georgia country safe to visit

Last updated on January 5, 2024 by Shannon

The resilience of the Georgian spirit shapes my favorite aspects of traveling there. Throughout history, this tiny country has offered the world everything from cowboys to wine. This is one of the most unexpectedly lovely countries that I have encountered on my travels. I spent the bulk of my time in the capital, and Tbilisi won me over with subtle charms and gentle nudges.

One of the key reasons tourists head to the Republic of Georgia is the country’s location in the lower Caucasus mountain range. This means there is ample hiking (best in spring and fall) as well as skiing in the winter months. But beyond the mountains, which are stunning, the people of Georgia are wonderfully welcoming and hospitable.

The country has only begun rapidly expanding for tourism since 2008, so it’s still a budget destination, and the internal road infrastructure is a bit rough. Backpackers can easily navigate on a budget, but there are also many cozy and beautiful high-end options for travelers looking for comfort as well as culture.

The Republic of Georgia is utterly charming and I highly recommend adding it to a Central Asian trip, or visiting as a single destination in its own right. Continue on for a look at the history and travel facts you’ll need to know before you visit Georgia! Or skip right to the city guide recommendations .

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before Traveling to the Republic of Georgia

You would be forgiven for wondering if Georgia’s a part of the Middle East. The actual vibe, however, is European. Part of what makes traveling this area so fascinating is the sheer amount of history contained in a small geographic area.

In the absence of context, it’s hard to imagine what the Republic of Georgia is like. Located on the edge of the Caucasus Mountains, the country is neighbored by cultures as varied as its topography. Once a stop on the Silk Road, the city became a confluence of the civilizations over the millennia.

This peculiar positioning means many consider Georgia a part of Europe or Asia, depending on who you ask. And you would be forgiven for wondering if it’s a part of the Middle East. But the actual vibe: It’s European. Part of what makes traveling this area of the world so fascinating is the sheer amount of history contained in a small geographic area.

Wine is a big part of the Georgian culture and for good reason: Archaeologists found the oldest traces of wine production in present-day Georgia. The wine-production dates back as far as 8,000 BC. Even more, Georgians have a unique clay-jar process of winemaking that has even made it onto the UNESCO list for Intangible Heritage.

This history is important, alongside its long religious history, because Georgians are very proud of their well-preserved cultural heritage and legacy. Christianity came to Georgia in the first century, and now Georgia is predominantly Eastern Orthodox—to the tune of 84%.

The country is dotted with monasteries and churches, giving the Republic of Georgia a visible and strong Christian presence. It’s actually this adoption of Christianity that is credited with aligning Georgia more with European culture versus the surrounding Middle Eastern culture arranged around Islam.

While a country’s ancient history plays a part in any trip, so too does recent history. For countries with recently attained peace, understanding a foundational history is paramount. It shapes the experience with compassion and empathy. It invites the visitor deeper into the psyche of the culture and people.

Only by understanding the past can you enjoy what makes the Republic of Georgia unique. Georgia was a part of the former Soviet Union. The country also dealt with political and social unrest throughout the 90s and early aughts.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Georgia has a precarious and complex relationship with Russia. Most international governments recognize that Russia is occupying two areas that belong to Georgia—South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This is an ongoing point of contention, with the country going to war with Russia in 2008.

All of this is a current stressor on present-day Georgia, so it’s important for travelers to understand the country’s history, be sensitive to the political nature of this topic, and always research the current safety of these two contested regions if planning a visit to anywhere in that area.

The Fast Facts About Georgia Travel

Georgian Lari (GEL) ( current exchange rate )

Electricity

220V, 50Hz (European plug)

Primary Airports

• Tbilisi (TBS)
• Batumi (BUS)

Can you drink the water in Georgia?

While it’s generally safe to drink the water in the city centers, it can vary widely throughout the country. Interestingly, Georgian mineral water is highly rated, tasty, and a big export item. It’s also affordable to buy bottled while in the Republic of Georgia.

How’s the wifi in the Republic of Georgia?

WiFi is rampant; available at most guesthouses and cafes. Also central Tbilisi has a free WiFi network, TbilisiLovesYou. Some places may even boast fiber-optic networks.

Local SIM Cards

Securing a local SIM card is a cinch in Georgia, and I highly recommended getting one for language translation and such. I had speedy, cheap 4G throughout Tbilisi.

When you arrive in Tbilisi, there are a handful of Magti shops (Google it or ask your guesthouse). Bring your passport and for less than US $10 you can get a SIM and high-speed data. This will work in most non-mountainous regions of the country.

You’ll need a VPN if you plan to access many U.S. sites and to stream U.S. Netflix. I’ve used NordVPN since 2016 while living abroad and it’s never failed me once.

Georgians speak Georgian, which is its own unique language and has its own alphabet. Most locals also speak Russian. English is only prevalent in touristy areas of Tbilisi and some of the mountain ski regions. Have patience though, as Georgians have a deep culture of hospitality and will work with you to communicate.

Possible Issues

Georgia is one of the safest countries in Europe (except the two occupied areas). Corruption is now low and it’s safe to walk around.  Altitude sickness is a possible issue: Be warned and be cautious if you are visiting the mountains.

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

Festivals of Note

Tbilisoba takes place in mid-October every year. Information in English can be scarce, but you can often find the dates and schedule on the Georgian Tourism website. I also just Facebook messaged the tourism board and asked for the schedule in English and they sent me one. It’s a huge cultural event that takes over Tbilisi for a number of days and it’s a great way to taste a range of foods and see a broad representation of Georgian song and dance.

Black Sea Jazz Festival in Batumi (July)

Tushetoba in Tusheti (August)

Food Considerations

Georgians are quite proud of their national cuisine, and it’s also popular in Russia and other countries. It’s tasty! They many several signature dishes that you can try at every price level. Nice restaurants will have fancy versions, but there are also many fast street-eats versions too.

The food is very bread and cheese based, with fresh salads and meat also quite prevalent. Food and wine is affordable and a big part of traveling Georgia—they enjoy the ceremony of meals!

Vegetarians can get by, but celiacs and vegans will have a harder time since bread and cheese are the base of most dishes. This is the best food guide I’ve seen, and it includes the dish names in Georgian, too.

Accommodation

Finding a place to stay is easy. The country has rebounded strongly from the issues of the mid-2000s and with the Georgian focus on hospitality you can expect comfortable accommodation at every price level.

I was Old Town adjacent during my stay and everything was cozy and well-appointed. Find budget options and apartment rentals on Booking.com —you want to stay near the City Center, Old Town, or the River.

Getting Around Georgia

Georgian driving is not the safest. Wear a seatbelt. The country has some of the highest traffic accident rates in the region. There are trains between a few of the cities, otherwise there are minibuses ( marshrutka ) connecting all major cities in Georgia, as well as connecting Georgian cities to its neighbors.

It’s surprisingly affordable to hire private transport if you’re in a group to split the costs. For more transport information, Bookaway shares detailed regional information on routes between cities .

Socially Responsible Travel

If you’re trekking, consider these tips for responsible travel . Even with extensive research and asking locals, I could not find any social impact organizations in the country. It seems like sustainable and community-based tourism organizations have a goal of implementing projects by 2020, so ask around!

How much should you budget for Georgia travel?

This is a pretty decent budget destination. It’s not rock-bottom, but the Georgian Lari lost value over the past few years, making it a more affordable travel spot. Everything is moderately priced and wine and food is reasonable, so you can eat well here.

Plan on moderate, average budget of US $30-45 per day for a single person, slightly less per person in a couple. Couples can share private transport for an affordable way to make the travel more comfortable. Your budget will likely lessen outside the capital. This is a good single day solo budget (does not include averaging in price of day-trips).

Americans, Canadians, and those with EU passports do not need a visa to visit, and they may stay in Georgia for up to a year. For other countries, check your visa requirements here .

World Travel Planning Resources

From the best travel gear to how to pick travel insurance—a detailed list of resources, tips, and advice to help you plan an amazing trip.

Is Georgia a Safe Country to Visit?

In the wake of Georgia’s 2008 Rose Revolution, the country is safe and growing. The police department cleaned up corruption and many Georgians assured me their country was safe for solo travelers. After having wandered solo for weeks, I agree.

That said, travelers should use caution when visiting areas near the Russian-occupied areas of Georgia. Also, I highly recommend picking good travel insurance before you leave— IMG Global is a solid choice for most travelers, and SafetyWing is great for digital nomads and long-term travelers. You can also check the latest U.S. Government warnings .

Pre-Trip Reading: Books About the Republic of Georgia

Fiction & Nonfiction Books About Georgia

• One More Year : A fascinating account of stories from across the collapsed Soviet Union. This collection of stories explores everyday life and culture alongside the fallout from this region’s history.
• The Caucasus: An Introduction : The one book you should add to your Kindle if you are visiting the Georgia and/or the Caucasus region. Journalist Thomas de Waal takes a close and well-accounted look at the turbulent history of this region, as well as the cultural nuance that makes it a fascinating region to explore.
• Georgian Folk Tales : A fun way to learn more about Georgian history. These are free here as a part of project Gutenberg, but you should spring for the $1.99 version for a clean reading experience.
• Fiction from Georgia : This is not in a travel-able form, only in paperback, but it’s the newest collection of fiction recently translated from Georgian authors.

Podcasts and Online Reads

• A Pilgrimage to the Cradle of Wine : This NY Times longread takes a close look at Georgia’s remarkable history of winemaking and why it’s such an important part of our collective world heritage.
• Time Turned Back: On the Use of History in Georgia : An interesting read about how the Soviet Union used historians and the manipulation of history to push ideology and shape Georgia differently.. This loads up as a PDF that you could download and put on an e-device.
• Adjika: Sauce of Glory, Pride of Abkhazia : A dose of Georgian history through a struggle to identify the origins of adjika , a delicious sauce from this region. Fascinating longread.
• Reasons to Love Tbilisi, Georgia : I wrote this piece and it gives a good overview of what you can expect from a visit to the capital. It enumerates all the reasons I crushed hard on this pretty little capital city, as well as the Georgian culture.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

Best Things to Do in Georgia

My 5 Favorite Georgia Travel Experiences

• Wandering the streets of Old Town Tbilisi with a camera in hand.
• Climbing behind the gorgeous David Gareja monastery for views of Azerbaijan .
• Sipping tea in a Parisian style cafe overlooking the river in Old Town.
• Visiting the Mother Georgia statue at night and meeting local friends.
• Accepting the many offers of genuine hospitality and friendship from Georgians.

Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia

Such a charming city and one of my favorite spots in the world. You can fill many weeks just exploring the town, and relaxing at the adorable coffee shops scattered all over Tbilisi. My post shared a high level view of the many things to do in Tbilisi , as well as why it’s just so charming.

Visit Narikala Fortress

This site is gorgeous and looms over Old Town. The aerial tram in the easiest way to get to the fortress, it drops you just at the base and then you can wind up into the ruins.

There are very little safety measures though, and you can climb up some crumbly areas, so be warned. It’s very pretty views at the very top but you will have to climb with all four limbs just a short ways.

This is near the Mother Georgia, but best to be visited with enough time to just see it. The views are also stunning at night, and the tram is cheap, so consider visiting both times.

Wander Tbilisi’s Historic Old Town

This is the heart of the tourist activities and most of the churches and historic sites are all located in a walkable area. You will likely stay in or adjacent to Old Town, so take an afternoon to simply get lost in the back streets.

Climb to the Mother Georgia Statue

This is the symbol of Georgia and Georgians just love her. Consider seeing her up close by climbing up to her from Old Town. Then you can weave down the back side of the hill toward the botanical gardens. This is pretty from spring through fall, and shouldn’t take more than six or seven hours. You can also bail on the hike at parts as there are other transport options near Mother Georgia, so you can just take the aerial tram back down.

Try the Sulphur Baths

This is located just near the main intersection in the old part of town, it’s called the Abanotubani area, and is on the south side of the Metekhi bridge. You’ll want to bring a friend and get the full washing/scrubbing experience. Locals also love doing this in the cold weather as a fun activity to get warm and enjoy each others company.

Visit a Tbilisi Fresh Market.

There are many but the main one is a great spot for a wander and is across the river, near Didube.

Shop the Saturday Flea Market

Also know as the “Dry Bridge Market,” this place is easy to spot near the river and about 15 minutes beyond (west of) the main Metekhi intersection. It’s fun to wander the antiques spread on the sidewalk, and there’s also a lot of artwork too. Even kids would enjoy poking around the weird and quirky things on offer. I picked up some interesting knick-knacks as gifts for friends that you won’t find anywhere else.

Relax at a Parisian-Style Cafe

There are a lot of these popping up in the city and they are cozy and quiet and a great place to relax with a book. Try  Entree  (20 Rustaveli Ave) or Cafe Canape (Abashidze Street – Vake).

Try a New Food and Restaurant Every Night

Try all of the best Georgian foods by switching it up for lunch and dinner every night you’re in town. The best way to get the lay of the land is by taking a food and drink tour your first day in town so that you can understand the food landscape, try a lot of local dishes, and also pump your tour guide for additional recommendations.

Save this food guide and use it to try all of the beautiful traditional dishes on offer around the country. They also have a list of cute restaurants and cafes in Tbilisi .

Find a Great Place to Sleep

Stay at a cute vacation rental from VRBO . I used Bacho’s tiny apartment and it was just lovely. But check out all of his listings because they are thoughtfully and carefully arranged and beautifully done. And they’re all in a great spot too.

Consider Fox Hostel or Cozy Hostel . Both of these are in great areas of town and have everything you might need. Fox is super clean and a bit quieter. Maria has a backpacker vibe and a tour desk so it’s super easy to arrange things with them. Even if you pick a different hotel, consider using Booking.com as I find they usually have the best deals and selection.

Stay in a nice spot . I enjoyed staying just near Old Town—this is where the tourism is focused, there is good nightlife and it’s close to all of the major sites. With that in mind, consider Sunny House Apartment and the charming Apartment Piccolo , both of which are mid-range prices and in a good location. If you’re there on business, or if you simply want a more formal hotel, then  Rooms Hotel  for midrange, and Citrus Hotel  for a nice place from which to visit the city. These are in a different part than Old Town, but still a lot to visit and see.

Best Day Trips from Tbilisi

Hike Around the David Gareja Monastery

This is a stunning day trip from Tbilisi and one of my favorite trips out of the city. It’s pretty far though, and there’s not a lot between Tbilisi and the monastery, so you will surely need transport and/or a guide.

I used my Airbnb host, but you can also book a tour near the tourist information booth in Freedom Square (there are brochures and always people there offering services), or this day tour on Viator includes Rainbow Mountains and looks amazing.

One reader notes: “Make sure you get honey from their shop—it is a divine honey from almond tree blossom.” One of the coolest parts of the visit is climbing behind the monastery to the top of the cliff and looking out into Azerbaijan. Then you go explore the cave paintings and make your way back down.

Venture Out to Kazbegi

You can do this as a weekend trip and it’s enjoyable. Plan on visiting the monastery on the hill overlooking the village, Tsminda Sameba Church. One reader recommends trying hinkali , a meat dish, at the tiny cafe nearby. This is one of the highlights for people visiting Georgia as the mountains are one of the country’s most prominent features and this page has more information on planning time in Kazbegi.

Bookaway shares details on how to get there , and if you’re short on time, book this day tour to see it in a day and maximize every moment.

Tour Monasteries and Churches Near Mtskheta

This is a very easy day trip from the city and a must-see as this is the historic former capital of Eastern Georgia and the centre of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Visit Gori and Uplistsikhe

This will be a long day trip from Tbilisi, but it’s definitely possible to visit in just a day.  Uplistsikhe is a 3,600 year old Silk Road cave city and Gori is Stalin’s birthplace.

