Not A Trip To Remember: Racial Profiling Shadows Indians’ Georgia Visit, Leaves Bitter Memories

Last Updated:September 17, 2025, 20:46 IST

Many Indian travellers have shared harrowing experiences on social media about racial profiling and mistreatment at Georgian borders and airports

Tourists walk past souvenirs stalls in the town of Mtskheta in Georgia. (AFP file photo)

Georgia has become an increasingly popular travel destination for Indian tourists, thanks to its scenic landscapes, rich history, and affordable prices. With direct flights and an easy e-visa process, many Indians see Georgia as a convenient and budget-friendly gateway.

According to recent data, Indian arrivals in Georgia surged by 40% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. However, despite the rise in visitors, many Indian travellers have shared harrowing experiences on social media about racial profiling and mistreatment at Georgian borders and airports.

One widely discussed incident involved a group of 56 Indian tourists at the Sadakhlo border crossing between Armenia and Georgia. According to a post on Instagram by Dhruvee Patel, the group faced humiliating treatment despite having valid e-visas and paperwork. They were reportedly held for over five hours in freezing conditions without access to food or toilets. Passports were taken for more than two hours without explanation.

‘Forced To Sit On Footpath Like Cattle’

Patel, calling the incident “shameful and unacceptable", described how the group was made to sit on the pavement “like cattle," filmed like criminals, and prevented from recording the incident themselves. Officials allegedly dismissed their visas as “wrong" without proper document checks.

This was not an isolated case. In January 2025, a solo traveller shared his experience on social media, describing harsh treatment by an immigration officer in Tbilisi. Despite having all necessary documents, including hotel bookings and a return ticket, the traveller said the officer was “almost abusive."

He was questioned aggressively, accused of hiding information, and eventually denied entry. He was deported to Baku but stranded due to visa restrictions and lost over Rs 2.6 lakh in expenses.

Targeted With Excessive And Intrusive Checks

Another case dates back to 2017, when Mumbai-based professional Khushbu Kaushal was deported after being detained for hours at Tbilisi airport. Despite holding a valid e-visa, hotel confirmations, and travel insurance, she was questioned repeatedly, denied basic needs, and sent back without any clear explanation. Khushbu described the experience as “the most humiliating night" of her life. She shared how officials shouted at her and refused to provide reasons for denying entry.

Many report being subjected to invasive questioning, long waits without clear cause, and unfriendly treatment by border officials. Some community members on platforms like Reddit have pointed out that similar treatment is not extended to tourists from Europe, and some note the irony given that Georgians themselves face racism in Western countries.

According to a report by NDTV, officials in Georgia often justify the strict checks as necessary to prevent illegal immigration, as some travellers have overstayed or used Georgia as a route to Europe. However, genuine tourists who follow all rules appear to suffer from this blanket suspicion.

Despite these issues, India remains a significant source of tourists for Georgia. The country has actively promoted itself through Bollywood films, social media influencers, and travel agencies. While locals within Georgia are generally hospitable, the initial experience at borders leaves many Indian travellers feeling unwelcome and frustrated.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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News world Not A Trip To Remember: Racial Profiling Shadows Indians’ Georgia Visit, Leaves Bitter Memories

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