Georgia has become a popular destination for Indian tourists in recent years, attracting a significant increase in visitors. However, a growing number of Indian travelers are reporting issues at Georgian borders, including racial profiling and harsh treatment by authorities, despite holding valid travel documents.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia is popular with Indian tourists for its scenery and affordability.
- Indian travelers report racial profiling and poor treatment by Georgian border officials.
- A recent incident involved 56 Indian tourists held at the Sadakhlo border crossing.
- Despite challenges, Indian visitor numbers to Georgia increased by 40% in early 2025.
Georgia's Growing Appeal to Indian Tourists
Georgia, located between Europe and Asia, offers stunning mountain ranges, historic monasteries, European-style towns, and a lively capital city, Tbilisi. Its food and wine culture is comparable to Italy and France, but at a lower cost. These factors have made it an attractive travel option for many Indians.
Direct flights from India and a straightforward e-visa process also contribute to its popularity. For many, Georgia represents an accessible gateway to a European-style travel experience without the higher expenses of a Schengen trip.
Rising Concerns Over Border Treatment
Despite its appeal, an increasing number of Indian travelers are sharing negative experiences on social media. These accounts frequently describe racial profiling by Georgian authorities. Common reports include young Indian men being selected for 'random checks,' extensive questioning at Tbilisi airport, or being denied entry even with valid documents.
Travelers have reported being detained for hours, facing intrusive questions, and in some cases, being sent back on the same flight they arrived on. These incidents suggest a pattern of scrutiny specifically targeting Indian passport holders at entry points.
Recent Incident at Sadakhlo Border
Fact: In the first six months of 2025, arrivals from India to Georgia increased by 40% compared to the same period last year, despite reported entry challenges.
A recent incident brought these concerns to the forefront. An Instagram post by Dhruvee Patel detailed the alleged inhumane treatment of a group of 56 Indian tourists. This group attempted to enter Georgia from Armenia at the Sadakhlo crossing. According to Patel, the group held valid e-visas and all necessary paperwork.
However, they were reportedly subjected to humiliation and held for several hours. Patel claimed they were left in freezing temperatures for over five hours without access to food or toilets. Officers allegedly confiscated their passports for more than two hours without providing any explanation. The group was made to sit on the pavement and filmed, while being prevented from recording the incident themselves. Officials reportedly dismissed their visas as 'wrong' without proper review.
Previous Cases of Denied Entry and Deportation
The Sadakhlo incident is not isolated. Similar cases have been reported over the past few years, highlighting ongoing issues for Indian travelers.
Solo Traveler's Experience in January 2025
In January 2025, a solo Indian traveler shared a distressing experience in Tbilisi. This account was widely shared on X by travel influencer Jimeet Ved. The traveler, despite having complete documentation—including hotel confirmations, a detailed itinerary, proof of funds, and a return ticket—faced difficulties upon arrival.
He alleged that the immigration officer was 'abusive' and asked intrusive questions. The officer reportedly demanded specific lists of attractions, then disregarded his written plans. The traveler was accused of 'hiding something' and ultimately refused entry. He described being shouted at and ordered to 'shut up' when asking about his baggage.
Background Information
Some Georgian authorities cite concerns about illegal immigration, as certain individuals have overstayed visas or attempted to use Georgia as a transit point to Europe. This has led to increased scrutiny at borders, which sometimes unfairly impacts genuine tourists.
He was deported to Baku. However, his Azerbaijan visa was single-entry, preventing re-entry into that country. This left him stranded at the airport. After significant stress and lack of information about his passport and luggage, he eventually secured a flight back to India. This experience resulted in losses exceeding Rs 2.6 lakh (approximately 3,100 USD) from hotel bookings, flight insurance, and other costs.
2017 Incident: Khushbu Kaushal's Deportation
Another incident in 2017 involved Khushbu Kaushal, a professional from Mumbai. She had planned her vacation to Georgia, attracted by its history and reputation as a safe destination for solo women travelers. On June 29, she flew from Mumbai to Tbilisi with all required documents, including an approved e-visa, employer letter, financial statements, hotel bookings, and travel insurance.
Despite this, she was diverted at immigration, questioned, and left waiting for hours without explanation. She reported being repeatedly dismissed, denied basic necessities like water and food, and eventually deported without a clear reason.
"This was the beginning of the most humiliating night of my life. Every time, after being told I was being sent back, when I tried approaching one of your immigration officers to get any answer, I was shouted at, told rudely to sit in a corner and that I will not be given any reason for inadmissibility to your country," she wrote in her post.
Understanding the Racial Profiling Allegations
Social media posts, news stories, and community reports consistently describe racially tinged profiling and harsh treatment of Indians at Georgian borders. A Reddit user noted that 'mostly middle eastern/ East Asians are denied entry in Georgia. I wonder if Georgians also deny entry to Germans or Spaniards for example. Because many Georgians actually suffer racism in those countries. Ironic.'
Officials sometimes justify this profiling by stating Georgia's efforts to curb illegal immigration. Some Indians have overstayed visas or used Georgia as an entry point into Europe. However, this broad suspicion often targets genuine tourists unfairly. While women, families, and solo travelers generally face fewer issues, young men traveling in groups frequently report the harshest treatment.
Georgia's Mixed Signals to Indian Travelers
Georgia actively promotes itself to Indian travelers. Bollywood films have been shot in the country, influencers showcase its landscapes, and Indian travel agencies aggressively sell tour packages. This marketing suggests a welcoming attitude towards Indian tourism.
However, the reality on the ground often contradicts this image. While Georgian locals are known for their warmth and hospitality once travelers are inside the country, the border experience has left many Indians feeling unwelcome. This creates a disconnect between Georgia's tourism promotion and the treatment some visitors receive upon arrival.
The Enduring Allure of Georgia
Despite these challenges, Georgia's appeal to Indian tourists remains strong. Data from 2024 shows that Georgia welcomed 124,000 visitors from India. Furthermore, in the first six months of 2025, arrivals from India increased by 40% compared to the same period last year. This growth indicates that many travelers are still drawn to Georgia's attractions.
Instagram feeds are filled with images of Indian tourists enjoying Tbilisi's Old Town, wine tasting in Kakheti, skiing in Gudauri, or posing at the Gergeti Trinity Church with the Caucasus mountains. For many, Georgia's natural beauty and cultural experiences outweigh the potential hassle at entry points. However, the reported racial profiling leaves a lasting negative impression for some.
For Indians seeking a European experience closer to home, Georgia offers many attractions. Yet, the experiences at immigration serve as a reminder that even desirable destinations can present significant entry difficulties, impacting the overall travel experience.
