Before you go to Georgia: what to know
Must know
- Since 1 Jan 2026 travel medical insurance is mandatory: minimum 30,000 GEL coverage for the whole stay (incl. arrival and departure days); airlines and border guards may check.
- Medicines with codeine are illegal without special permission — foreigners have been detained even with a prescription.
- Do not enter Abkhazia or South Ossetia from Russia: under Georgian law this is illegal entry and can lead to fines or prison.
- Russian Mir cards do not work in Georgia; bring cash (USD/EUR) or a foreign Visa/Mastercard.
- Working (even remotely for a Georgian client or running a business) needs a work permit under rules in force since 1 March 2026.
Entry and visas
Citizens of many countries, including the EU, UK, US, Turkey, UAE and most ex-USSR states (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine), can stay visa-free for up to 1 year. Others apply for an e-Visa at the official portal. From 1 Jan 2026 every visitor must have health and accident insurance covering at least 30,000 GEL.
Online arrival forms and permits
- Georgia e-Visa ↗ optional
Before travel, for nationalities that are not visa-free · Only nationalities that need a visa
Passport validity: Valid for the whole stay.
At the border you may be asked for
- Have insurance policy (paper or PDF, in English or Georgian) showing ≥30,000 GEL coverage and exact dates.
- Keep proof of onward travel and accommodation handy.
Customs
- Codeine-containing medicines are illegal; other prescription medicines need a prescription and original packaging.
- Declare cash over 30,000 GEL equivalent.
- Declare anything that may be prohibited or dutiable; strict anti-drug policy.
Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, geoconsul.gov.ge ↗, evisa.gov.ge ↗, visitgeorgia.ge ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.
Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex
Apple Pay — works · Google Pay — works
Where to exchange money
- Street exchange booths in central Tbilisi and Batumi (compare boards; rates are competitive)
- Bringing clean USD or EUR notes
Where not to exchange
- Airport exchange desks (take only a small amount)
- Dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and terminals
ATMs: ATMs (Bank of Georgia, TBC, Liberty) are everywhere and many dispense USD/EUR too; check the on-screen fee for foreign cards and always choose GEL.
Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10–18% service charge — check the bill; otherwise around 10% is appreciated. Taxis: round up.
- Mir cards are not accepted.
- Cash is still needed in villages, mountain areas and marshrutkas.
Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, nbg.gov.ge ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Entering Abkhazia or South Ossetia via Russia
- Any drugs; codeine medicines without permission
- Photographing military sites and border areas
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Smoking is banned in most indoor public places, restaurants included.
- Drink-driving limits are very low; police check frequently.
- Avoid political demonstrations: foreigners have been fined or denied entry over protest-related incidents.
- Register drones with recording capability before public use; foreign visitors must register in person. A separate licence applies to drones over 250g and below 25kg.
Culture and clothing
Religion: Mostly Georgian Orthodox Christian; churches are active places of worship.
Clothing: Casual in cities. In churches women cover their heads and wear skirts below the knee (wraps often provided at the entrance); men remove hats and wear long trousers.
Etiquette
- Hospitality is central — supra feasts with a toastmaster (tamada); don't drink between toasts uninvited.
- Speak calmly about Russia and politics; it is a sensitive topic.
- Ask before photographing people, especially clergy.
- Taking off shoes is expected in many homes.
Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
Climate
Humid subtropical on the Black Sea (Batumi: warm, very rainy), drier continental in Tbilisi and Kakheti (hot summers, cool winters), alpine in the Greater Caucasus with heavy snow.
Month by month
- January: Jan: Tbilisi ~0–7°C; ski season in Gudauri
- February: Feb: cold, ski season
- March: Mar: chilly, spring starts in lowlands
- April: Apr: mild, blossom; mountains still snowy
- May: May: warm, green; good for touring
- June: Jun: warm; mountain passes open
- July: Jul: hot in Tbilisi (30°C+); best for mountains
- August: Aug: hot; beach season in Batumi
- September: Sep: warm, grape harvest begins
- October: Oct: pleasant, rtveli wine harvest, autumn colours
- November: Nov: cool, rainy
- December: Dec: cold; ski season starts
Best season: May–June and September–October; July–August for mountain trekking; Dec–Mar for skiing.
Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: en.wikipedia.org ↗
What to pack
- Insurance policy PDF (≥30,000 GEL, full stay)
- Headscarf / long skirt for churches
- Hiking boots and layers for the Caucasus
- Rain jacket for Batumi
- USD/EUR cash
- Prescriptions for medicines
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Codeine painkillers or cough syrups
- Any cannabis/CBD products
- Relying on Russian bank cards
Practical
Plugs: Type C/F, 220 V, 50 Hz
Water: Tap water in Tbilisi is generally considered safe; many prefer bottled or local mineral water (Borjomi, Nabeghlavi).
Traffic: drives on the right
Mobile and eSIM: Cheap SIMs from Magti, Silknet (Geocell) and Cellfie with a passport; eSIMs available. Coverage weak in high mountains.
Apps: Bolt, Yandex Go, Wolt, Glovo, Google Maps, Maps.me
Internet: No significant restrictions.
Health: No compulsory vaccinations. Rabies risk from stray dogs — consider pre-exposure vaccine for rural trips. Routine vaccines and hepatitis A advised.
Insurance: Mandatory since 1 Jan 2026: health and accident cover ≥30,000 GEL for the whole stay, by any Georgian or foreign insurer.
Emergency: 112 — all emergencies
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.