Georgia Planning & Practical Guide

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Georgia, with at least two blank pages available for entry and exit stamps. Biometric passports are required for visa-free entry, and non-biometric ones may need a visa.

It's wise to carry a photocopy of your passport separately from the original for added security during your travels in remote areas like Svaneti.

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others can enter visa-free for up to one year (365 days) from a single visit, making it ideal for extended stays or digital nomads.

Registration is automatic upon entry, but for stays over 40 days, you may need to register with local authorities if not staying in registered accommodations.

Visa Applications

For nationalities requiring a visa, apply for an e-Visa online through the official Georgian e-Visa portal (20-100 GEL fee), which includes options for tourist, business, or work visas with processing times of 5-30 days.

Required documents typically include a passport scan, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial means (around $50/day recommended), with approval often granted electronically.

Border Crossings

Land borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey are open and efficient, often requiring minimal checks for visa-free travelers, while the border with Russia remains closed to most due to geopolitical tensions.

Airports like Tbilisi International handle most arrivals with quick immigration; always have your entry card from the airport as proof of entry date for potential extensions.

Travel Insurance

While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, trip delays, and adventure activities like hiking in the Caucasus Mountains or paragliding in Kakheti.

Policies from international providers start at around $2-5/day, ensuring coverage for evacuation from remote highland areas where medical facilities are limited.

Extensions Possible

Visa-free stays can be extended up to the full year by applying at the Public Service Hall in Tbilisi or regional offices before your initial period ends, with a small administrative fee of about 20 GEL.

Supporting documents like proof of onward travel or sufficient funds are required, and approvals are usually straightforward for legitimate reasons such as extended tourism or work.

Book Flights Early

Find the best deals to Tbilisi by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.

Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during peak summer seasons when prices spike for routes from Europe.

Eat Like a Local

Opt for street food like khinkali dumplings or khachapuri bread at local eateries for under 10 GEL, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to cut food costs by up to 60%.

Visit farmers' markets in Tbilisi or Kutaisi for fresh fruits, cheeses, and homemade wine at bargain prices, often with samples included.

Public Transport Passes

Use affordable marshrutkas (minibuses) for intercity travel at 5-20 GEL per trip, or get a Tbilisi Metro card for unlimited city rides at just 2 GEL/day.

Night trains to Batumi offer sleeper options for 15-30 GEL, combining transport and accommodation savings on coastal journeys.

Free Attractions

Explore Tbilisi's Old Town, Narikala Fortress hikes, and Black Sea beaches near Batumi without any entry fees, providing authentic cultural immersion at no cost.

Many national parks like Kazbegi offer free access to stunning hikes, though guided tours can be skipped for self-guided adventures using free apps.

Card vs Cash

Credit cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but carry GEL cash for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where cards aren't an option.

Use bank ATMs for withdrawals to get the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high commissions of 5-10%.

Museum Passes

Purchase a Tbilisi City Pass for 50 GEL, granting access to multiple museums, cable cars, and sulfur baths, which pays off after just two or three visits.

Regional wine tours often bundle tastings and transport for 30-50 GEL, far cheaper than individual bookings, especially in Kakheti's vineyard heartland.

Clothing Essentials

Pack versatile layers including moisture-wicking shirts for humid Black Sea coasts and warm fleece for high-altitude Caucasus hikes, accommodating Georgia's diverse microclimates.

Include modest clothing like long pants and scarves for visiting Orthodox churches and monasteries, respecting local customs in conservative rural areas.

Electronics

Bring a universal adapter for Type C and F plugs, a portable power bank for long day trips to remote gorges, and a smartphone with offline maps like Maps.me for spotty rural signal.

Download language apps for Georgian and Russian phrases, plus a VPN for unrestricted access to international sites in areas with occasional filtering.

Health & Safety

Carry comprehensive travel insurance details, a basic first-aid kit with altitude sickness remedies, personal medications, and high-SPF sunscreen for intense summer sun in the valleys.

Include hand sanitizer, water purification tablets for hiking streams, and insect repellent to guard against ticks in forested regions like Borjomi National Park.

Travel Gear

Pack a lightweight daypack for wine region explorations, a reusable water bottle for mineral springs, a quick-dry towel for thermal baths, and small-denomination GEL notes for tips.

Bring passport photocopies, a RFID-blocking wallet for city crowds, and a scarf for both sun protection and cultural site visits.

Footwear Strategy

Choose sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for trails in Svaneti and Kazbegi, paired with breathable sneakers for urban wandering in Tbilisi's cobblestone streets.

Waterproof options are essential for Black Sea rains and mountain streams, while sandals work for relaxed Batumi beach days but avoid them on rugged paths.

Personal Care

Pack travel-sized toiletries including lip balm for dry highland winds, a compact umbrella or poncho for sudden showers, and biodegradable wipes for off-grid camping spots.

Include earplugs for noisy guesthouses and a small laundry kit to refresh clothes during extended stays in multi-destination itineraries across the country.

Spring (March-May)

Mild weather of 10-20°C brings blooming wildflowers to the Caucasus foothills, ideal for hiking in Tusheti and birdwatching without summer crowds.

Tbilisi's festivals kick off, and lower hotel rates make it perfect for cultural immersion and wine harvest preparations in Kakheti.

Summer (June-August)

Peak season with warm 25-35°C days, excellent for Black Sea beaches in Batumi and high-mountain treks in Svaneti before snow arrives.

Festivals like Tbilisoba and outdoor concerts abound, though expect higher prices and book accommodations early for popular spots like Kazbegi.

Autumn (September-November)

Comfortable 15-25°C temperatures coincide with grape harvest in Kakheti, offering wine tours, colorful foliage hikes, and fewer tourists.

Ideal for exploring ancient monasteries and thermal springs in a serene setting, with shoulder-season deals on guesthouses and transport.

Winter (December-February)

Cool 0-10°C weather suits skiing in Gudauri and Bakuriani resorts, plus cozy Tbilisi Christmas markets with mulled wine and traditional feasts.

Budget-friendly for indoor spa days and cultural sites, avoiding summer heat while enjoying fresh snowfall in the mountains for adventure seekers.