Georgia is fast becoming a popular tourist hub. Visitors can look forward to vast mountain ranges with superb walking, skiing and snowboarding opportunities, a magnificent coastline, immense architectural and archaeological wealth, and a modern capital that shows off contemporary Georgian culture.
The country lies between the Black and Caspian seas, and has had inhabitants since the Stone Age. History lovers should note that the ancient world's busiest trade route, the Silk Road, ran through Georgia, enriching the region both culturally and economically.
Georgia's transcontinental location also exposed it to invasion throughout the centuries, with Persians, Romans, Arab Caliphs and Mongols occupying it at various times. This turbulent history is best seen in Georgia's impressive archaeological ruins, some dating back to the 5th century BC. Its impressive churches and fortresses are worth seeing too.
Having gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia has only recently embraced its potential as a tourist destination. Known for their sincere hospitality, locals do their best to make visitors feel welcome. Often guests are invited to dine at residents' homes to partake in the supratradition. Essentially, it's a sampling of the local cuisine, which blends of Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Persian and European flavours. Such occasions are marked by toasts of wine, reflecting Georgia's 3,000 year-old heritage in viticulture.
The capital, Tbilisi, was named after the area's warm springs, and has a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere. Travellers can wander the winding narrow streets and indulge in the cafe culture, and visit some of the finest museums and art galleries in the region. They can also enjoy the theatre and Turkish baths. Located at the other end of this small country, the warm Black Sea invites travellers
to discover its more isolated beaches and visit the many local markets, which spill over with fresh produce from the area's lemon, orange and banana groves.
Key Facts
Language:
Georgian is the official language, but Russian and English are also spoken widely. In Abkhazia, a region in west Georgia, the Abkhazian language also has the status of an official language.
Passport/Visa:
Travellers to Georgia require valid passports and may require proof of sufficient funds for their stay, proof of health insurance, and an onward ticket and documentation for the next leg of their journey. It is highly recommended that their passports have at least six months' validity remaining after their intended date of departure. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
The official currency is the lari (GEL), which is divided into 100 tetri. Credit and debit cards are widely used in Tbilisi but less so in regional areas; ATMs are available in major towns. The law requires that all goods and services are paid for in local currency, even though prices are sometimes quoted in US dollars and euros.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. The 'Type C' Europlug with two round pins is standard.
Travel to Georgia Republic
Climate in Georgia Republic
Georgia has a warm, temperate climate. The Likhi mountain range divides the country into western and eastern halves, shielding the eastern part of the country from the influence of the Black Sea and creating a continental climate. The average temperature in the east ranges between 60F to 75F (20C to 24C) in summer and between 36F to 39F (2C to 4C) in winter.
Western Georgia experiences a sub-tropical, maritime climate, and summer temperatures average around 72F (22C), dropping to 41F (5C) in winter. The west can get humid and receives rainfall throughout the year, though autumn and winter receive the heaviest precipitation. In the east, rainfall peaks in spring, and winter is the driest season. The mountainous areas receive a lot of rain, but the amount of rainfall generally decreases with distance from the coast.
Whether travellers are visiting the coast or the mountains, the best time to see Georgia is during summer. The
weather is at its sunniest and most pleasant in May, June and September. However, as the country's climate varies somewhat from region to region, it's worth checking out exactly what to expect for particular destinations.
Health Notes when travelling to Georgia Republic
Travel to Georgia is usually incident free as long as visitors go prepared. There are no required vaccinations but travellers should ask their doctors to recommend some or all of the following jabs, depending on what they are planning to do in the country: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria, and rabies.
Malaria is not a concern in Tbilisi, but those venturing to the southeastern areas should take medication. Visitors should avoid drinking untreated tap water, as water quality is variable across the country. Fortunately, bottled water is widely available. Medical facilities are available but expensive in Tbilisi, and limited in other parts of the country. Visitors should make sure they have adequate travel health insurance that includes the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If travellers need prescription medications, it is best to take them along, as well as a copy of a doctor's letter
explaining the medical condition in question, and what has been prescribed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Georgia Republic
Holidays in Georgia are generally trouble free, though travellers will have to be wary of petty acts of theft and pickpocketing. Visitors should use hotel safes to store valuables, and by divide cards, money and travel documents between various bags. They should also avoid flaunting their wealth and walking alone in quiet areas at night, and should remain vigilant when using public transport.
