Stricter regulations against law-breaking foreigners will come into effect

Starting October 1, 2025 a new type of punishment will be added to the Georgian criminal code, requiring the expulsion of a foreigner from Georgia and a ban on entry into Georgia for a specific period of time. Similarly, a new administrative penalty will be introduced in the code of administrative offences, featuring the same punishment.

Deportation of foreigners is foreseen for a period of two to ten years for minor criminal offences, and for five to twenty years or indefinitely for serious and especially serious crimes. Under the newly adopted law, the decision on deportation will be made by the court.

As for administrative offenses, the period of deportation ranges from six months to five years. For example, deportation for a period of up to three years is allowed for petty hooliganism, disobedience to the Georgian police, and insulting an officeholder. These articles are frequently used to arrest and fine government critics in Georgia. In administrative matters too, the court will be required to make the decision.

Both the amendments to the criminal and administrative codes specify that deportation shall not be applied to foreigners when they are deported to a country where they are persecuted, including for their political beliefs, as well as for reasons related to peacekeeping, ‘progressive social and political’ activities, scientific and creative work. The risk of life and health or potential torture are among the exceptions as well.

In addition, the amendments will increase fines for foreigners who violate the rules of stay in the country, while the procedure for deporting foreigners residing illegally in Georgia will be simplified.

Driving tests for CE, DE Categories and C1E, D1E subcategories become two-stage from October 1

In accordance with amendments made to the Law of Georgia on Road Traffic, the practical part of driving licence examinations for CE, DE categories, and C1E, D1E subcategories will become two-stage from October 1, 2025, the Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia informed.

“According to the amendment, candidates will take the first stage of the practical examination on a closed course, whilst the second stage of the examination will be conducted under real traffic conditions, in accordance with examination routes approved by order of Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs.

Driving candidates have the right to take the second stage of the practical examination within 365 calendar days of successfully passing the first stage. If the 365-day period expires, the satisfactory result obtained in the first stage of the practical examination loses its legal force.

Those wishing to obtain driving licences for the aforementioned categories/subcategories will be able to take the practical examination at the Service Agency’s structural units in Rustavi and Kutaisi.

To take the second stage of the practical examination, queue booking is mandatory, which is possible through: direct application at the relevant structural unit of the agency; via the website; through the mobile application.”

EU entry/exit rules are changing

From 12 October 2025 onwards, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be progressively rolled out at the external borders of 29 European countries, over a period of six months. This progressive roll-out will give border authorities, travellers and the transport industry more time to adjust to new procedures.

The EES is an advanced IT system that will digitally record the entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries, for short stays. It will register biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial images, and other travel information.

The EES will modernise and improve the management of external borders. By accurately tracking data, it will help prevent irregular immigration, identify overstayers, and reduce identity fraud. Internal security will be enhanced through real-time access to reliable information, enabling relevant national authorities to swiftly identify individuals posing a security threat. Additionally, with the increased use of automated border checks, travelling will become smoother and safer for all.

The EES meets the highest standards of data and privacy protection, ensuring that travellers’ personal data remain protected and secure.

From 12 October onwards, European countries using the EES will start introducing the EES gradually over a period of six months. Border authorities will progressively register the data of third country nationals crossing the external Schengen borders. At the end of the progressive period, the EES will be fully deployed at all border crossing points.

New passports will be issued

The issuance of new passports will commence on October 6, 2025. It’s worth mentioning that this decision has been delayed several times. Specifically, in the initial plan, the issuance of the new model documents was set to begin on June 4, but the deadline was subsequently pushed to August 1 and then to the fall.

As for the new design of the biometric passport of a citizen of Georgia, it should contain: name; surname; nationality; date of birth; personal number; photo; gender; place of birth; sample of personal signature; date of issue; validity; name of issuing authority; indication of type of document; country code; document number and access code (CAN – Card Access Number).

From October 1, cargo transportation from Russia to the Upper Lars checkpoint must be booked on an electronic platform

Since October 1, 2025 In the Russian border crossing points, including the Upper Lars transition point, the electronic entry and hour reservation system will apply (GIS EP). The electronic platform allows you to exit the exit from the Russian Federation during the exit of the top of the arrival of the day and time.

The Committee also reports that the Russian counterparts suggest that foreign cargo carriers in the electronic platform will register personal offices and vehicle cards in the electronic platform, for which it is necessary.

Register on the electronic platform,

confirm e-mail and phone number,

get approval after the data check:

Create a vehicle card, attaching a copy of the vehicle accounting document, and receiving confirmation after the data check.