Travel guide

Planning your trip to Georgia?

Visa rules, airport transfers, money, SIM cards and weather — everything you need before you book your flight to Tbilisi.

Visa & entry

Georgia has one of the world's most generous visa policies. Citizens of 98+ countries — including the entire EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Brazil — can enter visa-free for up to 1 year. Just bring a passport valid for at least 6 months.

At the border you may be asked: where you're staying, how long you're visiting, and to show a return ticket. That's it.

Not sure if your passport qualifies? Check the official list on the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.

How to get to Georgia

Most international visitors fly into Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Kutaisi (KUT) is a budget hub served by Wizz Air. Batumi (BUS) handles Black Sea coast traffic in summer.

  • From Europe: Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, Pegasus, LOT, Air France — direct flights from 30+ cities.
  • From the Middle East: Daily flights from Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Riyadh.
  • From the US/Canada: One stop via Istanbul, Doha, Frankfurt or Warsaw.

Airport transfer

Taxi apps

Bolt & Yandex — 25–35 GEL ($9–13) to Tbilisi center. ~20 minutes. Works at all hours.

Bus #37

Runs 24/7 from outside the terminal. 1 GEL ($0.40). ~40 minutes to Liberty Square.

Pre-arranged pickup

We can arrange a private driver who speaks English and meets you at arrivals with a name sign. From $25.

Money & payments

  • Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL / ₾). 1 USD ≈ 2.7 GEL, 1 EUR ≈ 2.9 GEL.
  • Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops in cities.
  • Cash: Needed for markets, taxis (if not using apps), rural guesthouses, and tipping. ATMs are everywhere — TBC and Bank of Georgia ATMs are most reliable.
  • Tipping: 10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory. For tour guides, 5–10% of the tour price is customary.

SIM cards & internet

Buy a local SIM at the airport or any Magti / Geocell shop in town. Tourist SIMs cost around 15–25 GEL ($6–10) with 15–30 GB of data valid for 7–30 days. Bring your passport. eSIMs from Airalo and Holafly also work well.

WiFi is fast and free in nearly every café, hotel and restaurant.

When to visit

Spring
Apr – Jun · 15–25°C

Wildflowers in Kazbegi, perfect for hiking and city tours.

Summer
Jul – Aug · 28–35°C

Hot in Tbilisi & Kakheti. Ideal for Svaneti, Tusheti and the coast.

Autumn
Sep – Oct · 15–25°C

Wine harvest (rtveli) in Kakheti. Crisp mountain air. Best overall.

Winter
Dec – Mar · -5–8°C

Ski season in Gudauri & Bakuriani. Snowy Tbilisi has its own charm.

Safety & health

  • Georgia is one of the safest countries in the region — violent crime is rare. Standard precautions apply in crowds.
  • Tap water is safe to drink in Tbilisi, Batumi and most cities. In remote villages, stick to bottled.
  • Emergency number: 112 — works for police, ambulance and fire.
  • No special vaccinations required.
  • Avoid the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia — not under Georgian government control.

Quick facts

Language
Georgian (ქართული). Most under-35s speak English.
Time zone
GMT+4, no daylight saving.
Country code
+995
Cost of travel
Mid-range: $40–70 / day.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?

Citizens of 98+ countries (including EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Israel, Japan, GCC) can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year. Just bring a valid passport — no application, no fee.

What is the currency in Georgia?

The Georgian Lari (GEL or ₾). 1 USD ≈ 2.7 GEL, 1 EUR ≈ 2.9 GEL. ATMs are everywhere in cities; cards work in most hotels and restaurants but bring cash for rural areas and markets.

How do I get from Tbilisi Airport to the city?

Bolt and Yandex taxi apps work great (about 25–35 GEL / $9–13 to the city center, 20 minutes). Bus #37 runs 24/7 for 1 GEL. We also offer pre-arranged airport pickup with English-speaking drivers.

Is Georgia safe for tourists?

Yes — Georgia is one of the safest countries in the region. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Standard precautions apply (watch belongings in crowded areas). Tap water in Tbilisi and most cities is safe to drink.

What's the best time to visit Georgia?

May–June and September–October are ideal — mild weather, fewer crowds. July–August is hot in the lowlands but perfect for the mountains (Svaneti, Kazbegi, Tusheti). December–March is ski season.

Do people speak English in Georgia?

In Tbilisi, Batumi and tourist areas yes — especially anyone under 35 and people working in hospitality. Outside cities, Russian is more common among older locals. Our guides speak fluent English.

Ready to plan your trip?

Browse our small-group tours led by licensed local guides, or message us directly — we'll help you build a custom itinerary.

Or call us: +995 598 495 990

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