Travel information: Georgia for visitors

Who this is for

People coming to Georgia for the first time who want to know the main rules and customs before they arrive.

And people who have been before but are planning a new region, a different season or a longer stay.

How to use this section

This page gives you the overall picture, while individual topics are covered in depth on the pages below.

We have detailed pages on visas and weather, and short answers are gathered on the frequently asked questions page.

How accurate this is

We update the information regularly, but rules, schedules and requirements can change.

On entry, customs and health matters, official sources always have the final word.

If you spot anything that does not match, write to us and we will check it.

Georgia in brief

Georgia lies in the South Caucasus, on the eastern shore of the Black Sea and south of the Greater Caucasus range.

The capital is Tbilisi, the main seaside city is Batumi, and the hub of the west is Kutaisi.

Within a small area there are glaciers, semi-desert and a subtropical coast.

Entry in brief

Citizens of many countries enter Georgia without a visa, often for a long period.

Others need a visa, which can often be obtained online.

Check your own case on the visa rules page and the official list.

Insurance on entry

Entry conditions may include an insurance requirement, so check the current rule before you arrive.

Even where it is not required, we strongly recommend travel insurance.

We write about types of insurance in the insurance section.

Crossing the border

International flights land mainly at Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi airports.

By land, people enter from Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia.

At the border you may be asked for your passport, onward plans and the address where you are staying.

Time zone

Georgia is on UTC+4 and does not change the clocks in summer.

So the difference with Europe changes with the season.

Keep this in mind when planning flights and online meetings.

Language

The official language is Georgian, which has its own script, unique in the world.

The older generation often speaks Russian, and younger people English.

In tourist areas you can get by easily in either.

The alphabet

The Georgian alphabet has thirty-three letters and no distinction between capitals and small letters.

In the big cities, signs and street names are often written in Latin letters too.

In villages, a transliteration or a translation app will come in handy.

A few words

"Gamarjoba" (hello) and "madloba" (thank you) are small words that bring great warmth from locals.

"Gaumarjos" is the word for a toast, and you will hear it often at the table.

Georgians truly appreciate a foreigner's attempt to speak Georgian.

Currency

The national currency is the Georgian lari, and prices and payments are in lari.

Foreign currency is exchanged at exchange offices and banks.

Compare the rate and any commission before exchanging.

Cards and cash

In the cities you can pay by card or contactless almost everywhere.

In villages, at markets and in small family guesthouses, cash still matters.

Before a mountain route, carry a small reserve in lari.

ATMs

ATMs are everywhere in cities and large towns.

Some ATMs charge an extra fee for foreign cards, so read the on-screen message.

Tell your bank about your trip before you travel so the card is not blocked.

Service charges

Many restaurants already include a service charge in the bill.

So read the bill carefully before leaving an extra tip.

Tipping is not obligatory here; it is a way to recognise good service.

Electricity

Georgia runs on 220 volts, with European type C and F sockets.

For other plug types you will need an adapter, which is easy to buy locally.

In older buildings, avoid running several powerful appliances at once.

Phone and internet

A local SIM card or eSIM is the simplest way to stay connected.

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes and many public places.

Coverage is weak in remote mountain valleys, so download offline maps in advance.

Water

In the big cities tap water is generally considered drinkable, though many people prefer bottled.

Georgia is famous for its mineral waters, which you will find in every shop.

In villages and the mountains, ask locals which spring is reliable.

Food

Georgian cuisine is known for khachapuri, khinkali, walnut sauces and fresh herbs.

There are plenty of dishes for vegetarians, especially during fasting periods.

If you have allergies, always ask about ingredients, as hazelnuts and walnuts are common.

Table etiquette

A Georgian feast is led by a tamada, who proposes the toasts.

Guests are always served generously, and you should at least try a little.

If you do not want more, a polite refusal is perfectly acceptable.

Church etiquette

In church, shoulders and knees should be covered, and women often cover their heads.

Many monasteries lend headscarves and wraparound skirts at the entrance.

During a service, keep quiet and ask before taking photos.

Religion

Most of the population is Orthodox Christian, but other religious communities live here too.

In Tbilisi a church, a mosque and a synagogue stand side by side.

Treat places of worship with respect, whatever faith they belong to.

Public holidays

Christmas is celebrated on 7 January, and Easter follows the Orthodox calendar.

26 May is Independence Day, and 23 November is Giorgoba, St George's Day.

On holidays, state offices are closed, while transport and hotels are busy.

Getting around town

Tbilisi has a metro, buses and cable cars, paid for by bank card or a transport card.

Taxi apps are widely used in the big cities, and the price is shown in advance.

Before getting into a taxi hailed on the street, agree the fare first.

Travelling between cities

Trains, coaches and minibuses run between cities.

A minibus often leaves when it is full, so its timetable is approximate.

For comfort, many people choose a private driver or a transfer.

Driving

Traffic drives on the right, and there are strict rules on drink-driving.

Mountain roads are narrow and winding, and some close in winter.

You will often meet livestock on the road, especially in villages.

Safety

Georgia is generally considered a safe country for visitors.

In crowded places take the usual precautions: keep your bag close and valuables in the safe.

At night, choose well-lit streets and reliable transport.

Crossing the street

Some drivers do not always give way to pedestrians, even at crossings.

