's final months is risky — you could be refused entry.

Before you buy a ticket, always check your passport's validity — details in the passport validity rules guide. From 2026, entering Europe also requires an ETIAS authorization, which is tied to your passport, so after renewing your passport you must reapply for ETIAS.

✅ Checklist and organizing documents

• Check your current passport's validity — less than 3 months left? Renew it
• Get/renew the passport at least 1-2 months before travel
• Choose the production speed based on your timeline and budget
• After renewing the passport, update your ETIAS and valid visas
• Scan your passport and store it in the cloud — see the document organization guide