Begin your journey by taking a train or bus from Tbilisi to Gori, where you can delve into the life of Joseph Stalin at the Stalin Museum and visit the house where he was born. From Gori, a short distance away, Uplistsikhe awaits—a remarkable ancient cave city. Marvel at the intricate rock-cut structures, religious sites, and panoramic views that transport you back in time to an ancient civilization.

The combination of visiting Stalin’s birthplace and discovering the architectural marvels of Uplistsikhe creates a contrasting and thought-provoking experience, shedding light on different aspects of Georgia’s past.

Using a local guide or joining a guided tour would really enhance your experience by providing informative commentary and historical context. Here’s how to hire a car to get you to Uplistsikhe .

Head to Ananuri Fortress

This day trip offers sweeping views along the Aragvi River from the fortress, and it’s only 45 miles from Tbilisi. You could visit this en route to the mountain towns.

If you’re visiting in the winter months, the Gudauri Ski Resort is one gorgeous option in Stepantsminda District and just 75 miles from Tbilisi. It’s easy for those looking for a bit of skiing in addition to other sightseeing and such.

Venture into Armenia

The Armenian border is not far from Tbilisi and you can easily take a weekend trip into Armenia while still keeping a base in Tbilisi. While you could do this solo and there are easy bus and van transport here , it’s a lot easier with a local guide if you’re doing it as a one-day trip— this is a great and affordable option .

Other Adventures Around Georgia

Go hiking in the Svaneti region , arguably one of the prettiest around. The official tourism website has route information on the most popular treks, and this is the best place to research specific trekking ideas for this region.

Getting there . You can either take private transport from Tbilisi (a rental car or a hired driver). Or you can take a the entire 12 hour journey. Or you can split the difference by using the overnight train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi.

From Zugdidi you will take a minibus from Zugdidi to Mestia (in Zugdidi, the bus toward Mestia leaves from near Svanish Tower). If you’re sleeping at one of the homestays in Mestia, then you’ve arrived!

Otherwise, you will pair up with others heading in that direction and share a jeep to Ushguli. At the end of this post you will find a more detailed guide on how to get there . And as I’ve noted elsewhere, the roads in Georgia have high accident and fatality rates, I would consider trains when possible to cover long distances.

Where to sleep in Mestia . Mestia has a large homestay network and it’s a cinch to find one either once you arrive, or you can use the Svaneti Trekking & Tourism Centre  to connect with a family within the local homestay network. This group is dedicated to developing regional tourism and is responsible for a lot of the development and infrastructure you will find in the region.

I’ve also read from others that Guest House Folk Music (+995-599-15-9694 or [email protected]) is lovely. Have your guesthouse call ahead (or hopefully you took my advice and bought a SIM card since they are so cheap!).

What to pack . Trekkers should have a solid waterproofing outer-layer, as well as sturdy shoes, and a strong headlamp for sure. Ask your trekking guide for additional suggestions, but those three things are the bare minimum you should have before arriving in the region.

Kakheti Wine Region

Tour the Kakheti wine region , and learn about the country’s long legacy of wine (Georgia’s wine-making process is actually recognized by UNESCO for its intangible heritage). This is a great tour option from Tbilisi .

Do a wine tasting . The Twins Wine Cellar in Naparevli  offers a lovely wine tasting and museum to learn more about the unique way that Georgians prepare and process wine.

Explore the gorgeous churches . This is a strong list of sights to see while in the region. They took their trip with the tourism board, so it’s  everything ; you’ll likely want to pick and choose a few of the sights that interest you most when constructing your own itinerary.

Swim in the pretty waters of the Black Sea in Batumi.

Watch sunset from the Argo Entertainment Complex , with has an aerial tram and cable car with stunning views over the city.

Visit the Piazza Square , a landmark and a pretty Italian renaissance square with upscale boutiques and restaurants.

Getting there . Taking a train between Tbilisi and Batumi is likely the easiest option, and the bus is six hours and also very cheap . Batumi’s train station is new and very nice (and has luggage storage if needed). You could also rent a car and make it a road trip, taking in all of the lovely towns along the way—if you are doing this, then you won’t need to take a daytrip to see places like Mtskheta (a town with a name I  still can’t pronounce!).

Read my full guide on how to get under the skin of Tbilisi, Georgia .

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

Is Georgia Safe to Visit? Read This Before Going

November 22, 2022

Georgia is one of my favorite places on the planet, and I keep coming back again and again.

But there seems to be some weird prevailing idea that the nation is somehow unsafe, and filled with bloodthirsty mafiosos who are always eagerly hunting for a new tourist to torture and rob.

But that isn’t true—and any claims to Georgia’s apparent unsafety are founded on theories as reliable as a taxi driver in an airport parking lot.

So is Georgia safe to visit? Is there anything you should be wary of? And are you going to come back from your vacation alive? Come find out!

Is Georgia Safe to Visit?

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Yes, Georgia is a very safe country to visit . According to Numbeo’s study, Georgia is one of the least criminal countries on the planet… and it has a very low crime index ( source ). The nation has a safety index of 63 (which puts it at a similar safety level to France, if that makes you feel any better) ( source ).

I’ve visited the place on two separate occasions as a tourist. And, most recently, I also lived there for almost an entire year.

I love the nation much more than I could ever describe—and in the future, I want to live there again.

Let’s be honest—I wouldn’t be saying these things if I kept getting assaulted at gunpoint, or if all my friends had been kidnapped and killed by a maniacal psychopath operating in Tbilisi.

Obviously, no place is ever 100% safe . I have friends here who’ve had phones stolen, and I know people who’ve encountered some trouble. And most famously, the nation was recently the site of two high-profile tourist murders (detailed here and here ).

But without wanting to sound callous, these horrible things happen everywhere—and the reason those two crimes received so much infamy and outrage in Georgia is because such incidents are incredibly rare.

Admittedly, I’m not really the sort of person that worries excessively about safety, cos I have the scatterbrained mentality of a 3-year-old child on a sugar rush. But of all the places I’ve been to, Georgia feels one of the safest. And all my friends from Georgia (both native and foreign) are always expressing similar sentiments.

That said, there are some things you need to look out for in your quest to stay safe in Georgia. I’ll cover these in detail a little later, but potential pesky problems include:

• terrible drivers
• small-scale earthquakes
• horrible attitudes towards women and towards homosexuality
• and the crippling self-consciousness of war-hungry Vladimir Putin.

All of that said, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Live your life, stop needlessly fretting, and don’t go around worrying about what might or might not happen on your vacation (the entire world is not trying to maim and murder you).

Overall, Georgia is outrageously hospitable and warm . You’ll be asked into people’s homes for food and drinks; you’ll be given free rides; strangers will invite you to special occasions; people will smile at you on the street. Does that sound like an unsafe place?

Again, I lived in Tbilisi for almost a year. And I want to keep living in Tbilisi for many years in the future.

If it was unsafe, I wouldn’t want to keep living there.

Tbilisi is a safe city to visit . It is a super-friendly city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and inhabitants from all over the planet. Crime rates are low, serious crime rates are very low, and I’ve heard very few bad reports from any of my friends.

Of course, lots of the dangers that exist throughout Georgia also exist in Tbilisi. And we’ll come to all those soon. But, anecdotally speaking, I always feel very safe in the city, and I’ve never had any major troubles or problems.

You’ll see police everywhere, you’ll see families everywhere, and you’ll see smiling faces everywhere—and you’ll be very unlucky if you ever see or experience anything that makes you feel unsafe.

According to this safety index , Tbilisi (as of 2022) is the 26th-safest city in the world, beating big names like Valencia, Vienna, Krakow, and Singapore —and you wouldn’t worry about visiting those places would you, you little panicky poo-poo?

It’s a little more difficult for me to answer this question because I’m not a woman, I never have been a woman, and I have no immediate plans to become a woman.

That said, I have female friends who’ve visited Georgia alone, and I have female friends who’ve lived in Georgia alone. None of those people have ever had any major complaints about safety.

In the past, I visited Georgia with a girlfriend, and with my sister. They both felt safe at all times, and neither of them had any safety-related complaints (although admittedly, they weren’t solo—they were in the presence of big brave me) .

So although my opinion can’t be 100% reliable on this one, I think Georgia is safe for solo female travelers.

But before you get excited, it’s not all good news. Sadly, women still need to take extra precautions compared to men. Just like anywhere, women should try to avoid walking alone at night… especially in quiet, unlit areas.

Women should also be vigilant around some Georgian men. A minority has horrendously old-school mentalities and demonstrates pretty non-existent levels of respect when talking to females . When it comes to women, some Georgian men have the mentality of medieval priests—but medieval priests who like overtly and unrelentingly staring at your chest.

Here’s a top tip for you : if any male idiot is harassing you, tell them you have a Georgian boyfriend, and they’ll leave you alone. You shouldn’t need to say that, because you shouldn’t need to imply a male presence to command respect… but at least it works.

Dressing modestly can also help , as most local women also dress modestly (especially outside of big cities). Again, you shouldn’t need to adjust your dress according to some arbitrary outside perspective. But it might help you to feel safer.

On a semi-related note, Georgia is a pretty unwelcoming place for anyone in the LGBT+ community , with many archaic homophobic attitudes. If you aren’t heterosexual, you should avoid flaunting your sexuality, to avoid being abused or attacked.

That said, I have non-heterosexual friends in Georgia, and none of them have ever encountered any trouble. So although the problem prevails, things are getting safer (some places in Georgia now hold pride festivals, and some city venues host LGBT+ evenings). Bigger cities are usually more open-minded than smaller settlements (but only vaguely).

Pickpockets are pretty rife in Georgia, and lots of my friends have had phones and money stolen . Be vigilant when on public transport (especially when it’s busy, and everyone’s shoulder-to-shoulder). You should also be careful at busy music festivals, particularly after you’ve had a few drinks—that’s a Georgian pickpocket’s favorite time to pounce.

Some areas of the city have large groups of wandering Romani people (especially in the Old Town, and in Marjanishvili, where I used to live). Some of these people (especially the kids) like to steal from pockets, from tables, and from bags. Don’t interact with them, don’t give them money, and don’t let them touch you. I know that sounds prejudiced, but the truth is the truth.

Aside from petty robbery, I’m not aware of any other prevailing crimes.

It’s worth noting that some (though only some) Georgians will try to rip you off whenever they can , and charge you more money than they should. So if you’re buying from a market, taking a taxi, or hopping on a minivan (or attempting any other cash-based transaction where the prices aren’t displayed), you should always ask for prices, or agree a fee in advance.

11 Georgia Safety Tips

Quick disclaimer: I regularly hitchhike in Georgia, and I like using marshrutkas (public transport minivans) for both long journeys and short ones. So this isn’t something I ever think about or worry about.

But I’m an idiot who has no sense of personal responsibility—so most people would tell you to ignore my cavalier attitude and have a bit more common sense instead.

Those same people will tell you that lots of Georgian drivers are unsafe, unreliable, and often drunk (that last one is partially true, but it’s much less of a problem these days) . So if you’re a cautious person who’s understandably scared of having their head rammed through a windshield, here are the precautions you can take:

If a driver seems aggressive or in a hurry, don’t get into their vehicle. If a driver seems drunk, don’t get into their vehicle. If you have a friend who’s a famously-reckless driver, don’t get into their vehicle. If a vehicle looks broken or unsafe, find another one. And if you ever do feel unsafe in a vehicle, just get out.

Again, this isn’t advice I follow myself—but it’s advice I’ve heard and read over and over again.

And I get it—roads are poorly lit, night-time rides mean higher chances of drunk drivers, after-dark drivers don’t slow down to accommodate the poor visibility, and motorists are pretty reckless even at the best of times.

Because of all these factors and more, Georgia’s roads can be pretty unsafe places . Around 450 people died in traffic-related incidents in the nation in 2020 ( source ), but things are improving.

So if you want to stay safe on the road, you might want to avoid being in a car at night (especially if you’re driving between cities and towns on long journeys).

The Georgian political situation is a complicated beast—and the nation has a difficult relationship with some of its neighbors. Local people are (justifiably) super passionate about politics, so it’s best not to get into any debate or conversation. It’ll probably turn nasty.

The nation’s most disruptive and troublesome neighbor is Russia, which occupies 2 separate regions of Georgia, making up a total 20% of the country ( source ). These two regions are South Ossetia and Abkhazia —and as a regular tourist, you absolutely shouldn’t visit them.

Despite what Putin and his pals will tell you, these ‘parts of Russia’ are actually parts of Georgia . And if you disagree, Georgian people will understandably be unhappy.

If you think these parts of Georgia are Russian, keep that opinion to yourself. And if you think these parts of Georgia are Russian, you should find a different nation to visit.

This isn’t a problem for me, cos I absolutely love Georgia (though it does have its flaws, like anywhere else).

But Georgian people are super proud of their people, their country, and their history and heritage . Sometimes, when discussing the flaws of the place (especially with non-natives), Georgians can get pretty stubborn, defensive, and aggressive.

So even if you think you’re saying it in a nice way, try to avoid any overt criticism of Georgia . It makes sense—no one likes hearing their home criticized by an outsider.

When they’re drunk, Georgian men can often get pretty angry and aggressive.

I’ve found myself in quite a lot of would-be fights (if I was the sort of person who liked to escalate a fight). Luckily, Georgian people are pretty easy to talk down when they realize their aggression will go unmatched.

So if you find yourself in a seemingly-aggressive situation, just be nice about it. Everything will probably be alright.

Either that, or you can carry some knuckle dusters in your luggage.

If you do get into some trouble, it’s good to know the necessary phone number (luckily for you, there’s only one of them).

That’s 112, and it covers all general emergencies (bringing you into contact with police, medical services, and fire services) . Even if you have no SIM card in your phone, calling this number will still work.

Alright, if you’re using your common sense, you should be able to avoid this one . And (controversial opinion incoming) I think anyone who falls for this probably is a bit of an idiot.

But as we all know, we stupid men often get blinded by lust.

This scam takes various different forms. But it often starts on Tinder, and here’s how it works:

Some (usually sexy) woman will send you a message , saying she wants to meet. But she wants to meet at a very specific place, and she won’t deviate. When you arrive at the bar, there’s no menu, so you order your drinks off-menu, without knowing the price. But who cares: this is Georgia, so surely the prices can’t be very high… right?

Wrong! You’re then hit with a massive bill of hundreds of dollars, and you need to pay before you’re allowed to leave.

This one happens pretty often , especially in the touristy areas around the river in the Old Town. So if an impending date seems too good to be true (or just a bit weird), don’t bother.

Broadly speaking, most people in Georgia now follow road-crossing rules—they stop for red lights, they give pedestrians the right of way, and they don’t try to mindlessly mow everyone down. This isn’t Vietnam.

That said, that’s not always the case… and some drivers will still run red lights, take last-minute risks, or not stop when they should .

So when you’re crossing the road, be mindful and vigilant, and don’t rely on anyone else to keep you safe.

I love Georgia’s street dogs. You’ll see these cute little guys everywhere, and their omnipresence is one of my favorite things about the nation . Apparently, there are around half a million stray animals in the nation, that’s in a place with a population of less than four million people! ( source 1 , source 2 )

They’re usually super friendly because they live harmoniously with the people of Georgia . People feed them, pet them, and give them water… so the dogs rarely have any need to be hostile or frightened.

That said, that’s not always 100% true, especially if you’re in a rural area, or if a dog is protecting its puppies or its territory, or if you have a dog of your own. If that’s the case, don’t make eye contact, and give the dog(s) a wide berth—and if they get too close, you can always use that trick where you pretend you’re gonna throw a stone.

