My friend and I were filled with anticipation as we finally arrived at the Türkiye-Georgia border, eager to embark on our exploration of Georgia. However, our excitement quickly turned to frustration when we encountered unexpected complications. We informed the border guards of our Lebanese nationality and our visa exemption, yet we found ourselves waiting indefinitely while other travelers passed through without issue. With our train from Batumi to Tbilisi scheduled to depart at 12:40 AM, we implored the guards to expedite the process, but instead, they began to interrogate us about our studies in Türkiye and our reasons for visiting Georgia. My friend presented her Georgian student identification, while I provided my Turkish student residence permit. Despite my friend’s passport being filled with stamps from previous visits to Georgia, the guards appeared indifferent. We explained that we needed to retrieve her belongings from her apartment in Georgia, but our plans were thwarted. Ultimately, they issued us two documents citing vague "other cases envisaged by Georgian legislation" for our denial of entry, which lacked any coherent justification. Throughout this ordeal, while our passports were with another official, the guards took numerous photographs of us, which felt exceedingly rude and disrespectful. The overall treatment we received was disheartening, and as this was my inaugural visit to Georgia, I have no intention of returning or recommending it to others.
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1f8p6sl
Posted by Luminelle_E
13 Comments
And the point is…?
Same happened to me earlier in June. My denial tho, had political implications. However the legal reason would be also „other cases envisaged by Georgian legislation“.. That being said, I am citizen of an other country, but of Georgian origin, my grandmother and many other relatives are buried here. It‘s a shame what this government does and how little all Georgians are committed to get rid of them. Still believe in Free Saqartvelo prevailing but things seem to be hopeless atm.
I apologise in the name of any friendly Georgian for this bad experience.
Georgians are not racists at all, border officers have the right not to explain their decision to foreigners, but they must report the reason to MIA, so I think they had some reason.
Womp womp
What is unlawful in this case?
My friend is Lebanese, he has problems all over the world due to his nationality, he needed security clearance to work on a civil nuclear site in the UK and was told before his application went in that he wouldn’t get it due to his nationality.
I am planning to visit Tbilisi in the upcoming spring, is this thing usual?
Lebanese too.
Same for me this august i went there i showed them every thing they wanted then they told me to wait after like 5 minute they gave me this paper and deported me i was asking the reason they didnt gave me any reason even they pushed me.i think i had Pakistani passport that was the reason btw i am born in middle east and my family is also here still they did this without any reason
It’s the worst border I have ever seen, I feel sorry for you.
It’s very ugly that they can do something like that without providing any explanation.
Try submitting, a complaint to [MIA Border Police](https://bpg.gov.ge/en/page/contact), a letter to [Georgian PM](https://www.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=378), you may hire a lawyer for ECHR court case and maybe receive moral compensation: [European Court of Human Rights](https://prd-echr.coe.int/web/echr/apply-to-the-court), and finally [a complaint to OHCHR](https://www.ohchr.org/en/reporting_violations).
Remember times and dates, since security footage can be checked. Save all relevant documents you have received from them.
The same happened to me!
Even though every Georgian admits that our border officers are assh0les and treat everyone even Georgians in the worst way possible, I don’t think it’s the only problem in this case. Bro you have Lebanese passport, 90% of countries would have done the same cautions, your passport is one of the weakest and we already have plenty of illegal arabs here