Essential Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Georgia - Travel Expert

Key travel facts for Georgia (country): entry rules, best seasons, safety, customs, money, transport, highlights and practical tips for a smooth trip.

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Q: What should I know before visiting Georgia?

Quick answer

Yes — Georgia (the country) is visitor-friendly with visa-free entry for many nationalities, a compact and varied landscape, great food and wine, and affordable travel. Know entry rules, regional safety (avoid occupied Abkhazia/South Ossetia), transport options, cultural norms, and seasonal differences before you go.

Visa & entry requirements

  • Many nationals (EU, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, much of Latin America) can enter visa-free for 1 year. Check your government/Georgia MFA for up-to-date rules.
  • Passport should be valid for the duration of stay (some carriers may prefer 6 months).
  • No mandatory vaccinations to enter; carry routine certificates. COVID rules may change — verify before travel.
  • Do NOT attempt to enter Abkhazia or South Ossetia via unauthorized border crossings; doing so can cause legal/entry problems.

Best time to visit

  • Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October): mild weather, fewer crowds, great for hiking and wine tours.
  • Summer (July–August): warm to hot in lowlands and Tbilisi; perfect for Black Sea beaches (Batumi) but busier.
  • Winter (December–March): Caucasus mountains offer skiing (Gudauri, Bakuriani) and winter hiking, though some passes close.

Safety tips

  • Georgia is generally safe; petty crime (pickpocketing) occurs in crowded areas—use normal precautions.
  • Avoid political demonstrations; stay informed on local news.
  • Do not cross into Abkhazia or South Ossetia — these are Russian-occupied and checkpoints are controlled; crossing via those territories is illegal in Georgia.
  • Roads in rural/mountain areas can be narrow and poorly lit; drive cautiously and check weather for mountain routes.

Local customs & etiquette

  • Georgians are famously hospitable; expect invitations to share supra (feasts). Accepting food/drink is polite.
  • Toasting is an important part of social life; if offered a toast, stand and make eye contact when clinking glasses.
  • Dress is generally casual; modest dress for churches/monasteries (cover shoulders/knees; women may need headscarves in some sites).
  • Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips for drivers/guides are common.

Currency & money

  • National currency: Georgian Lari (GEL). Coins and banknotes widely used.
  • Major cards accepted in Tbilisi and tourist centers; smaller towns and markets may be cash-only. ATMs widely available in cities.
    • Use official exchange bureaus or ATMs; avoid street exchangers.

Transportation

  • Getting there: Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) has good connections to Europe and the Middle East; Kutaisi (KUT) handles low-cost carriers.
  • Intercity: trains and marshrutkas (minibuses) connect major cities; trains are comfortable for longer routes (Tbilisi–Batumi). Marshrutkas are fast and frequent for regional travel.
  • Urban: taxis are cheap; use licensed apps (Bolt, Yandex) or agree price beforehand. Walking is a great way to explore Tbilisi’s old town.
  • Renting a car gives flexibility—4x4 recommended for highland routes; international driving permit may be required by some rental companies.

Must-know tips & local insights

  • Language: Georgian (Kartuli) is the official language; Russian and English are widely understood in tourist areas. Learn a few phrases (gamarjoba = hello, madloba = thank you).
  • Food & drink: try khachapuri, khinkali, pkhali, and Georgian wines—Georgia is one of the oldest wine regions in the world.
  • Wifi & SIM: eSIM and local SIMs (Magti, Geocell, Beeline) are inexpensive; coverage good in cities, patchy in remote mountains.
  • Cash for guesthouses: many family-run guesthouses prefer cash.
  • Cultural sites: include Tbilisi Old Town, Narikala Fortress, Svaneti villages (for towers), Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) & Gergeti Trinity Church, Kakheti wine region, and the Black Sea coast (Batumi).
  • Hiking: prepare for rapid weather changes in the mountains; hire local guides for remote treks.

Final practical checklist

  • Check visa rules for your nationality and recent entry advisories.
  • Carry some GEL cash and a working card; enable card/CVV for international use.
  • Pack layers for variable weather; comfortable shoes for cobblestones and hikes.
  • Register travel plans with family and check local news for safety updates.

Enjoy Georgia’s landscapes, food and warm hospitality — and always respect local customs and regional safety guidance.

Asked on February 27, 2026