To avoid (the very tiny risk) of catching rabies in Georgia , get to know the nation’s tag system. If a dog has a tag on its ear, it’s been neutered and vaccinated by the government, so it can’t have rabies. If a dog doesn’t have a tag, there’s a (very small) chance it might have rabies, so it’s best to resist the temptation to pet its cute little head. Not that it stops me.

As I’ll cover soon, sheepdogs don’t fit into this category. Those maniacs are terrifying.

Depending on who you ask, around 85% of Georgia is considered mountainous —and the loftiest mountainous areas can be very cold at night (even in the height of summer).

So take some warm clothes with you, especially if you’re camping —you don’t want to freeze to death at the top of a Georgian mountain. I’ve spent a load of time in Georgia, and I’m still surprised by how cold some of the most mountainous places can be.

This isn’t a big problem, and Georgia isn’t the Philippines… but you have three potential problems to look out for:

First up, the nation experiences frequent small-scale earthquakes (I’ve felt a couple of them), but they’re very rarely disruptive. If they are disruptive, here’s what you need to do:

• Drop to your knees, and seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk if you can
• Cover your head with your arms, or grab the legs of the table or desk
• Hold on tight
• If you’re outdoors, stay as far away as you can from any buildings or landslide dangers

Landslides are also a relatively common problem , particularly in mountainous areas—but the Georgian government is beginning to get a grip on them by building some anti-slide measures along various cliffs, mountains, and sheer drops.

Wildfires also happen pretty regularly . So if you’ll be camping during very hot weather, keep your tent away from any trees or forests, and make sure you put out your campfires properly.

Is Georgia Safe to Visit? Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it’s absolutely safe, across all parts of Georgia.

Some people seem to think you should only drink bottled water here, but I don’t know what those people are talking about.

They’re usually safe, but you should exercise some caution before you use them.

My #1 taxi-related tip is this: use an app. Bolt and Yandex (which are both just like Uber) are both very popular in Georgia, and they’re easy to download and use . If you use one of them, you won’t get ripped off by the on-street taxi drivers—those pesky little guys love overcharging for rides.

As I’ve already said, drivers in Georgia are often pretty reckless and unsafe, but that’s true whether they’re driving a taxi or some other type of vehicle.

It can be. I personally wouldn’t rent a car and drive it myself, but that’s because I’m an absolutely terrible driver no matter which part of the world I’m careering around in.

If you rent or buy a car in Georgia, make sure you test it out, and make sure you’re covered by some form of insurance.

When you’re driving, have an idea of the route in advance (most signs are also written in English, but not all of them are), remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road, be wary of any careless drivers (you’ll see plenty of them), and know that, in rural areas, some roads might not be fully or properly paved.

Oh, and I wouldn’t recommend tackling the Tusheti road without any experience.

Broadly speaking, though inner-city driving can be crazy, driving between cities and towns can be a bit more simple and stress-free.

It isn’t inherently dangerous, but it does involve some dangers that it’s best to be aware of (and plan for).

To keep your strolling safe, here are my top tips for hiking without hazards in Georgia, based on my personal experience:

• Watch out for sheepdogs : it’s not their fault, but these savage lunatics are trained to protect their flock no matter what. I’m not even remotely scared of dogs, and I’m terrified of these guys. If they’re snarling or barking, back off, wait for the shepherd to come, and devise some escape route with his help.
• Look out for snakes: Georgia has lots of snakes in lots of places, and they’re especially prevalent in late spring and early summer. So don’t trod where you can’t see, and make sure you wear both long trousers and ankle-high boots.
• Plan your route, and carry at least an online map: unlike lots of other hike-haven nations, many of Georgia’s routes aren’t waymarked or signposted. So expect to get lost, and make sure you’re at least vaguely familiar with where you’ll be wandering.
• Don’t make friends with street dogs: this one makes me sad, because there’s nothing more fun than making mid-hike friends with a street dog, and taking it along on your wander (surprisingly, this happens in Georgia all the time). But during the walk, they’ll get all protective over you, and start attacking cows and other dogs on your behalf.
• Overestimate how much time you need: because of the above factors, and because you’ll likely get frequently lost, your hikes will probably take longer than you think.

Even though I’ve probably made hiking in Georgia sound like some ultra-insane danger-fest, that isn’t the case. Outside of winter, I hike most weekends, and I’ve never had any major problems. So follow my tips and you’ll be alright.

As a tourist, you shouldn’t be venturing to South Ossetia or Abkhazia , two separate parts of Georgia that—as we’ve covered—are occupied by Russia. Theoretically, it’s possible to visit them both, but I don’t recommend it. You’re entering areas that are politically complicated, you’re risking the wrath of both Georgia and Russia, and both places are pretty unsafe.

Both regions occasionally experience both car bombs and terrorist attacks, and there are (allegedly) unexploded landmines in both areas.

It’s also important to know that some parts of Georgia are inaccessible during some periods of the year —so if you’re planning to head somewhere mountainous (or somewhere down a rural road) check whether or not you can actually get there during colder months. You don’t want to waste your time, or wind up getting yourself in trouble.

There are no must-avoid places in Tbilisi that I know of.

Obviously, you should trust your instincts, and you should avoid walking alone in any dimly-lit areas at night (especially if you’re female).

You should also be careful in and around some of the bars in the most touristy part of the Old Town (especially the riverside area) . As we’ve already mentioned, a small few of them like trying to scam tourists… so always ask for a menu before you order a drink (or at least confirm the price you’ll be paying).

And just like that, we’ve worried, panicked, and fretted our way to the end of this guide.

As you can probably tell by now, here’s my final verdict: Yes, Georgia is safe to visit .

So stop worrying, stop calling the police, and get yourself to Georgia.

For more information on safety, you can explore official sources here and here .

Also, check out my comprehensive guide about whether Georgia is in Europe or in Asia . And for extra detail on adventuring around one of my favorite nations on the planet, check out our guides on what Tbilisi is famous for , and the top reasons I love the place .

Thanks for reading, thanks for visiting Travelness, and thanks in advance for coming back for more!

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Georgia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do Not Travel To:

• The Russian-occupied Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to risk of  crime, civil unrest, and landmines .

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Georgia.

If you decide to travel to Georgia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for Georgia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

South Ossetia and Abkhazia – Do Not Travel

Russian troops and border guards occupy both South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The precise locations of administrative boundary lines are difficult to identify. Entering the occupied territories will likely result in your arrest, imprisonment, and/or a fine. Violent attacks and criminal incidents occur in the region. Landmines pose a danger to travelers near the boundary lines of both territories.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling there.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at the time of entry.  

One page is required for an entry stamp.

Not required for stays of 365 days or less.

Hepatitis A and pre-exposure rabies are recommended. 

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy tbilisi.

29 Georgian-American Friendship Avenue Didi Dighomi Tbilisi, Georgia, 0131 Telephone: +(995)(32) 227-7724 (M-F 8:30-5:30) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(995)(32) 227-7000 Website: https://ge.usembassy.gov/ Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Georgia  for information on U.S.-Georgia relations

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You need a valid passport to enter Georgia . U.S. citizens may enter, reside, work or study in Georgia without a visa for up to 365 days. Border authorities are free to conduct questioning and deny entry to anyone at their discretion, regardless of the traveler's citizenship. U.S. Embassy Tbilisi is unable to intercede on behalf of U.S. citizens or petition the government of Georgia to allow entry into Georgia. Visit  the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website  for the most current visa information. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control ( CDC) website  for immunization information.

• U.S. citizens who overstay the permitted 365-day period are subject to a fine.
• If transiting Georgia , law enforcement and border officials may inquire about the purpose of your travel, funds, insurance, reservations, return tickets, and invitations before granting entry.
• Georgian law requires travelers to enter and depart using travel documents of the same nationality.
• Georgian law requires that Georgian citizens, including dual nationals, enter and depart Georgia on Georgian passports. The government of Georgia may consider naturalized U.S. citizens a Georgian citizen.
• Under Georgian law, U.S.-Georgian dual-national males between the ages of 18 and 27 may be subject to military conscription. For more information, please review the  Georgian Ministry of Defense  webpage.
• Foreign documents intended for official use   in Georgia must be authenticated with an apostille. This includes documents used to apply for a Georgian residency permit or to document the birth of a child born in Georgia.
• The U.S. Embassy cannot, under any circumstances, authenticate a document issued in the United States , regardless of whether the document has been notarized in the United States. See the Department’s webpages on  Judicial Assistance  and  Notarial and/or Authentication Service  for more information on apostilles.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Georgia.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs information  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations continue to plot possible attacks throughout Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism  page.

Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Adjacent Areas:  The United States and most other countries consider these regions part of Georgia. However, de facto local authorities claim independence, and Russian troops and border guards occupy both regions. Attacks, criminal incidents, and kidnappings have occurred in and around the areas. While none of the activity has been anti-American in nature, there is a high risk of travelers finding themselves in a wrong place/wrong time situation. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Georgia and do not travel to these regions. If you choose to travel there, you should be aware:

• U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia or South Ossetia. We are unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in either territory.  U.S. government employees also are restricted from traveling within five kilometers of the administrative boundary line (ABL) dividing these regions from Tbilisi-administered territory.
• The administrative boundary line (ABL) of South Ossetia is not clearly marked in many places and frequently moving in other places. There is an elevated risk of wandering into South Ossetia unknowingly while hiking, particularly on the ABL’s eastern side , which could result in detention by security forces.
• Unexploded ordnance left over from previous conflicts pose a danger near the administrative boundary line of South Ossetia.
• You may only legally enter these regions from the Georgian side, per Georgian law.
• You may be arrested, detained, imprisoned, and/or fined by Russian, Georgian or de facto authorities if you enter without proper documentation. 
• Medical services in the occupied territories are extremely limited. Hospitals do not accept credit cards or medical insurance, have little to no infectious disease control, and lack medicine.
• There are no commercial airports in either region making air ambulance evacuations impossible during medical emergencies.
• It is illegal to undertake any type of economic activity in Abkhazia or South Ossetia that requires permits, licenses, or registration, per Georgian law. Laws also ban mineral exploration, money transfers, and international transit via Abkhazia or South Ossetia.

Pankisi Gorge: The Department of State cautions U.S. citizens against travel to the Pankisi Gorge region (north of the villages of Matane and Chorale, to the border with Russia, including the city of Duisk) because of the current security environment and the potential for civil unrest. There are restrictions on U.S. Embassy personnel traveling to this region or within five kilometers of it. While the Georgian government has had success in combating terrorism within its borders, U.S. citizens should remain vigilant. ISIS recruiting has occurred in Pankisi in the past, and some known terrorists have confirmed ties to the Pankisi Gorge region.  

Crime : Criminals may target foreigners. Take precautions against becoming a victim of crime as you would in any large city.

• Firearms are readily available in Georgia, assailants may be armed, and disputes with firearms could occur.
• Alcohol consumption is prevalent and has been attributed to escalating or exacerbating otherwise minor disputes.
• Carrying pocket knives or other cutting devices in Georgia is illegal under most circumstances .  You may be detained or cited if found in violation.
• There has been an increase in reports of “ confidence scams” where a traveler who orders drinks or food in a bar or restaurant is presented with a bill for exorbitantly high sums and then physically threatened if they do not pay. These are sometimes combined with “ romance scams ” wherein a traveler is taken to these establishments by someone they met online through a dating or other social meetup site.
• U.S. and other visitors have reported occurrences of sexual assault in Georgia.
• Avoid walking alone at night . 
• Exercise caution  when riding alone in private taxis or “marshrutka” mini buses.
• Maintain a low profile, do not carry large amounts of cash, and do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
• Use caution at  ATMs , and always check for skimming devices or other tampering.
• Avoid using  public WIFI networks or internet terminals  as they did not protect your data or personal information.
• Foreign visitors report having items stolen from locked hotel rooms. Review additional information on crime threats in the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Georgia Country Security Report .

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredicatable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Security alerts about demonstrations can be found on the Embassy’s website here .

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime : U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112, and contact the  U.S. Embassy  in Tbilisi at (+ 995) (32) 227-7724 (after hours + 995 32 227-7000). 

The  Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs  (MOIA) operates a 24-hour emergency response center similar to 911 (dial 112) and transfers emergency calls to the fire and rescue service, police, or the nearest medical emergency center. Most dispatchers speak only Georgian and Russian but will transfer calls to English-speaking operators.

Remember that the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.  The U.S. Embassy has no law enforcement or legal authority overseas, nor can it investigate crimes in Georgia. U.S. embassy staff are prohibited by federal regulation from acting as agents, attorneys, or in a fiduciary capacity on behalf of U.S. citizens involved in legal disputes overseas.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of  local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. Local resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or human trafficking include a hotline dial 116-006), temporary shelters, medical and rehabilitation services, interpretation and legal assistance. These may be available through a government agency known as  Atipfund Georgia .

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are not routine. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified by host government orby recognized authorities in the field. . In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Personal Safety in Remote Areas: If you intend to camp , climb , or hike in the mountains or any remote area in Georgia:

• Research local conditions in advance.
• Go with a companion or a group. Avoid traveling alone.
• Provide route and contact information to someone not traveling with you.
• Maintain communication with your family and friends.
• If in trouble, call the emergency number 112. Most dispatchers speak Georgian and Russian but will transfer calls to English-speaking operators.

In the case of a crisis or natural disaster , U.S. citizens in Georgia may check the  Embassy’s website for U.S. Embassy emergency messages, or receive them by email by signing up for the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP).

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties : You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be fined, arrested, deported, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or praticing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

If arrested, you may be held in pre-trial detention for up to nine months. Review the State Department’s page on  Arrests or Detention of U.S Citizens Abroad.

Furthermore, some lawsare also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Notification to U.S. Embassy Tbilisi of the arrest of U.S. citizens is typically significantly delayed in Georgia. In addition, the Georgian police have the authority under the Administration Violation Code to detain individuals for up to 24 hours without court intervention and 48 hours with court approval (this is referred to as “administrative detention”). There are no due process rights assigned during an administrative hold, meaning the person has no right to counsel.

Special Circumstances : Georgia has strict regulations concerning:

• Possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in accordance with Georgian laws and controlled substance classifications. Penalties are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. 
• The import or export of alcohol, tobacco, jewelry, religious materials, art or artifacts, antiquities, and business equipment.
• Export of items of historical value , such as artwork, antiques, jewelry, or paintings. You must obtain a license. Contact the  Embassy of Georgia  or see our  customs regulations  webpage.
• Firearms  cannot be imported into Georgia.
• Georgian law prohibits the  sale of real property  (land and houses) in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Prior owners may have the right to reclaim the property in the future.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. If you attempt to bring counterfeit or pirated goods into the United States you may incur a fine or have the items seized. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual conduct or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Georgia. However, traditional cultural attitudes result in LGBTQI+ individuals often facing discrimination and harassment. Some LGBTQI+ persons in Georgia have been targets of attacks. In addition, violent anti-LGBTQI+ protests have occurred in Tbilisi, including in response to public LGBTQI+ related events.

See our  LGBTQI+ travel information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State’s Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities : Georgian law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but the government does not enforce the law effectively. In July 2020, Georgia adopted legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities that establishes principles to guide the government’s implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The government has until this year (2023) to develop an implementation action plan and 15 years to complete accessibility of government buildings, infrastructure, and services. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited or nonexistent in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers : See our travel tips for  Women Travelers

For emergency services in Georgia, dial 112 (the equivalent of 911 in the United States)

Ambulance services  are not widely available outside Tbilisi and training and availability of emergency responders may fall below U.S. standards. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Limited Medical Services in Rural Areas:  In the event of injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We do not pay for medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most health care providers in Georgia only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription . Check with the  Ministry of Health  to ensure the medication is legal in Georgia . Georgia strictly regulates types and quantities of prescription medications that may be brought into the country. Travelers carrying prohibited prescription drugs have been detained and face heavy fines or arrest.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of English-speaking doctors and hospitals in Georgia. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.   Air pollution is a significant problem in Tbilisi. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling, if necessary. Georgia has installed and maintains air quality monitors around the country. Real-time data is available at: https://air.gov.ge/en/ .

