Georgia biometric passport / e-passport

What Is a Georgian Biometric / E-Passport?

1. Biometric Passport with Chip

   • Georgian biometric passports include a data carrier (chip) that stores biometric information: a facial image, fingerprints, and a specimen (signature). Migration Commission+2Legislationline+2

   • This makes them e-passports, meaning they meet international standards (ICAO) for secure travel documents. dmo.ge

2. Legal & Technical Requirements

   • According to Georgian law, the technical specifications of the chip (storage capacity, security) are defined by the Minister of Justice. Migration Commission+1

   • The biometric data ensures data integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality. Migration Commission

3. Issuance & Validity

   • For adults: you need to apply in person (e.g., at a consulate) to provide biometric data. sanfrancisco.mfa.gov.ge+1

   • At some locations, you can even renew your biometric passport without going in person, reusing previously collected biometric data. sanfrancisco.mfa.gov.ge

   • Validity: For adult passports, the biometric passport is valid for 10 years. newyork.mfa.gov.ge

   • For children/minors, different rules apply (e.g., validity for 3 years in some cases). sanfrancisco.mfa.gov.ge

4. ICAO Compliance & Border Benefits

   • Georgia has handed over its “Basic Signatory Certificates” to ICAO, which helps other countries verify the authenticity of its biometric passports. 1TV+1

   • Because of this compliance, Georgian citizens with biometric passports may cross some border checks more easily. 1TV

5. Availability

   • According to reports, a significant number of Georgian citizens hold biometric passports. 1TV

   • Non-biometric (old) passports are largely being phased out. OSCE

   • Exception: Non-biometric passports may still be issued in special cases (e.g., health conditions that prevent biometric data collection). Migration Commission+1

6. Cost / Fees

   • The fee varies by where you apply (domestic vs. abroad). For example, via the Polish consulate: specific fee tiers depending on processing speed. poland.mfa.gov.ge

   • For consular services in some places: you may need to pay via money order.