Travellers should not visit the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as they clash sporadically with the national government. LGBT travellers, as well as their friends and families, have been targets of harassment and violence.
Customs in Georgia Republic
Georgians are generally friendly, hospitable, and gregarious people. They're known to offer complete strangers drinks at bars or restaurants, and routinely invite foreigners into private homes for dinner.
Tourists should wear suitable clothing if visiting churches. (Shorts are inappropriate and women should cover their heads.) Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, though not widely accepted.
Duty Free in Georgia Republic
Travellers are allowed 400 cigarettes, 4 litres of any alcohol, and personal, non-commercial goods up to a weight of 100kg.
Doing Business in Georgia Republic
Suitable business attire for men is a suit, while dresses or suits are appropriate for women. Business cards are frequently exchanged. Georgians pride themselves on being good hosts, so meetings are often followed by a meal or drinks. If invited into a private home, a small gift of chocolates, flowers, or alcohol is appreciated. Business hours are usually 10am to 6pm, with a short break taken over lunch.
Communication in Georgia Republic
The international dialling code for Georgia is +995. WiFi is available in cities and at major hotels; visitors can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Georgia Republic
Tipping is generally expected in at cafes and restaurants, as well as for taxis. The tip is usually between 10 and 15 percent, but visitors should take note that a service charge is sometimes added to bills.
Passport/Visa Note
Travellers to Georgia require valid passports and may require proof of sufficient funds for their stay, proof of health insurance, and an onward ticket and documentation for the next leg of their journey. It is highly recommended that their passports have at least six months' validity remaining after their intended date of departure. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the intended period of stay in Georgia. For passports endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen no visa is required for a stay of up to a year. Those with passports with any other endorsement should confirm entry requirements before travel.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 1 year.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
Tourist Offices
Georgian National Tourism Association, Tbilisi: +995 32 243 6999 http://www.gnta.ge
Georgia Republic Embassies
In the United States:
Embassy of Georgia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 387 2390.
In Canada:
Embassy of Georgia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 421 0460.
In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Georgia, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7348 1942.
In Australia:
Embassy of Georgia, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6162 0126.
In Ireland:
Embassy of Georgia, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 905 9191
In South Africa:
Georgian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 346 1831
Foreign Embassies in Georgia Republic
American Embassy
United States Embassy, Tbilisi: +995 32 227 7000.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Georgia): +90 312 409 2700.
British Embassy
British Embassy, Tbilisi: +995 32 227 4747.
Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Georgia): +90 312 459 9500.
South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Kiev, Ukraine (also responsible for Georgia): +380 44 289 8870.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Georgia
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Georgia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Georgia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Georgia
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Georgia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Georgia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Georgia
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Georgia, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Georgia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Georgia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Georgia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Georgia may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Georgia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Georgia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the lari (GEL), which is divided into 100 tetri. Credit and debit cards are widely used in Tbilisi but less so in regional areas; ATMs are available in major towns. The law requires that all goods and services are paid for in local currency, even though prices are sometimes quoted in US dollars and euros.
Tbilisi Airport (TBS) Tbilisi International Airport http://www.tbilisiairport.com/
Location: The airport is situated 12 miles (19km) south east of the city.
Time: GMT +4.
Contacts: Tel: +995 32 2 310 421.
Getting to the city: Airport taxis are available to the city centre and the trip takes about 30 minutes.
Car rental: Car rental agencies are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities: Facilities include WiFi, banks and exchange facilities, several restaurants, cafeterias and bars, a VIP lounge, a duty free shop, a newsagent and tobacconist, and disabled access. Medical services are also provided.
Parking: Short and long-term parking is available.