Health Facilities in General:

• Adequate healthcare facilities are available in Tbilisi, although below U.S. standards. Outside major cities, medical facilities in Georgia are limited.
• Hospitals and doctors may require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

• If you are considering traveling to Georgia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• The Georgian government has announced it intends to pass legislation that would ban surrogacy for foreigners starting January 1, 2024. Breaking the law will be a criminal offense. Currently, the law is in draft form and several issues related to surrogacy services, including if and how pre-existing contracts with ART facilities and surrogates in Georgia would be honored, will not be known until the law is passed. You might not be able to receive a refund if you enter into a contract for surrogacy services. Babies born through illegal arrangements might be prevented from leaving Georgia. Before you commit to a surrogacy arrangement, seek independent legal advice. A list of local attorneys in Georgia who have expressed interest in assisting U.S. citizens can be found on Embassy Tbilisi’s website.

Adventure Travel : Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel . 

• Travelers with  existing health problems  may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities.
• There is a significant risk of rabies in Georgia. The CDC recommends some travelers complete the rabies vaccine series prior to arriving in country.
• Some spices made in Georgia contain high levels of lead. Consider purchasing spices only from recognized U.S. or international manufacturers.
• Georgia has a high rate of Hepatitis C . Exercise caution if you plan to get a tattoo, piercing, dental work , or other procedure with potential for blood exposure. Ensure the provider uses proper sterilization procedures.
• Ensure food is cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
• Georgia has eight venomous snake  species that are active between March and October. Few medical facilities have antivenin serum.  Treat all snakes as potentially venomous.

Tuberculosis is prevalent in Georgia. Visit the CDC website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Georgia.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Road conditions in Georgia differ significantly from those in the United States. Many roads are in poor condition with stretches of road missing pavement and having large potholes.  Driving at night  can be dangerous due to varying road and traffic conditions, poor lighting, and the presence of open range livestock.

• Avoid traveling at night.  U.S. Embassy official travel at night outside of urban areas is prohibited, except for emergencies.
• Exercise caution when driving in Georgia at all times . Reckless driving is common, and drivers frequently ignore traffic laws.
• Be careful when crossing streets, as pedestrians are not given right-of-way .
• Winter travel can also be hazardous , especially in mountainous areas.

Traffic Laws:  Vehicles drive on the right. Speed limits range from 80 to 110 km/hr. (50 to 69 m/hr.) on highways and 30 to 70 km/hr. (19 to 44 m/hr.) on urban thoroughfares. Motorists are not permitted to make right turns at red traffic lights.

• Wear seat belts when driving.  Children under four  must travel in child-safety seats.  Children under twelve  may not ride in the front seat.
• There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol . Anything above a blood alcohol content of 0.0% is illegal.
• Vehicle safety inspections are being phased in since January 2018, but there are still many vehicles on the road in poor condition or lacking basic features such as working lights.
• The Georgian Patrol Police maintain traffic safety in Georgia, but enforcement of traffic regulations is inconsistent.

Public Transportation : Public transportation, while inexpensive, may be unreliable and uncomfortable.  Minibuses (“marshrutkas”) are often overcrowded, poorly maintained, lack seat belts, and are frequently involved in accidents.

See our  Road Safety page  and the website of the  Georgian National Tourism Agency  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight : As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Georgia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Georgia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Georgia should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Georgia .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Safety and security

You should also read FCDO ’s warnings and regional risks advice for Georgia.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Georgia

Terrorist attacks in Georgia can’t be ruled out. Attacks could happen anywhere and affect western interests and places visited by foreigners, such as tourist sites and cultural events.

Political situation

The political situation in Georgia is generally calm.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and rallies can occur, particularly:

• around Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi
• in large towns

Demonstrations are usually policed, but tensions can escalate without warning. You should:

• check local media
• avoid large gatherings and demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities

Crime levels are low. You should:

• take sensible precautious to avoid pick-pocketing, particularly in crowded places
• not leave valuables unattended
• stay aware of your surroundings
• keep your mobile phone charged and with you at all times

Georgian law protects everyone’s human rights and equality, but ethnic minorities and LGBT+ people may face discrimination. Harassment and assault based on race and sexuality do take place.

If someone attempts to assault you or you feel threatened, call the emergency number 112 and ask for the police.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

You’re advised to carry a copy of your passport at all times. Keep the original in a safe place.

Cultural differences

Tbilisi is a cosmopolitan city. There can be more conservative attitudes in rural areas. When travelling outside cities, be aware of cultural sensitivities around modest dress (particularly in places of worship) and open displays of affection.

Prices may be quoted in US dollars and euros, but goods and services must be paid for in local currency (lari).

Travellers’ cheques are rarely accepted. Outside major towns, you may not find ATMs or be able to use credit and debit cards. Take enough cash in lari if travelling to rural or remote areas.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you use illegal drugs of any kind, you can get heavy fines or long prison terms. Smuggling even very small amounts of drugs carries a prison term of 5 to 25 years and heavy fines.

Using cameras

Do not photograph sensitive sites like military bases and power installations.

Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing churches and other religious sites.

Some visitors have been stopped from photographing the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi.

Check for any signs telling you not to take photographs. Always seek permission if in doubt.

LGBT+ travellers

Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, and there are anti-discrimination laws, but same-sex relationships are still not widely accepted.

Showing affection in public may result in discrimination or harassment. Homophobic harassment and assault take place.

Pride marches in 2019 and 2021 were cancelled because the police did not guarantee security. In 2023, a Pride event was cancelled after a violent protest.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Disabled travellers

Accessibility standards in Georgia are below UK standards. Very few public or private facilities are accessible.

Most public transport does not accommodate disabled travellers.

There are few pavements outside of main cities and pavements are generally uneven.

Read our general advice for disabled travellers .

A law banning surrogacy for foreign couples is expected to be adopted by the Georgian Parliament in the near future. Keep up to date by signing up to our  Georgia travel advice .

If you’re visiting Georgia to arrange an international surrogacy, consider the risks and challenges involved. Surrogacy is a complex, lengthy process. You should:

• make sure you’re aware of the facts and well-prepared before starting the process
• get specialist legal advice on Georgian and UK laws before making any arrangements
• read  FCDO  and Home Office guidance on surrogacy overseas
• research clinics and hospitals thoroughly to make sure they are safe and reputable

The British Embassy cannot get involved in surrogacy arrangements or recommend hospitals or clinics.

Commissioning a surrogacy will not automatically mean that the child holds British citizenship. To bring your child born through surrogacy from Georgia to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport . You need a Georgian birth certificate for this. Check the Public Service Hall and Service Development Agency websites and research the rules for leaving the country with children (some legal details are in Georgian only). You can stay visa-free in Georgia for a continuous period of up to one year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has more information.

Trade with South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Anyone trading with Abkhazia and South Ossetia needs a licence issued by the Georgia government. This includes buying and selling property and most financial transactions. Anyone trading without a licence may face penalties under Georgian civil and criminal law.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Make sure your travel insurance covers your activities.

If you get into trouble during hiking, skiing, adventure travel or extreme sports, the emergency response may be limited.

Off-piste skiing is very dangerous. It can be difficult to get accurate information on mountain conditions, including avalanche risks. Read our information on staying safe during skiing and winter sports .

If you’re trekking, mountaineering, climbing, off-piste skiing or doing other extreme sports, consider going with specialist guides. Many insurance policies will not cover damage to rental equipment or skiing off-piste without a guide.

Be aware that safety standards in Georgia may not be as high as those in the UK. For example, several people were injured when a ski lift at Gudauri malfunctioned in 2018 and a tourist helicopter crashed near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) in 2019.

If you plan to hike close to the administrative boundary lines, consider hiring a professional guide.

Transport risks

Take usual precautions after dark in unfamiliar areas.

Street lighting away from main roads can be poor and pavements uneven. There may be occasional short power cuts – consider carrying a torch.

Taxi provision and safety has improved significantly. To stay safe using taxis:

• do not flag taxis in the street
• try to pre-book taxis through an app
• check the taxi has working seatbelts

Road travel

If you’re planning to drive in Georgia, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC Georgia guide .

You can drive in Georgia with a UK driving licence for up to one year (from when you last entered Georgia). To drive for longer, you need a 1949 or 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or Georgian driving licence. If you’re hiring a car, check the rules with the car hire company before you travel. They may require you to have an IDP.

You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Drink driving punishments can be severe. Georgia has a lower blood alcohol content limit than the UK, so avoid alcohol if driving.

Driving conditions

Take care when driving, especially at night. Be aware that:

• roads outside city centres are often badly lit and poor quality
• stray livestock can be a hazard
• road markings and the right of way can be confusing
• many cars are poorly maintained
• driving can be erratic
• heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes can affect roads and bridges making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas)
• landslides are common

If you’re travelling outside Tbilisi, particularly in remote areas, make sure your vehicle is equipped and check weather conditions locally.

Rail travel

Take usual precautions with your personal safety and belongings. Compartments on sleeper trains usually have locks.

There is currently no train service between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

There are frequent small earthquakes in Georgia. The most recent significant earthquake took place in 2022 – an earthquake measuring 6.2 struck 104km south-west of Tbilisi. Read the US Federal Emergency Management Agency advice on what to do before, during and after an earthquake .

Lightning and wildfires are a risk in summer, particularly in the mountains.

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9 Things to Know Before Visiting The Country of Georgia

Disclosure: This post (probably) contains affiliate links. If you click on one, I may make a small commission. Of course, this will come at no extra cost to you and helps keep this site running.

It’s funny how you can be incredibly eager to visit a place and yet know very little about the place at the same time. That’s how I was with the country of Georgia . For years I’d been determined to visit Georgia and the Caucasus region, without any real justification as to why. People I knew had been and highly recommended it but no particular reasons why had stuck with me. Having been now, I can see why visiting Georgia is making so many lists for the best places to visit in 2020.

Surely part of the appeal was the idea of travelling into the unknown. While that can be good fun and all, there were definitely things that would have been good to know before going to Georgia. I’m not talking about things like spending longer than I did, even though 10 days turned out to be nowhere near enough. That alone is a reason why I’ll probably be returning to Georgia this year. Nor is it travel tips like exploring beyond the capital Tbilisi , something else you should totally do.

No, these are things to know before visiting Georgia the country that hopefully will help inform your trip and allow you to make the most of it.

Table of Contents

1. Neither Europe nor Asia

The age old question with countries like Georgia is people asking is Georgia in Europe or Asia? People, admittedly myself included, like trying to put the countries of the world in seven neat little boxes based on continents. The thing is, that really doesn’t work here.

Georgia is part of the Caucasus region, a space between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea known for the Caucasus mountains. That puts it squarely between eastern Europe and western Asia, leading many people to associate it with one or the other. Before visiting, I had assumed that Georgia would maybe similar to Turkey in some ways given that they share a border.

But no, the country of Georgia was indeed unlike any place I’ve been to in this corner of the world. It was apparent as soon as I arrived in Batumi that I was somewhere completely new to me. Yes, there were a few European elements in Georgia that made me think of the Balkans. They just were totally outnumbered by the things that were unknown to me. I love that sensation of visiting somewhere unfamiliar and can’t wait to see how it compares to Armenia and Azerbaijan.

2. Entry to Georgia

No matter which country you visit you need to be mindful of their entry requirements for foreign nationals. Thankfully Georgia is incredibly welcoming of international tourists and have one of the most generous visa free programs I’ve seen. They have a long list of countries whose nationals can visit without a visa for a year on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website . That list includes the EU, Australia and the USA among many more.

If your nationality is not listed there, you’re not totally out of luck. Travellers who are residents of certain countries or even only hold a valid visa for those countries, are able to visit Georgia for 90 days without getting a Georgian visa. That list can be found here . Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for an e-Visa or ordinary visa through the Georgian MFA .

Of course, please confirm all of this for yourself before you travel and remember that entry requirements often change over time. The information provided above is only meant to help you get started and was intended to be accurate at the time of writing.

In terms of flying to Georgia the country, you have a few choices of airport. There’s not just an airport in the capital Tbilisi, there’s also Batumi International Airport and Kutaisi International Airport. Many budget airlines provide flights to Kutaisi making it a useful option for backpackers like me.

3. Getting Around the Country

Unless you’re just planning a quick city getaway, chances are you’ll need to know how to get about Georgia. Destinations around the country are quite evenly spread out, making day trips from Tbilisi and Kutaisi a convenient approach to seeing different parts. But you also need to take into account that the landscape can often limit access and mean taking the long way around.

Getting between the cities of Georgia I took shuttle buses and trains as they were convenient and common for where I was going. The train from Batumi to Tbilisi was nice and modern, like the modern trains you’ll find in Europe.

Going from Tbilisi to Kutaisi it was an older train but still comfortable and on par with trains I’ve been on in Czech Republic or Hungary. You can search timetables and book certain tickets on the national railway site . As for the bus, I used Georgian Bus to get from Kutaisi Airport to Batumi and found that a convenient option.

Surprisingly, the one transport option I didn’t use in Georgia is the country’s most common. Like many former Soviet countries, Georgia public transport is dominated by marshrutka, shared minibuses that run specific routes. It will depend on the route, but these seem to usually be the most frequent and affordable option for getting around Georgia.

Getting Around Tbilisi

When you arrive in Tbilisi, you have the option of using public transport to get about. I only took the Tbilisi metro to get to and from the train station but found it good value. However I did have a few difficulties with their ticketing system. Because the ticket machines they have provide other services beyond metro tickets, I had a hard time navigating it and had to ask for help.

I also was led to believe the metro cards were able to be returned for their deposit, but had no luck when trying to do so. Both situations probably came down to the language barrier, but I’ve heard similar struggles from other western tourists. If you’re a tourist that has mastered the system, feel free to comment below with advice!

4. Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Seasoned travellers will know to be to careful about raising sensitive political subjects in a new country. But that can also make it hard to learn more about the issues. In Georgia, one such topic is the current status of the disputed regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Both were regions under Georgian control until the Russo-Georgian War of 2008 and now are controlled by Russian forces.

That’s just a very basic explanation of the situation from a total outsider’s perspective. I’m certainly not qualified to go any deeper on the topic, but think it’s important you’re aware there are issues related to travel there and nearby.

According to online discussion, it’s quite common for the borders with Georgia to both to be closed, meaning entering from Russia is the only option. For more information on either region, see the websites for the Abkhazia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the South Ossetia Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

5. Money and Cost of Travel

There’s good news for budget travellers heading to Georgia, as the country is an affordable place to travel. Visitors to Georgia will find their money goes further here than Europe in general, even compared to most of the Balkans. There weren’t really any exceptions to its affordability either, so you won’t need to worry about any nasty surprises.

To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here are some examples of costs from my trip there. A private room in hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels usually cost about 60-80 GEL which is roughly 20-25€ per night. That was for last minute bookings as well and not necessarily the cheapest rooms available.

Transport and tours were particularly cheap, with an intercity train costing just 10 GEL or 3€ and group day tours costing only 50 GEL or 15€. Considering the food, transport and accommodation is decent quality, that’s unbelievable value for money.

Regarding paying for things, you’ll find that quite a few places will accept credit cards which can be handy. You still should keep some cash on you, but Georgia isn’t solely a cash economy so that makes things easier.

