Planning your first trip to Georgia? This guide has all the essential information you need. We cover everything from the best time to visit and visa rules to customs and packing tips. Start your journey to the amazing country of Georgia with confidence!
When is the Best Time to Visit Georgia?
Georgia is a year-round destination. The best time for your trip depends on what you want to experience.
| Season | Timeframe | Best for… | Key activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | December – March | Skiing & Snow Sports | Hit the slopes at Gudauri, Bakuriani, Tetnuldi (Svaneti), and Goderdzi (Adjara). |
| Spring | Mid April – Early June | Nature & Sightseeing | Enjoy eco-tours, visit beautiful protected areas, and see the country in full bloom. Ideal for cultural and historical exploration. |
| Summer | June – August | Beach & Hiking | Peak season for the Black Sea resorts like Batumi and Kobuleti. Enjoy sunbathing, concerts, and high-altitude trekking. |
| Autumn | September – November | Wine & Festivals | Perfect for wine lovers! Join the Rtveli (grape harvest) and experience the major Tbilisoba festival. |
Visa and Entry Requirements
Georgia upholds one of the world’s most relaxed visa regimes.
Visa-Free Entry
- 95 Nations: Citizens from 95 countries can enter Georgia visa-free.
- Valid Visa Holders: You may enter visa-free if you hold a valid visa or resident permit from the United States, EU member states, Japan, South Korea, or the UAE.
- Valid Resident Permit Holders: Resident Permit holders from 50 countries, including GCC and European nations, also qualify for visa-free entry.
E-Visa to Georgia
E-Visa: An e-visa option is also available for citizens of many countries who require an entry visa.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information on requirements, please consult the official source.
⚠️ Mandatory Travel Insurance Update
Starting January 1, 2026, valid health and accident insurance is mandatory for all tourists entering Georgia.You may be denied entry without proper coverage.
Key Policy Requirements
Your insurance policy must meet the following criteria:
- Coverage Type: Must cover health and accident risks.
- Coverage Period: Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Georgia, starting from your arrival.
- Minimum Limit: The aggregate insurance amount must be at least 30,000 GEL (approximately $11,000 USD).
- Provider: The policy can be issued by both Georgian and foreign insurance companies.
- Format: You must have the policy available in material (print) or electronic form.
- Language: The policy must be in Georgian or English.
Required Policy Data
The following details must be clearly indicated on the document:
- The parties to the insurance.
- The territory covered by the policy.
- The subject of insurance.
- The start and end time of the insurance.
- The specific insurance risks covered.
- The amount of the insurance (limits).
- The amount of the insurance deposit.
- The place and term of its payment.
Health and Medical Guidelines
Vaccination
No specific vaccinations are required to enter Georgia.
Medication
- Standard Medication: Most necessary medications are permitted in your personal luggage.
- Prescription Required: Some specific medications may require you to carry a notarized prescription for entry.
- Prohibited List: A list of strictly prohibited medications and drugs exists. Be sure to check this official list before traveling.
How to Get to Georgia
Georgia is accessible by air, road, rail, and sea.
By Air
Direct flights are available to Georgia’s three major international airports:
- Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
- Kutaisi International Airport (KUT)
- Batumi International Airport (BUS)
By Land and Sea
- Train: Scheduled train services operate from neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan (temporarily unavailable).
- Bus: Regular bus routes connect Georgia with Turkey, Armenia and Russia.
- Car: Car travel is possible from all four bordering states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Turkey.
- Ferry: Ferry services, including car ferries, operate from Russia and Ukraine.
Read more about Georgia flights or train travel in Georgia.
Customs and Baggage Regulations
Know the rules before you pack and cross the border.
Custom declarations
- Cash: You must declare amounts exceeding 30,000 GEL (Georgian Lari).
- Valuables: Declare any valuable personal items upon arrival.
Duty-Free Limits
You are allowed to bring the following items into Georgia duty-free:
- Cigarettes: Up to 200
- Wine: Up to 3 liters
- Beer: Up to 10 liters
Prohibited Items
- Import: Explosives and illicit drugs are strictly prohibited.
- Export: Exporting items of cultural or historical value is forbidden unless you have special permission from the Ministry of Culture.
Civil Aviation (Airport) Security Rules
These rules apply to air travel from Georgia:
- Checked Baggage: Alcohol must be factory-made and under 70% ABV. The limit is 5 liters per passenger.
- Hand Luggage (Liquids): Liquids are restricted to containers no larger than 100ml All containers must fit into a single transparent, resealable plastic bag (total maximum 1 liter per passenger).
- Duty-Free Purchases: Do not open specially packed liquids purchased in the airport shops or on board until you reach your final destination.
Trip Planning and Assistance
- Planning Your Budget: Travel budgets can be complicated. We have prepared a detailed list of costs to consider before your journey. Check our Budget Planner here.
- Customized Tours: Have you looked at our ready-to-go tour packages? If you can’t find the perfect fit, use our Georgia Tour Planner for a customized offer from our team, or contact us directly with your request.
- Traveler Hotline: The Georgian National Tourism Administration operates a 24/7 toll-free traveler hotline. Call 0-800-800-909 for assistance during your trip.