Look both ways before crossing and make eye contact with drivers.

In the big cities, use the underground crossings.

Smoking

In Georgia smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and cafes.

The rule also covers e-cigarettes and hookahs.

To smoke, look for an outdoor terrace or a designated area.

Health

Modern clinics and laboratories operate in the big cities.

In the mountains and remote villages, medical help can be far away.

We write about seeing a doctor in the health section.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are everywhere, and many are open around the clock.

Some medicines are only available on prescription, so bring your regular medicines with you.

Carry the generic name of your medicine, as brand names differ.

The emergency number

The single emergency number is 112: police, ambulance and fire service.

Save it in your phone as soon as you arrive.

We write about emergencies in a separate section.

Climate in brief

Western Georgia has a humid subtropical climate, while the east is drier and more continental.

In the mountains the weather changes quickly, even in summer.

We give the details by region on the weather page.

When to come

Late spring and autumn are the best time for many, for the cities and the wine regions.

The high-mountain hiking season is mainly summer, and the ski season winter.

For a beach holiday, come in summer or early autumn.

What to pack

Pack clothes for layering, as in one day you may go from the city up into the mountains.

Comfortable shoes are essential: the old quarters are full of slopes and cobblestones.

A scarf or shirt to cover your shoulders will be useful for churches.

Photography

Ask before photographing people, especially children or clergy.

Photography is not allowed inside some churches, and a sign will say so.

Do not photograph military sites or border posts.

Drones

Drone use is regulated, and flying is prohibited in some zones.

Do not fly a drone near airports, government buildings or the border.

Check the current rules from an official source before flying.

Occupied territories

Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region are occupied territories of Georgia.

Under Georgian law they may be entered only from the Georgian side, and entering any other way is an offence.

Before travelling to these regions, check the current rules and your government's advice.

Regions

Kakheti is wine country, while Svaneti and Kazbegi are known for their high mountains.

Adjara offers seaside resorts, and Imereti caves and canyons.

We write about tours and routes in the tours section.

Wine culture

Georgia's wine tradition goes back millennia, and the qvevri method is on UNESCO's list of intangible heritage.

Tasting in a family cellar is one of the best ways to get to know the country.

Those who prefer not to drink alcohol will enjoy grape juice, churchkhela and honey.

Travelling solo

Solo travellers generally feel safe in Georgia.

Leave your route and hotel address with someone close, especially when heading into the mountains.

At night, use a reliable taxi app.

Travelling with children

Georgians welcome children very warmly, and family travel here is easy.

Cobblestones and stairs in the old quarters are hard going with a pushchair.

We write about family travel in the family section.

Accessibility

Accessibility is gradually improving but is still uneven.

New hotels and shopping centres often have ramps and lifts, the old quarters fewer.

We write about accessible routes on a separate page.

Pets

Entering with a pet usually requires a microchip, vaccinations and a veterinary certificate.

Requirements can change, so check them with an official source.

Ask your airline about its rules for carrying animals in advance.

Customs

Limits and declaration rules apply to bringing in alcohol, tobacco and cash.

Taking antiques and cultural property out of the country requires a permit.

Check the current limits with the Revenue Service's official source.

Souvenirs

Popular souvenirs include churchkhela, cloisonne enamel, felt, spices and wine.

Bargaining is normal at markets, while prices in shops are fixed.

We write about shopping in a separate section.

Opening hours

Many shops and cafes stay open late, often seven days a week.

State offices work on weekdays.

Museums are often closed on Mondays, so check opening times in advance.

Accommodation

There is a wide choice of hotels, family guesthouses and apartments.

In high season and at holidays, book ahead.

We write about accommodation in a separate section.

Staying longer

Many foreigners stay in Georgia for months or years, working remotely or running a business.

For a long stay, sort out residency and tax questions in advance.

We write about immigration and relocation in separate sections.

Business

Registering a company in Georgia is considered a relatively simple procedure.

Punctuality is expected at business meetings, though the personal side of relationships plays a big role.

We write about business services in a separate section.

The blog

In the blog we publish practical notes: routes, traditions and everyday life.

The notes grow out of the questions guests ask us most often.

We add new topics to the blog regularly.

The visa rules page

On the visa rules page we explain the conditions for entering and staying.

We also describe common mistakes there, such as how passport validity and length of stay are calculated.

For the final answer, we point you to the official source.

The weather page

On the weather page we describe the climate by region and by month.

It also covers what to pack and which roads close in winter.

For the day-to-day forecast, follow the meteorological service.

The FAQ page

The frequently asked questions page gathers short answers to the most common questions.

It also explains how we work: how payment works, what we do and what we do not.

If you cannot find your question, write to us directly.

How to reach us

Write to us in Georgian, English, Russian or another language, by messenger or email.

Keep your question short and specific: when you arrive, how many of you there are and what interests you.

In an emergency, call 112 first and then us.

What we do not do

We are not an official body and give no legal or medical advice.

Only state authorities decide on visas, customs or border matters.

We take no commission from partners.

Common mistakes

Relying on an old forum post or article when checking entry rules.

Planning a mountain route without checking the weather and roads.

Setting off to the villages without any cash.

Cost

The information published on the site is open to everyone.

The fee for our services is agreed individually, depending on the scope of the work.

You pay partners directly, and we take no commission from them.