6. Fantastic Food and Wine

If you’ve had friends and family who have visited Georgia, then they’ve likely raved about Georgia’s food and wine. This is definitely a country where you want to try the local cuisine. I remember someone telling me that they were gifted a bottle of red wine when entering the country, which says a lot about their wine doesn’t it? The same did end up happening to me while waiting for immigration at Kutaisi.

After polishing off the small bottle it was clear that I was going to enjoy sampling Georgia’s pride and joy. You don’t have to go far in Georgia to learn about its wines and they’re incredibly affordable as well. For me, the dry, red saperavi was quickly my go-to. However, as much as enjoyed trying Georgian wine, a drink that really surprised me was Georgian lemonade. It’s just the right amount of sweetness and there are all sorts of flavours to choose from.

As for Georgia’s food, you won’t run out of dishes to try that’s for sure. Key ingredients of the cuisine are cheese, walnuts, grapes and tarragon, but there’s more variety than that might suggest. One dish all tourists to Georgia try, even the lactose-intolerant like me, is khachapuri , a boat-shaped bread dish stuffed with cheese.

Other foods include khinkali , stuffed Georgian dishes; pelamushi , a mushy dessert of grape and walnut; and churchkhela , a treat made by coating a string of walnuts in grape juice. You’re bound to experience more, but those are some to start.

7. An Unfamiliar History

As someone who enjoys learning the history of different destinations, I had to admit I knew next to nothing of Georgia’s. I knew that it was a former Soviet Republic but everything before that was a blank. In all fairness to myself, the history of Georgia isn’t something widely taught. That doesn’t make it uninteresting, just unknown.

With a visit you should find that there are engaging tidbits from every era of Georgia’s history. Whether it’s the country’s ancient past, the medieval period or the Soviet era, there’s plenty of captivating parts to Georgia’s story. For instance, did you know that the Greek legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece was set in western Georgia? Neither did I. That part of Georgia was once known as Colchis and was where Jason and his Argonauts sailed to.

Jump forward and you’ll find plenty of landmarks around Georgia from its medieval period. A lot of them are churches and monasteries, but you will find some castles in Georgia too. Ananuri Fortress may be the most impressive and easiest to visit, with quite an entertaining history to it. During the Middle Ages Georgia was at times united in a single kingdom, while other times divided up or occupied by regional powers.

Georgia’s history since first gaining independence on 26th May 1918 greatly features its relationship with neighbouring Russia. There’s a lot to say on that topic, including the fact that Josef Stalin was born in the Georgian city of Gori, but that’s a rabbit hole you fall down on your own.

8. Learning the Language

When it comes to navigating the Georgian language, you’re going to have your work cut out for you. Not only is the Georgian language unlike any European language, it uses its own unique script. During my trip there, I only managed to get my head around a few of the most basic words and never made any real headway with the writing system.

Thankfully there is some good news, which is that I got by with English without too much trouble. As with Eastern Europe, it seems to be the language learned by younger Georgians. Russian is also quite a common language for Georgians to know a bit of, so if you know some Russian it can come in handy.

As for reading things like street signs, many things in Georgia are also written in the Latin Alphabet, so you shouldn’t have much problems there either. Honestly, the language barrier really never felt too bad, especially in the places most familiar with tourists like Tbilisi and Batumi. As always, approach language trouble with good humour and patience and you’ll work it out.

A few basic phrases to help you get by include Gamarjoba which means ‘Hello’; Madloba for ‘Thank you’; Tu Sheidzleba for ‘Please’; and Ki and Ara for ‘Yes’ and ‘No’.

9. Not Just Mountains

Given that Georgia sits along the Caucasus Mountains, you might be tricked into thinking that the entire country is mountainous. Sure, a considerable part of the country is taken up by the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains covering its north and south. Then there are the famous destinations like Kazbegi which is beautiful and Mestia which I can’t wait to see next time. But don’t think that’s all the scenery you’re going to get in Georgia.

For starters the country has its coastline along the Black Sea with plenty of stone beaches to relax at. Cities like Kutaisi and Tbilisi aren’t found up in the mountains either, instead sitting along scenic rivers with low lying hills around them.

If you look at the river scenery outside the city of Gori, you’ll see a different terrain again. Wide open plains often fill the gaps between the mountains of Georgia and can be just as picturesque. Georgia isn’t completely arid either, with some gorgeous forests easily visited from Kutaisi .

Resources for Visiting Georgia

• Getting There: To find the cheapest and most convenient flights to Georgia make sure to check Kayak .
• Accommodation: Here you can find hotels, hostels and guesthouses across Georgia, plus don’t forget Airbnb.
• Tours: There are countless day trips and sightseeing tours available in Georgia.
• Car Hire: If you want to travel more independently, consider renting a car to drive yourself about.
• Managing Money: Lastly, the Wise card can be a great option for getting cash out and making purchases .

What questions do you have for visiting Georgia the country? Do you think there are other things people should know before going? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

David is the author behind the Travelsewhere travel blog and is always on the search for the quieter, less-visited corners of the world.

You may also like

How to spend one day in batumi, georgia, 5 tbilisi day trips to complete your georgia itinerary, 5 easy reasons to visit tbilisi, georgia, the helpful guide to sightseeing in the city of kutaisi,..., places to visit with a day trip from kutaisi, georgia.

A bottle of wine gifted to you upon arrival? That’s how I want to be welcomed to a country! I’ve heard sooo many wonderful things about the food and wine of Georgia, not to mention the pure beauty of it! This will certainly come in handy one day, I WILL visit!

How about getting a job in georgia. What is the percentage of job opportunity in georgia and how easy a foreigner can get one

Unfortunately I don’t know the answers to that Emirez. Perhaps you can find a forum about moving to or living in Georgia as they may have a better idea about that kind of thing.

Hi David!there are also offers from our travel agency to have dinner alongside watching performers for the traditional Georgian wedding dance..

Im Canadian and my beautiful husband is Georgian. We met online in July 2015 and he had to explain the fact tbat he didn’t live in the States! Never heard of Georgia before! First trip was October 2015. Been back 5 times ! My husband is so proud of his wonderful country…he took me everywhere and we celebrated many Georgian festivals and observances! Still waiting for him to get his approval to move to Canada…but im so proud to have experienced Georgia met all the beautiful people ive met there and to have a loving husband from there !

Fantastic post! Can’t wait to travel here now.

Hi David, I wanted your opinion and advise about travelling to Georgia with a 2 year old. Places that are family oriented. My partner and I have never used any guides during our travels and getting lost and discovering places on foot was the idea. With a toddler, I was wondering if I will be able to travel around Georgia and how safe is it to talk around cities.

Thank you, Bau

Hi, thank you for very detailed travel guide. Due covid some info is a bit outdated but hope life eventually will return to its normal routine. Best wishes from Georgia

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Georgia travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security – information added about ongoing protests

Last updated: April 17, 2024 02:59 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, georgia - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Georgia.

The border with Russia, the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and surrounding areas - Avoid all travel

• within 5 km of the border with Russia
• the occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia
• within 5 km of the administrative boundary line with the occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia

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Protests related to the Foreign Agent Bill

On April 15, 2024, thousands of people gathered around Georgia's Parliament in Tbilisi to protest against the "foreign agent bill." There have also been protests in other cities, such as Batumi and Kutaisi, and additional ones are expected in the coming days.

Local authorities heightened security measures, especially around government buildings. They may use tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.

Transport and services may be disrupted. Violent incidents or clashes between protestors and security forces or between opposing groups could occur.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.

If you are in Georgia:

• monitor local media for the most recent information
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances
• expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence

Abkhazia and South Ossetia

The administrative boundary lines between Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia are not well defined and change frequently. The Russian military and border guards regularly patrol the area. You could be detained and arrested if you cross into South Ossetia and Abkhazia, even by mistake.

The checkpoints with South Ossetia and Abkhazia are only open a few days a month and are subject to unexpected and prolonged closures.

Tensions are high in both occupied regions. Unexploded ordnance, explosions and landmines may pose a risk where military operations have occurred, especially in areas along the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia and near the border with Azerbaijan (Red Bridge area).

Terrorists have carried out attacks in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They typically use car bombs to target military and security facilities.

If you choose to travel to South Ossetia or Abkhazia despite this advisory:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• only cross at official checkpoints
• carry valid ID with you at all times
• monitor local media to stay informed on the security situation and on checkpoint closures

Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in these areas, due to security concerns and travel restrictions.

Russian border regions

Georgian authorities only recognize the Kazbegi-Verkhnii Lars border crossing with Russia. If you choose to travel to the Russian border regions despite this advisory, avoid crossing at unofficial land borders connecting to the following Russian republics:

• Kabardino-Balkaria
• Karachay-Cherkessia

Kidnappings have occurred in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and other areas bordering Russia.

If you travel to these areas despite the advisories in effect:

• don’t walk alone, especially after dark
• vary your itinerary
• keep doors and windows locked at all times
• don’t show signs of affluence
• exercise vigilance in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation facilities

There is a low threat of terrorism, but an attack can occur at any time.

Although there have been no recent attacks, there is a terrorist threat due to the return of Georgian fighters from abroad and the use of the country as a transit route between North Caucasus and the Middle East.

Targets could include: 

• government buildings 
• schools 
• places of worship 
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks 
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners 

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. 

Be particularly vigilant during: 

• sporting events 
• religious holidays  
• public celebrations  
• major political events, such as elections  

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.  

Demonstrations

Planned and unplanned political demonstrations take place regularly in Georgia, especially in Tbilisi during international events and around election periods.

There have been violent attacks against 2SLGBTQI+ persons during the Pride festivities in Tbilisi, resulting in casualties.

In 2023, large-scale demonstrations took place in Tbilisi. They led to vandalism and violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded urban areas and at public gatherings.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• Keep doors and windows locked at all times 

Violent crime

Violent crimes targeting foreigners occur occasionally. Incidents include:

• carjackings
• sexual assaults

The police patrol frequently, but their response in remote areas and outside of larger cities can be significantly longer.

During your stay:

• avoid travelling alone after dark
• beware of people walking behind you
• avoid inadequately lit and deserted streets

ATM and credit card fraud occurs.

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards.

• Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Romance scams and overcharging

Romance scams on dating sites or through social media have occurred. Typical scenarios involve locals luring tourists met online into bars or nightclubs. Tourists are forced to pay high bills after ordering expensive food and drinks.

Discussions about overcharging have turned violent. Tourists have been threatened and forced to pay the bill by the establishment's security guards. 

• Beware of people who show a keen interest online 
• Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location  
• Always confirm the price of an item before ordering 
• Don’t leave an open tab at bars and nightclubs
• Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff 
• Check your bill for accuracy before paying 

Overseas fraud

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.  

Sexual assaults have been committed, including against foreign women.

If you’re the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy and seek medical assistance. You should also report the incident to Georgian authorities and ensure that local police will file the report with the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia .

• avoid deserted streets at night and isolated areas
• don’t travel by yourself in a taxi, especially at night

Useful links

• Contact information - Prosecutor’s Offices of Georgia 
• Advice for women travellers  

Due to previous military operations, landmines and unexploded ordnance may pose a threat to your safety in various areas of Georgia, including:

• near the Red Bridge border crossing with Azerbaijan
• in South Ossetia, Abkhazia and along the administrative boundary lines

If you choose to travel to these areas:

• stay on main and paved roads 
• avoid walking in fields
• avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails  
• pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance
• keep in mind that landmines and unexploded ordnance fields may not always be clearly marked 

Adventure tourism

Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly.

Tour operators may not meet international standards.

If you are participating in adventure tourism:

• never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions  
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out  
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation   
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity  
• avoid venturing off marked trails  
• refrain from using equipment if you have doubts on their safety  

Road safety

Road conditions.

Road conditions vary considerably across the country and fatal accidents are frequent.

Roads are generally in good condition in Tbilisi and in major cities. However, they are sometimes poorly maintained and dangerous in rural areas due to:

• unpaved and uneven surfaces
• raised and sunken manholes
• stray livestock
• lack of traffic signs
• insufficient lighting

In rural areas, traffic signs may only be written in Georgian.

Driving habits

Road accidents are one of the main causes of death in Georgia. It is common for drivers to:

• fail to maintain one lane
• drive at excessive speeds
• drive under the influence
• engage in road rage

Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way. If you drive in Georgia:

• always drive defensively
• don’t engage with drivers showing signs of road rage
• plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting rural areas 
• avoid travelling after dark
• always carry a cell phone and charger  

Road restrictions – Roads Department of Georgia

Right of way

The right of way system is in effect in Georgia.

Drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections if they are not in a priority lane, and to vehicles entering roundabouts.

Public transportation

In Georgia, taxis are regulated and vehicles are recognizable by their white colour and roof-mounted taxi signs. However, unofficial taxis continue to operate and drivers generally don’t use meters. They may overcharge you for the ride.

Drivers can be reckless and drive at excessive speed.

Ride-sharing apps are popular throughout Georgia.

If you choose to take taxis during your stay:

• arrange your pickup with a reputable company before arrival when travelling by air, or use authorized cabs at the airport 
• order your taxi at the reception if you are staying at a hotel
• don’t use unmarked taxis
• never share a taxi with strangers
• negotiate the fare in advance
• have small bills available for payment

Buses and metro

Buses and metro are generally safe and reliable, but pickpockets may target tourists.

Mini-buses called "marshrutka" are poorly maintained and often lack security features like seatbelts.

• Always carry your valuables and identification with you
• Avoid storing bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat
• Don't take buses that look overloaded or in poor condition

The condition and cleanliness of trains vary greatly from route to route.

• Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Don’t leave your compartment unattended
• Keep the door locked from the inside

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Georgian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Georgia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 365 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 365 days Student visa: not required for stays of up to 365 days

If you are planning to stay in Georgia for more than 365 days, you must obtain a visa before entering the country. If you overstay your visa, you may be fined.

• Georgian visa information – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
• Visa-free countries - State Commission on Migration Issues of Georgia
• Postponing the obligation to leave – State Commission on Migration Issues of Georgia

If you choose to travel to the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, you will need prior authorization from Georgian authorities who don’t recognize border crossings between Russia and the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If you enter Georgia via Abkhazia or South Ossetia at an unofficial border crossing, you could face heavy fines and jail sentences.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

High quality medical services and facilities are generally available in major cities, such as Tbilisi and Batumi.

In rural areas, there are shortages of medical supplies and personnel. Facilities may not meet the quality standards you may be used to in Canada.

Medical services can be expensive, and immediate up-front cash payment is often required.

Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Georgia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Georgia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Georgian authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Reforms are underway to improve the efficiency and the transparency of the judicial system, but if you are arrested in Georgia, you could be detained for several months and there could be long delays to resolve your case.

In 2017, Georgia decriminalized cannabis and various cannabis-based products for personal use. Production, distribution and sale remain illegal. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Some prescription medication may not be available in Georgia.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

Georgian authorities strictly regulate the possession and import of prescription medication under special control, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and some over-the-counter medication that is commonly available in Canada.

• Bring a sufficient supply of your medication
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions along with an English translation
• Declare all medications in your possession to customs officials upon entry
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

If you carry illegal prescription medication according to Georgian Law, you could face deportation and jail sentences.

Contact the nearest diplomatic representation of Georgia for more information on imports of medication.

• Medicinal products subject to special control – Revenue service of Georgia
• Foreign Representatives in Canada  

Imports and exports

You may need to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia to import or export cultural valuables.

Cultural valuables include:

• archeological items
• coins, old inscriptions and seals
• handmade canvas, paintings and drawings
• postal stamps removed from circulation

Cultural valuables – Revenue service of Georgia

Photography

Taking photographs of military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty.

You should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Georgia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Georgia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

Military service

Georgian-Canadian dual citizens may be subject to military service.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Georgia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Georgia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Georgian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Georgia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Georgia has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.

Penalties for drinking and driving include:

• heavy fines
• prohibition from driving for several months or years

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Georgian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

In 2023, the government of Georgia proposed a law to prohibit surrogacy arrangements to foreigners.

If you’re planning to visit Georgia for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek legal advice on Georgian and Canadian laws and citizenship procedures prior to making any arrangements.

Same-sex couples may encounter issues when engaging in surrogacy arrangements in Georgia.

The Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara is unable to provide recommendations on surrogacy arrangements.

The currency of Georgia is the lari (GEL). 

U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted and exchanged for local currency.

Credit cards may not be widely accepted in rural areas.

• Avoid exchanging money in unlicensed facilities
• Make sure you have cash at all times for payment

Currency declaration

There are restrictions on the import and export of currency. You must declare to customs officials if you have more than 30 000 GEL or its equivalent in your possession.

This requirement applies to:

• any other type of financial instrument

Failure to comply with this requirement could result in fines and confiscation.

Movement of currency – Revenue service of Georgia

The rainy season usually extends from April to July. Heavy rains may result in significant flooding and landslides, especially in the following regions:

• Kvemo Kartli
• Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
• Shida Kartli

Excessive rainfall can hamper overland travel and roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. 

It can disrupt the provision of the following essential services:

• transportation
• power distribution
• water and food supply
• telecommunications networks
• emergency services
• medical care

Seismic activity

Earthquakes.

Georgia is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes may cause landslides in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur up after the initial tremor.

Earthquakes - What to Do?  

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 112

Consular assistance

Azerbaijan, Georgia. Offering consular services to Canadians in Iran.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Wander-Lush

Is Georgia Safe for Tourists in 2024? Common Concerns & Helpful Tips

Georgia’s popularity as a tourist destination has grown exponentially in recent years. Still, many people who are unfamiliar with the region tend to think that travelling in Georgia and the Caucasus is somehow unsafe.

Some of the misconceptions surrounding Tbilisi and Georgia are likely due to the country’s geographic location. Some people assume Georgia is dangerous because of past and present geopolitical struggles.

A lot of it is probably down to the fact that Georgia is still quite unknown on the world stage – and we tend to fear what we don’t understand.

In reality, Georgia is one of the safest countries I’ve travelled to or lived in . I feel safer in Tbilisi than I do in almost any capital city in Western Europe.

This is, of course, my personal opinion. But there is data to back it up.

In this post, I’ll run through a few of the biggest concerns tourists normally have when visiting Georgia for the first time . I’ll also share my top safety tips based on my experience travelling and living here for four years.

I hope this advice will help you make informed decisions during your visit.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Update: Is Georgia still a safe country in 2024?

A lot has changed since I moved to Georgia in 2020 – not to mention since I first travelled here in 2017. On the whole, Georgia remains a very safe destination . But there are a few specific things you need to watch out for, which I cover below.

In the 2024 International Crime Index , Georgia ranks 20th in the world in terms of safety behind countries including Croatia , Qatar , Taiwan, Oman , Slovenia, Armenia and the UAE.

This is just one data point (and it is worth noting that Georgia was way up in 4th position in 2020). But it still says something.

Tbilisi , Georgia’s capital, is consistently cited as one of the safest cities in the world (currently 32nd according to the 2024 Safety Index ). Having also lived in Batumi , Kutaisi and Gori , I think Georgia’s other major cities are comparably safe for tourists.

Back in 2021, Georgia scored 88 out of 100 in the Gallup Law and Order Index , placing it among the top 20 safest countries in the world (of the 115 surveyed). This poll is interesting because it’s based on people’s perceptions and asked questions such as “Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?”

The number of reported crimes in Georgia remains low – if you’re interested, you can see the latest crime stats in these monthly Geo Stat reports .

So, is Georgia still a safe country for tourists? I think the answer is a resounding yes. Anecdotally, it does feel like petty crime is becoming more common in Tbilisi, but it’s hard to say whether that’s because of an increasing number of incidents or because people are more likely to report it now.

I have always said that just because the stats say Georgia is safe, you should never drop your guard and not worry about personal safety when travelling in Georgia . Every country has its problems, and there are certainly some things you should be aware of.

Child beggars

Child beggars have only really become a problem in Georgia in the past 24 months. There is a lot of discussion about this on travel forums including Trip Advisor, which is why I’m mentioning it here.

While it is definitely something to be aware of, it is nowhere near the level it is in some other cities such as Athens or Rome for example.

Sometimes kids will approach you for money when you are sitting in a cafe or standing on the street. Once you give them a firm no , they are likely to walk away.

More concerning are incidents of pickpocketing . The ploy is pretty standard: One kid will distract you by grabbing onto your arms or legs while another attempts to pinch your wallet/phone.

Though extremely concerning, these incidents have so far been limited to a few locations in Tbilisi and Batumi. The sidewalk outside Galleria Mall in Tbilisi is a known hotspot, as is the area around Marjanishvili Metro Station, Shardeni Street in the Old Town, and Europe Square near the Bridge of Peace.

I recommend avoiding these areas when possible. If you see a group of child beggars, give them a wide berth. Keep your money and valuables in your bag and not in your pockets.

Because they are minors, the police are apparently limited in how they can respond, which makes incidents like these extra frustrating.

The war in Ukraine

Another recent development that many travellers are understandably concerned about is the Ukraine war. Certainly there have been noticeable impacts in Georgia: Many Russians (and Ukrainians too) have fled here, which has had various knock-on effects.

Most Georgians are resolute in their support of Ukraine. In spring and summer 2022, there were non-violent demonstrations in many cities, but there have been fewer solidarity protests of late.

Anti-Russia sentiment has become amplified. For this reason, I do not recommend speaking Russian in Tbilisi. Most Georgians understandably prefer it if you use English.

Aside from the pro-Ukrainian flags and slogans you see around the place, there are no other obvious hints that a war is going on.

In terms of personal safety, I am yet to see any compelling evidence of an imminent threat. At the time of writing, official travel advisories classify Georgia as follows:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions ( US Department of State )
• Take normal security precautions ( Government of Canada )
• Exercise normal safety precautions ( Australian Government )

I recommend following your own country’s travel advice both before and during your trip.

At present, there is no issue with travelling to areas that are close to the Russian border . It is business as usual in places such as Gudauri , Kazbegi, Tusheti , etc.

I do not have any special insights into geopolitics. All I can say is that Ukraine is a long way from Georgia, and on a personal note, I would not still be living here if I thought it was unsafe.

Crime in Georgia

As mentioned, Georgia and Tbilisi both rank very low in terms of crime. Of course petty crime and burglary exist in Georgia, but tourists are rarely targeted.

In Tbilisi, it’s not unusual to hand your wallet over to a stranger so they can swipe your bus pass or to give someone your handbag to hold while you stand on the metro. I regularly see people lay their mobile phones down on the seat next to them when they’re on the train. There is a sense of trust and familiarity here that I think is quite rare.

Even in the bigger cities, there is a prevailing sense of community and a feeling that everyone looks out for each other. Georgian culture, the impacts of communism, the events of the 1990s that forced everyone to come together to overcome adversity – and of course the massive influence of the Orthodox Church – are probably all contributing factors.

As I’m sure you’ve already heard, hospitality is a big deal here. Georgians pride themselves on extending that same neighbourly kindness to guests and strangers.

You often see security bars on lower level windows in Tbilisi. These are leftover from the 1990s when crime was a serious problem.

In 2003, things changed with the Rose Revolution. The police force underwent major reform and corruption and bribery were virtually stamped out (on paper at least).

Trust in law enforcement went up, and crime rates went down. As well as improving the quality of life for Georgians, this went a long way to improving Georgia’s reputation internationally. There is a strong police presence in most cities today, and CCTV and security cameras are widespread.

Having said all that, of course I still recommend using common sense . Keep your valuables secure and avoid leaving your things unattended, especially when you’re on the metro in Tbilisi or in a crowded tourist area.

Last summer, there were a few bag snatching incidents in Tbilisi. Be extra careful with your belongings if you’re sitting outside at a bar or a restaurant late at night. Take care at hostels and look for places that provide secure storage. The same applies when using left luggage services .

Lock your doors and windows at night and when you leave your accommodation – even if your neighbours don’t – and avoid being out alone in quiet areas after dark. Do not go hiking or walking in secluded parts of Tbilisi alone.

If you do need to report a crime, police are generally pretty good when dealing with foreigners. English-speaking officers and/or interpreters are available at all police stations.

It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these emergency numbers in Georgia:

• 112 – General emergency
• 112 1 – Police and fire service

I also suggest you download the 112 Georgia app . It allows you to contact emergency services directly and send a GPS marker of your location in case something goes wrong.

Touts in Tbilisi

A couple of years ago there were hardly any touts in Tbilisi. Starting from two summers ago, I was shocked at the number of people selling tours and boat trips, advertising casinos and bars – often using mildly aggressive tactics and getting right up in your face.

If you’re walking around Old Tbilisi (especially near Shardeni Street), the Bridge of Peace or the pedestrianised part of Aghmashenebeli Avenue, you are bound to encounter them. It’s far worse in the busy summer months compared to shoulder or low season.

I personally detest this kind of thing and hate having to be on-guard when walking around the city. My advice is to avoid these areas during the middle of the day. If you’re ever approached and you feel uncomfortable, make eye contact and give them a firm no .

Touts are more of an annoyance than a safety issue.

Tourist scams in Georgia

Tourist scams are far less prevalent in Georgia than in most Western European countries. Dual pricing and the ‘tourist tax’ are a reality (especially at markets ), but getting scammed isn’t something the average tourist needs to be overly concerned about.

Dodgy currency exchange desks sometimes take advantage of tourists with fake banknotes or by skewing their rates. I recommend avoiding them all together – just use your bank card to withdraw cash at an ATM.

I have heard of people getting scammed in Tbilisi in broad daylight. In one case, a foreign visitor was charged 30 GEL (about $10) for a glass of orange juice. (It was freshly squeezed, but still.)

When buying food, drinks or souvenirs from a market, always ask the price before you commit to buy . Never buy something in a restaurant or bar without checking the price on the menu. Never pay your bill without checking the itemised docket.

I also suggest you avoid shopping from street vendors or visiting restaurants in the touristy parts of the Old Town or on the pedestrianised part of Aghmashenebeli Avenue. These are known hotspots.

The bar scam in Tbilisi

If you’re planning to dabble in Tbilisi’s nightlife, one thing you do need to be cautious of is the dreaded bar/nightclub scam . Usually scammers prey on single men via Tinder. But a few years ago this happened to friends of ours (a couple) at a certain bar in the Old Town. It has since closed down, thankfully.

The swindle goes something like this: After a few drinks, a friendly bartender will talk you into buying a bottle of wine or champagne. When it comes time to settle the bill, there are a few more (actually a lot more) zeros on the bill than you were expecting. But you agreed to buy the bottle, and you drank it, so you have to pay up.

When this happened to our friends, they were taken to the nearest ATM and forced to cough up the several thousand laris they apparently owed the bar. They went to the police and managed to get some of their money back, but not all of it.

The good news is that police are cracking down on these scams and in 2022/23, several people were charged.

One giveaway for these dodgy bars is that they aren’t listed on Google Maps. Before you go anywhere for a drink, check to see if the venue is marked on Google. If you meet someone online, set the meeting point yourself. In general, I recommend sticking to bars and clubs that have lots of reviews, like these ones .

Avoid visiting bars and clubs that appear on this list of the worst-rated places in Tbilisi.

Using taxis in Georgia

Taxis are another major pressure point for tourists. Taxis in Georgia are unmetered so if you don’t speak the same language as your driver, things can get very confusing.

Drivers sometimes take advantage of tourists in these situations. This is especially common when travelling from the airport to the city, which is why I recommend avoiding airport taxis at all costs (see my guide on how to get to and from Tbilisi Airport for alternatives).

Instead of using street taxis, I highly highly recommend using a ride-hailing app . Bolt is my top choice. This will completely remove the language barrier and any confusion over directions or price.

If you want to use the app, you will need to pick up a local sim card and a cheap data package when you arrive.

Occasionally people report issues with taxi apps where the driver takes the scenic route on purpose or ‘forgets’ to end the trip, resulting in an overcharge. It has happened to me on occasion. A good tip here is to always make sure the driver completes your trip before you get out of the car (Bolt now gives the passenger the option to manually end the trip as well).

Bolt has great support so if you have any issues, use the app to get in touch with them. I have received a full refund on several occasions.

Bolt is currently only available in bigger cities and towns. Maxim is an alternative app that also works in smaller towns. In rural areas, you should go through your guesthouse – they will be able to advise you on approximate fares and can usually organise taxis for you (most guesthouse owners have at least a few favourite drivers on speed dial).

Road safety in Georgia

Road safety is by far my biggest concern in Georgia and it’s something you really do have to be mindful of. Treacherous mountain roads like the one up to Tusheti are notoriously dangerous. But you have to take care everywhere, even in the city.

The driving style in Georgia could best be described as ‘fast and aggressive’ . Overtaking on two-lane highways at high speed is common.

Bad driving isn’t just limited to men, but there is definitely an element of machismo involved. Honestly, it’s one of the things I dislike most about Georgia.

There is a level of risk that comes with road travel anywhere in the world. In Georgia, that risk is amplified by poor road conditions, the prevalence of old and poorly maintained vehicles (and the mix of left and right-hand carriages), lack of regulation around day tour providers, the drinking culture, and the lax approach to road rules in general.

There are well over 5,000 reported traffic accidents here every year, and there’s usually at least one major accident involving tourists every season. I was astonished to learn that the cost of injuries and damage caused by road accidents amounts to 5% of Georgia’s GDP.

The risk is lower for shorter trips or rides around the city. Marshrutka vans are great for travelling between cities, but increased competition in recent years has put immense pressure on drivers. They often cut corners (speed to squeeze in an extra trip) as a result.

Thankfully road fatalities are decreasing and many roads are being upgraded, including the main highway between Tbilisi and Batumi. But there’s still a long way to go.

If it’s within your budget, I recommend using a reputable private driver for longer trips, especially in the mountains. GoTrip is a reliable and well-priced service for this.

Tips for staying safe on the road in Georgia:

• Never travel after dark
• Avoid trying to cover long distances in one day (3-4 hours of driving is about my limit)
• Choose tour operators carefully – don’t be afraid to question them about their road safety measures
• Always wear a seatbelt (mandatory for front-seat passengers)
• Never, ever get into a car or a marshrutka if you suspect the driver has been drinking

If you plan on hiring a car and driving around Georgia yourself, read up on my safety tips first. Familiarise yourself with weather conditions and avoid high-risk roads such as the Military Highway or the road to Mestia.

Hitchhiking and ride-sharing were once common in Georgia, but not so much anymore. Approach these interactions with caution.

Pedestrians also need to take extra care on Georgian roads. Zebra crossings and lights are common throughout Tbilisi and all cities, but never assume cars will stop for you . Turning cars are especially bad when it comes to cutting off pedestrians. I’ve had a few close calls myself.

Never try to cross a major street in Tbilisi if there’s no zebra crossing. Look for an underground passage instead.

Street dogs & mountain dogs

There are a lot of stray dogs in Georgia. According to the latest survey, there are 30,000 street dogs in Tbilisi alone.

In the cities, many dogs have a yellow or green plastic tag on their ear – this means they’ve been de-sexed and vaccinated as part of a government program. They might be strays, but they’re fed and cared for by the community as a collective.

Georgia’s street dogs are generally very sweet and affectionate. Often they congregate around tourist sites because they know they’ll get attention and food. I’ve never seen an urban dog be aggressive towards humans, even when there are snacks involved.

The shepherd dogs you see in the Caucasus mountains and rural areas are a whole different kettle of fish. These dogs are born and bred to guard their flock/herd from wolves and thieves, and they do so fiercely. It’s their job after all.

If you encounter sheep or cows when hiking or walking in rural areas, be aware that there is probably a dog nearby. The best course is to try and find an alternative route. If that’s not possible, walk at a normal pace and with purpose; show the dog that you’re moving through and you’re not a threat.

If the dog becomes aggressive and starts gnashing its teeth, yell out – oftentimes the shepherd (or a more confident bystander) will be close enough to call the dog off.

If you’re concerned about dogs and you plan on doing a lot of hiking, consider investing in an ultrasonic dog deterrent zapper .

Meeting locals

Interacting with locals is one of the most rewarding aspects of travelling in Georgia. The hospitality here is legendary – but don’t expect to be treated like a king or queen just because you’re a tourist.

In rural areas especially people may feel obliged to share what little they have with you. There’s nothing wrong with this – it’s a beautiful thing – but just be careful not to overstep or take advantage of people’s good will.

Getting invited into someone’s home for food or drink is fairly common, especially in small towns and villages. Exercise common sense in these situations, especially if you’re alone.

Be polite and learn a bit of the language – even just a few basic phrases can make interactions with people a lot smoother.

Georgia’s ethnic and cultural diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Places like Pankisi Valley offer some of the most genuine and rewarding travel experiences you can find anywhere in the country. It’s important to remember that different communities have their own traditions and customs. Life in the mountains is very different to life in urban Tbilisi.

I always recommend dressing conservatively in rural Georgia out of respect.

Hiking in Georgia

It can be difficult to find accurate information about weather and conditions in Georgia’s remote mountain areas, so it’s important to consult locals and have a backup plan in place when trekking.

The quantity and quality of marked trails is slowly improving thanks to initiatives such as the Transcaucasian Trail, but some of these routes are still very rugged and might not be suitable for inexperienced hikers.

If you’re a solo female traveller, I highly recommend linking up with hiking buddies rather than hiking on your own. This goes for both rural trails and hikes around Tbilisi .

Jozef at Caucasus Trekking is an expert on this topic – I highly recommend consulting his website before you go hiking in Georgia.

Adventure sports

Skiing and snowboarding and all kinds of other adventure activities are available in Georgia nowadays. Safety standards might not be what you’re used to, though.

I do not recommend paragliding in Georgia as the industry is largely unregulated. In 2022, paragliding was temporarily banned in Georgia following a devastating accident in Gudauri.

As of 2024, there are several developments in this area, no doubt connected to Georgia’s EU ambitions. Firstly, new safety standards have been introduced for paragliding operators. And secondly, Professional Liability Insurance will become mandatory for all high-risk tourism service providers in June.

Again, this is not at all my area of expertise – all I can say is do your research, go with a reputable company, and make sure you have travel insurance that covers high-risk activities.

It’s always worth seeking advice from an experienced guide or tour provider if you’re unsure.

Political unrest & demonstrations

It’s important to remember that Georgia is a young democracy and there are ongoing political and territorial issues. In August 2008, for example, tensions with Russia bubbled over into conflict along Georgia’s northern border.

It’s highly unlikely that a territorial dispute would impact tourists, but it’s best to avoid the South Ossetia (AKA Tskhinvali / Samachablo) ‘border zone’ area for this reason.

Georgians are passionate about their independence (who wouldn’t be after everything the country has been through), and people aren’t afraid to raise their voice against injustice, be it related to the borders, local politics, corruption, or something else entirely. As mentioned, many demonstrations have been held across Georgia in the wake of the events in Ukraine in early 2022.

Planned protests and demonstrations often occur in Tbilisi during the summer months. They are almost always peaceful, but things can escalate quickly, so I recommend keeping a safe distance. If you want to show your support, do so from the sidelines.

Travelling to Abkhazia or South Ossetia

Abkhazia is located on western Georgia’s Black Sea Coast. How Abkhazia became ‘separated’ from the rest of the country is a tragic and complicated story. I’m not going to rehash it here, but you can read this if you’re interested.

If you’re thinking of travelling to Abkhazia, you need to be aware that there are separate safety concerns that don’t apply to the rest of Georgia. I know people who have travelled to Abkhazia and had a great time. And I’ve heard some horror stories, too.

The situation in Abkhazia is tenuous. The crossing often closes at short notice, and it can be very difficult for tourists to accurately read the situation.

There is no consular assistance in Abkhazia as far as I’m aware, so if something goes wrong, you’re on your own. Also note that most standard travel insurance policies won’t cover you for travel to Abkhazia.

It is not possible to enter South Ossetia (AKA Tskhinvali / Samachablo) from Georgia. Travellers are advised to give the ‘border zone’ a wide berth.

It is still safe to travel on the highway through Gori and to Stepantsminda / Racha .

Eating & drinking in Georgia

On a lighter note, I often get questions about food hygiene and whether or not you can drink the tap water in Georgia.

I eat out at least 3-4 times a week (more when I’m travelling) and have never once gotten food poisoning in Georgia. Food is generally pretty fresh and additives such as MSG are not used in Georgian cooking.

As always, I suggest eating where locals eat (this list of Tbilisi’s best restaurants is a good place to start) to reduce the risk of a dodgy meal.

Generally speaking, it’s safe to drink the tap water in Georgia. In many parts of the country, tap water isn’t just potable, it’s highly coveted spring mineral water. You should always carry an empty with you when you visit mountain areas so you can bottle some for later.

The only exception is Tbilisi, where the tap water has a high mineral content (this is more due to the old pipes in many buildings rather than the water itself).

Tap water doesn’t agree with everyone, so I suggest starting with small doses and switching to bottled water if you need to.

Is Georgia safe for solo female travellers?

As a female, I always feel safe in Georgia. But I have noticed that when I travel without my partner (or even go around Tbilisi on my own), it’s often a very different experience.

Georgia is a patriarchal society and women here face particular issues. Awkward and unwanted stares from men is the most common complaint, while I have heard of women (expats and tourists) being followed by men in public areas. Harassment and public indecency (being flashed) are more rare, but it does happen.

I know plenty of women who travel and hike in Georgia solo. But as fellow travel blogger Amy says, “there are jerks everywhere.” Even in Georgia.

If you’re a solo female traveller, I recommend being proactive and taking extra steps around personal safety. Don’t walk alone late at night. Make sure your bedroom door has a lock, and always secure the door at night (especially if you’re staying at a guesthouse in a rural area). Avoid staying by yourself in apartments or Airbnbs with shared ‘Italian yards’ as they offer little privacy from the neighbours.

And yes, this also means dressing conservatively – not because I think what you wear should determine how you’re treated, but because Georgia is a conservative society in many ways, and dressing accordingly is a sign of respect (and a way to blend into the crowd more than anything).

You might want to avoid travelling solo in very remote mountain areas. Pairing up with other travellers is never a bad idea. It’s also good practice to have your accommodation organised in advance in these situations, and to be in touch with your guesthouse owner.

For further reading, here is an interview about travelling and hiking in Georgia solo . This website correlates first-hand reports from solo travellers in Tbilisi and is very useful for getting a picture of what it’s like on the ground.

LGBTQ travellers will find some useful insights in this article . I should also point out that in 2023, the Tbilisi Pride event was cancelled following protests that unfortunately turned violent.

Is Georgia safe for kids?

While Georgia remains popular with younger travellers and backpackers, more and more families are considering it as a holiday destination. I have encountered families of all sizes and kids of all ages travelling here.

In Georgian culture, children (especially babies) are adored, so you’ll get big brownie points if you show up to a restaurant or guesthouse with a little one. 

The biggest thing to be aware of is the lack of safety barricades and rails at heritage sites such as Vardzia , Uplistsikhe and Martvili Canyon . The crumbling walls at Tbilisi’s Narikala Fortress are an accident waiting to happen.

Some hotels and guesthouses similarly might not be set up for kids – it always pays to ask first.

Overall though, Georgia is perfectly safe for kids and there are plenty of child-friendly things to do here.

Do you need travel insurance for Georgia?

I always recommend taking out travel insurance no matter where in the world you’re going. Even though Georgia is a safe place for tourists, I personally wouldn’t consider travelling here without insurance.

From June 1, 2024, it will be compulsory for all international citizens entering Georgia to hold proof of health and accident insurance.

My preferred provider for travel insurance is Hey Mondo. Compare policies and save 5% when you use my referral link .

Final words: Is Georgia safe?

My many and varied experiences travelling in Georgia and living in several different cities have shown me that Georgia is an overwhelmingly safe destination for travellers . I think most other expats and travellers would agree with me.

Road safety should be your main concern, and I recommend taking proactive measures to ensure any road travel you do is as safe as it can possibly be. Risk mitigation is key.

English is widely spoken in Georgia, and people here are renowned for their hospitality and kindness towards strangers. This, combined with the very low crime rate, makes Tbilisi a safe city and Georgia a safe country in general.

Overall, you should exercise common sense when it comes to personal safety in Georgia, especially when you’re on the road or in the mountains.

Solo female travellers need to be on-guard more than other travellers, especially on hiking trails or when visiting remote areas.

Georgia essentials

Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend for Georgia. Check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Search for affordable flights to Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance (get 5% off when you book with my link).

SIM CARD: Magti is my preferred provider, with prices starting from 9 GEL/week for unlimited data. See this guide for all the details about buying a Georgian SIM card .

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Most flights into Georgia arrive in the early hours. For ease, pre-book a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel (from $17) or from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi (from $90) with my partners at GoTrip.ge.

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Georgia. Use it to find family guesthouses, private apartments, hostels and hotels around the country.

CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a rental car in Georgia – use the Local Rent website to book through a local agent (prices start from $20/day).

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Use Viator or Get Your Guide to browse a range of day trips and city tours. For off-beat programs, I recommend Friendly.ge (use the promocode wanderlush for 10% off). For in-depth day trips to Georgia’s wine regions, I recommend Eat This! Tours (use the promo code wanderlush for 5% off).

PRIVATE TRANSFERS: GoTrip.ge is a terrific service for booking a private professional driver and car for the day. Use it for A-to-B transfers, a customised round-trip itinerary, or a multi-day trip. You can stop wherever you like for as long as you like without the fixed price going up.

NEED SOME HELP?: Need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips? I offer a one-on-one consultation call service for Tbilisi and Georgia. More information and bookings here .

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You might also be interested in….

• The ultimate Georgia itinerary : Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
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26 Comments

Hi Emily, I stumbled across your page on the Sulphur Baths of Tbilisi, but have since read a few. There is a lot of useful data in these pages (especially this one on safety) – much more so than many other sites I’ve looked at. I’m hoping to get to Tbilisi later this year, so will be referring to your info. Phil

Thanks Phil, glad to hear it!

Thank you for this excellent overview which is very helpful, especially because it’s based on a real person’s exprerience and therefore IMHO much more trustworthy than all those generic “travel safety” pages on tourist and government websites.

I’d like to comment on one minor detail. You seem to suggest that the “prevailing sense of community and a feeling that everyone looks out for each other” emerged with the downfall of the Soviet Union. Actually, that WAS the general attitude in the Soviet Union. Speaking of Estonia, another former Russian colony, it was hard to imagine back in the 1980’s that a minor could walk on the street, smoking, without being severely scolded by the passersby. When you didn’t offer your seat in a bus to an old woman, you were likely to get heavy verbal abuse. Things like that. Then came democracy, human rights, property laws, privacy laws, and suddenly nothing was anybody’s business. People started looking the other way and pretending they weren’t seeing anything. That’s one of the (very few) downsides of a normal society.

Far be it from me to deny that the prevailing sense of community is there in Georgia of today. I’ve never been to Georgia, so I couldn’t know. All I’m saying is that it’s probably an age-old Georgian tradition and surely not a by-product of Georgia’s independence form Russia.

Hi Lawless – actually I wasn’t trying to suggest that at all. I don’t know enough about social dynamics in the USSR to have a strong opinion either way – just noting it as a massive historical force that has influenced the way things are today. I will leave your comment here as an interesting aside for others to read. Thank you for your input!

Hey Emily Thanks so much for this fantastic blog! Myself and two female friends are heading there this September, so this is very useful. My brother went in June and said all his drivers in the mountains were drunk, so we will definitely be more picky with our choices like you mention! We are debating doing Nakra to Mestia or Mestia to Ushguli but think we will go with the popular route just to feel safer for our first trip. thanks again

Thank you so much for this wonderfully rich guide to Georgia! I hope to visit soon from the United States.

Could I ask in general, how accessible is Georgia for older adults who occasionally need to use a wheelchair? Do buildings generally have elevators and is public transportation generally accessible? Or is the infrastructure still being updated for those kinds of measures?

Thank you so much!

Hello Ann! Sorry to say that Georgia still has a long way to go in terms of accessibility – the new city buses in Tbilisi are accessible, but many venues and hotels are not.

Hi ! thank you for your useful advice. We are planning on travelling to Georgia in April. Would you change any of your recommendations considering the latest demonstrations in Tbilisi? thank you

Hi Lisa, no I wouldn’t – the demonstrations have ended. Have a great trip!

Emily Lush, I agree in general with your assessment about security and safety in Georgia, having lived in this lovely country from 2003 to 2009, then from 2012 to 2016 and currently from 2021. Please, stop using the offensive term “romani” that you are using with regards to the gypsy (tsigani) children committing petty crimes in Tbilisi. Once and for all, with this anglo-saxon offensive term “romani” that you have borrowed while referring to the gypsy minority of Sinti or Egyptian origin, you are offending the whole country Romania, who has inherited its name from the Holy Roman Empire, and whose name does not have anything to do with Sinti gypsies.

My apologies – I did not mean to cause any offence.

According to the European Roma Rights Centre, the term Tsigani that you have suggested and the term Gypsy are both “highly offensive racial slurs”. I have seen some academics use the terms Lom and Dom to refer to communities in the South Caucasus, but I am not 100% sure these people are associated with those particular groups. The term Romani is more mainstream, which is why I chose to use it. I think most people understand by now that there is no association with Romania.

If you can suggest a non-offensive alternative, I am all ears.

I accept that you did not want to offend, but to be helpful, but please, be careful with what you are writing, such as: “These kids are from Roma/Gypsy families who have entered Georgia from neighbouring countries. Because they don’t have documents (and because they are minors), the police are apparently limited in how they can respond.” How do you know these kids belong to this minority? Do you speak “Roma”/”Gypsy”/”Sinti” language? How do you know they are from neighbouring countries and not residents of Georgia? The neighbouring countries of Georgia are Russian Federation, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The land border of Georgia with Azerbaijan is closed since Covid started, therefore these kids could Not come from there. The border with Russian Federation was widely opened in September 2022 when partial mobilisation was declared, but I doubt that these kids “without documents” could have crossed that heavily controlled border into Georgia. The border between Turkey and Georgia can be crossed by Georgians with the ID only, however the Turkish authorities are known as being extremely serious and thorough at doing their border control, so I do not think they could have crossed the Turkish border from Turkey into Georgia without documents. Armenian-Georgian border seems to be the friendliest, but for those who crossed it, the border control is very seriously done, firstly by the Armenian Border Guards and then by the Georgian Border Guards (green border) and by Patrol Police at Border Check Points. So, in conclusion your statement is probably taken from some locals, who feel embarrassed by the delinquent kids, and tried to unfairly suggest that they are “foreigners”. No, these kids are not foreigners, as they do not have documents to prove this statement, and they could not cross the borders from a neighbouring country without documents. Unless they were brought in by an adult, and forced here to do delinquencies, and in this case the local police does have a case, and must do the job to find the adult and prosecute him.

I’m not sure how this is relevant. This is a post about safety advice, and I am simply trying to offer some insight into why this continues to be an issue.

Many of these families have been here since before COVID.

News, police, embassies and travel advisories are all reporting that these children are from Roma/Gypsy/Sinti families. If you can point me to a reliable source that says otherwise, I would appreciate it. They do not come alone, they come with their families/parents.

Hi, I had used your blog during our trip to Georgia. We travelled as a family of four. Why I am writing here is to highlight the child beggar ploy into which we got to be a victim. As you had clearly mentioned that, four to five child beggars would hold on to your legs and hands and cleanly pickpocket you and at the exact location you had mentioned near Galleria Tbilisi. Let me explain clearly the scene of robbery/pickpocketing… There were a group of four to five girls sitting in the road bench along the pavement on the road. They noticed us and judged us, then they started to follow us, walking along with us for a while, then moving past and came back to us from the opposite direction. They surrounded me and two girls held my hands pretending to beg and the other two girls immediately caught onto my legs, meanwhile I clearly felt they were flicking out my 2 wallets from my back pant pockets within seconds. Knowing my loss I caught hold of the girl who flicked my wallet, but I pretty well knew that the wallet had been immediately transferred to the other girls and would have reached to the head girl. Though I tried to catch hold of the girl and immediately called the police, but a local man who should be among the team, started to threaten me and i did not give up but at the end he started to attack me so i lost the grip of the girl hand and all the girls started to run. I chased them but they crossed the main road as that should be their regular passage for their escape. I did not give up and I followed the man for a few hundred meters and he started to harass me and finally police arrived to the spot but they did not make any enquiry on the culprits as they said the guy is mentally challenged which is highly a false statement. As an usual practice, the police complaint was lodged and the formalities are going on…….. So the lesson learnt is “we need to protect our personal belongings carefully” especially when we are foreigners in a new country. And I also recommend not to react in the crowd when such an incident happens, as they could go to any extent and mainly language is barrier. Simply ignore, stay calm and claim your insurance. Anyway, safe travelling!

I’m so very sorry to hear this happened to you. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, I hope it will help others to avoid something similar happening to them. I hope you see some justice as a result of the police report.

I sincerely hope this didn’t spoil your trip and your family still enjoyed your time together in Georgia!

Kindest wishes.

‘Romani’ has nothing to do with Romania and Romanian. Romani is in fact the language of the Roma people who do have different names in different countries (Dom, Nawar, Sinti etc) but it is their own organizations who have encouraged the use of Roma instead of Gypsy which they, the people concerned, find offensive.

Hi Emily I used your blog extensively for my travel to Georgia recently. Thank you for this wonderful resource. In terms of safety I wanted to add my experience. Overall, I felt very safe but I had some bad experiences at the airport. I’d kept some money (token to be taken home as souvenirs) in my bag’s front pocket, which was stolen, possibly during check in at Tbilisi International airport. It wasn’t a whole lot but it did leave a bad taste. I’d also recommend avoiding the SIM card resellers at at the airport who offer a discount but the SIM card I’d purchased stopped working mid term. The taxi drivers are also excessively aggressive (especially for a solo traveler) Bolt is such a blessing.

So sorry to hear that Smita! What a terrible end to the trip. Yes, I always recommend buying a sim in the city rather than at the airport and using Bolt whenever possible. Hope you still had a great time in Georgia!

Hi Emily, Thank you very much for a lot of great information! My friend and I are going to Georgia later this week. We are going for a day hike in Bordzjomi and Kazbegi respectively (to the glacier and later for a two day hike back and forth to Roshka from Juta via the Sadzele pass and the Chaukhi pass). We are two female travellers doing these hikes, and I’m interested in knowing if there in general are many people doing these hikes regarding not being alone as you describe in your post? Furthermore: Are there any other thoughts you want to share regarding safety in these areas that you haven’t already described ? We are staying at guesthouses in Kazbegi and Roshka and a hotel in Bordzjomi.

Kind regards, Christina

Hi Christina, I’m not sure how many people will be out on the trails but since it’s July, I’m sure you will encounter a few!

Borjomi is a popular resort for families so there’s nothing special to keep in mind regarding safety there.

I am not familiar with the Roshka area but you can see this post for specific tips: https://www.caucasus-trekking.com/treks/roshka-to-juta-by-sadzele-pass

Sadly we have different experience with street dogs than you have. We have seen multiple urban dogs be aggressive towards humans, and witnessed dog bites. We spoke with locals about it and with doctors in a Tbilisi hospital. According to the people we spoke it sadly is still a big problem in Georgia, and quite a lot of people get bitten. Luckily RIG, anti-rabies and tetanus shots are available in bigger cities (for example Tbilisi, but also Telavi). It is true that the tagged dogs are generally safe, but it’s best to be careful around dogs in general, especially at the outer edges of villages. Still 90% of the dogs won’t do you any harm, and will only keep you company for a while. It’s best to be warned about this as a first time visitor in Georgia.

Hi Maurits – yes I totally agree and this is the same advice I provide in the post. Street dogs in cities are very different to those in rural areas, as I explain. Thanks for your insights!

Thank you so much for all this great information! In terms of avoiding solo female travel to more remote areas, what would you think safety-wise of a solo female traveler traveling to the Pankisi valley? Thanks!

Hi Elisa – I have travelled solo to Pankisi and know many others who have as well. I recommend you stay at Nazy’s Guest House – she will make you feel like family and sort out everything you need for your stay.

Thanks for this fantastic post, planning to visit Georgia for the first time next year, so I find your post very useful and informative, the best to you from Mexico!

Thanks Manuel for your comment! Happy to hear that.

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Georgia Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Backpacking Georgia was everything I thought it would be.

For years, I’d heard from my more well-traveled friends that Georgia was the place to be; it’s cheap, has delicious food and wine, incredible hikes and mountain scenery, and is devoid of huge numbers of tourists.

When I finally traveled around Georgia, I found they were right. I loved Georgia. It was better than I thought it could possibly be.

The country is in the Caucasus region and has a rich history, owing to its location at the intersection of Europe and Asia. It’s long been a cultural crossroads. Artifacts, including evidence of wine production, date to 6000 BCE, earning Georgia the nickname the “Cradle of Wine.”

From ancient monasteries to vineyards to tiny mountain towns to the Black Sea beaches, Georgia has it all — without the prices or crowds of Europe . The capital, Tbilisi, known for its diverse architecture and maze-like cobblestone streets, has a hip art and robust foodie scene. ( I loved Tbilisi so much I extended my time there .)

This travel guide to the country of Georgia can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Georgia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Georgia

1. Explore Tbilisi

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is incredible. Its cobblestoned old town has ancient streets, beautiful buildings, and thermal baths. Its modern district is filled with old Soviet buildings turned into co-working and art spaces. It’s a fun, youthful, energetic city. Stay awhile.

2. Check out Batumi

Batumi is the country’s famous Black Sea resort and port city, with a beautiful waterfront promenade, parks, and beaches. The towering Alphabetic Tower, adorned with Georgian script, has a seaside observation deck at the top (10 GEL). The old town district is lined with renovated 19th-century buildings.

3. Explore Stepantsminda

Located on the Georgian Military Highway, Stepantsminda is a valley town at the foot of Mount Kazbek. Often referred to as Kazbegi (its former name), it’s home to the famous hilltop silhouette of Tsminda Sameba Church. It makes a great base for hiking, climbing, and mountain-biking.

4. See Mtskheta

Mtskheta, the country’s former capital, is one of the oldest cities of Georgia. As the birthplace and one of the most vibrant centers of Christianity in Georgia, Mtskheta was declared as the “Holy City” by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2014. It’s another must see place in the country.

5. Tour Gelati Monastery

One of the most spectacular monasteries in the country is the Gelati Monastery outside of Kutaisi. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Georgian’s Golden Age. It’s one of my favorite places in the entire country — it’s just beautiful. Free admission.

Other Things to See and Do in Georgia

1. visit vardzia cave monastery.

This unique monastery was built into the side of Erusheli mountain during the Georgian Golden Age (11th-13th century) for Queen Tamar the Great as a sanctuary to hide from invaders. The fortress contains 6,000 apartments as well as a throne room, 25 wine cellars, a bakery, and a large church. Today, the monastery is occupied by a small number of monks with about 300 of the original 6,000 apartments in use. It is easy to get here by marshrutka (minibus) from Akhaltsikhe. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Admission is 15 GEL.

2. Wander the Batumi Botanical Garden

Located 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) from Batumi, these expansive gardens are located on a hillside overlooking the sea, covering over 275 acres. The main trail takes about 1.5 hours, on which you can see a diverse range of flora and fauna as well as waterfalls and a river in which you can swim. There are nine sections to the park, including areas dedicated to plants from the Caucasian subtropics, the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, New Zealand, East Asia, and more. The entrance fee is 8 GEL and camping overnight is possible for 20 GEL (includes admission).

3. Take a day trip to the town in a cave

Founded in the late Bronze Age, Uplistsikhe Cave Town is an ancient rock-hewn town located outside Gori. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, and between the 6th century BCE and the 11th century CE, this was one of the most important political and religious centers in the country. The town was abandoned in the 13th century after multiple invasions by the Mongols. Admission is 15 GEL.

4. Soak in the sulfur baths

Mineral sulfur baths are central to the history and culture of Georgia’s capital. In fact, Tbilisi comes from the word for “warm place.” Although there were once 63 bathhouses in Tbilisi, sadly, there are now only a handful left. The baths are still wildly popular and are supposed to have healing powers and be good for your skin. The historic bathhouses straddle a small river that feeds them and then meanders through a canyon leading to the amazing Dzveli Tbilisi sulfur waterfall. Prices for an hour soak start at 20 GEL at public facilities and go all the way up to 200 GEL for a private room in fancier bathhouses. You can also opt to get a scrub down for an additional 10-20 GEL.

5. Visit Svaneti and the Caucasian Mountains

One of the most visited places in the mountains is Svaneti, thanks to its hundreds of ancient watchtowers dotted around the landscape. Historically, these watchtowers were used to keep citizens safe from invaders. While you can fly there, I’d recommend taking the long winding road through the mountains. It’s more scenic and there are lots of great photo ops.

6. Explore the Caves of Gareji

Located on the border with Azerbaijan , the David Gareji monastery complex consists of hundreds of rooms and churches, constructed on the side of the hilly landscape. Due to ongoing border disputes with Azerbaijan, only half of the complex is open to visitors. You can easily visit as a day trip from Tbilisi for around 108 GEL or you can travel by bus and stay locally. The entrance fee is 7 GEL, with an audio guide costing an additional 10 GEL.

7. Go Skiing

Thanks to the high Caucasus mountains, there is some really underrated skiing in the country. The most popular resorts are Gudauri, Bakuriani, and Mestia. Expect to pay around 40-50 GEL for a day pass. You can find accommodation from 140 GEL a night.

8. Visit the Georgian National Museum

One of the best museums in Tbilisi, this massive museum complex consists of several museums wrapped in one. It has a wealth of pre-Christian gold, silver, and precious stonework from burials in Georgia going back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Most stunning are the fabulously detailed gold adornments from Colchis (western Georgia). On the top floor, the Museum of Soviet Occupation focuses in copious detail on Soviet repression and resistance to it. Admission to all the museums in the complex costs 20 GEL.

9. Enjoy Mtatsminda Park

Mtatsminda Park sits at the top of Mount Mtatsminda overlooking Tbilisi. It’s a famous amusement park with a killer view from the highest point in Tbilisi and is worth the funicular trip just for the view. The park costs nothing to enter, but if you want to go on the rides you need to buy a card for 2 GEL and then top it up to pay. Rides include a Ferris wheel, carousels, water slides, and a roller coaster.

10. See Katskhi Pillar

The Katskhi Pillar is a 40-meter (130-foot) limestone monolith with the ruins of a small medieval hermitage at the top. The site was used between the 9th-13th centuries by an early Christian group called the “Stylites” who were known as “pillar monks.” They would spend long periods of time sitting (or standing) on top of pillars as they believed the practice would bring them closer to God. You cannot ascend the pillar, but it makes for gorgeous views and photos.

11. Visit the Stalin Museum

Stalin’s birthplace of Gori, Georgia, is now home to a weird museum that pays homage to his life (and forgets all the bad stuff he did). The museum takes you through Stalin’s life, from his early years growing up in Gori to his leadership of the USSR and finally his death in 1953. It’s a whitewashed exhibition but worth a visit as it’s a weird experience. Admission is 15 GEL including an English-speaking guide.

12. Explore the Tusheti region

The Tusheti region is located in the northeast of Georgia on the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. If you want to go hiking in Georgia and get off the beaten path, head here. It’s incredibly beautiful and panoramic, and many people hike village to village to stay in guesthouses. The Omalo Loop Trek is a good one, although long (it takes several days). If you’re just looking to do some day hikes, do Omalo to Diklo Fort (4 hours) or Ghele to Parsma (8-9 hours).

Georgia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Georgia is a great budget backpacker destination, with a ton of cheap accommodation options. A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs around 15-20 GEL per night. For a private room in a hostel, expect to pay around 50-80 GEL per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

Budget hotels cost between 40-67 GEL per night and come with basic amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers. Mountain guesthouses start from 55-67 GEL and often require a minimum stay of 2-3 nights. Airbnb is another great budget option, with private rooms starting at 45 GEL per night. Entire apartments start at around 60-90 GEL.

Camping is available around the country. There are a few hundred campgrounds scattered around, with prices costing around 10-25 GEL per night for two people and a tent. Wild camping is legal in Georgia as long as you’re not camping on someone’s private property.

Food – Georgian cuisine is a flavorful and healthy mix of meats, produce, fresh cheeses, and lots of spices. Soups and salads are plentiful, as are all kinds of fresh bread. Be sure to try khachapuri (a gooey, cheesy bread), khinkali (Georgian dumplings), bean soup, and sulguni (a popular local cheese). Wine, of course, is the drink of choice and can be found everywhere for incredibly affordable prices.

Overall, food is very cheap in Georgia — especially if you stick to eating the local cuisine. For an inexpensive lunch at a restaurant serving traditional Georgian cuisine, expect to pay around 20 GEL. Fast food (think burger and fries) is around 15 GEL while a medium pizza is 14 GEL.

If you want to splash out, a nicer meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 35-40 GEL, including a drink.

Expect to pay around 4-5 GEL for a beer and 5-7 GEL for a glass of wine. A latte/cappuccino is around 6 GEL.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs between 68-95 GEL. This gets you basic stapes like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Georgia Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Georgia, my suggested budget is 70 GEL per day. This covers the cost of a hostel dorm, eating only cheap meals but mostly your own food, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking mostly to free and cheap activities like free walking tours and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of about 185 GEL per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or doing a guided hike.

On a “luxury” budget of 360 GEL per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, rent a car or hire a driver to explore, enjoy more drinks, take taxis when you need to, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GEL.

Georgia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Georgia is a great place for backpackers as both food and accommodation are affordable. However, there are still ways you can cut costs even further. Here are some tips on how to save money in Georgia:

• Take a free walking tour – Tbilisi Free Walking Tour offers free walking tours which are a great way to get familiar with the city and the culture. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Drink the tap water – The water in Georgia is perfectly safe to drink, so an easy way to save money is to bring a reusable water bottle. LifeStraw is my go-to brand since their bottles have built-in filters that ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Wild camp – If you really want to save money in Georgia, bring a tent. Camping is perfectly legal on public land.
• Cook your own meals – Many hostels here include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money, book accommodation with a kitchen. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it definitely saves money!
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing (or similar sharing economy sites) is a great way to save money and meet a knowledgeable local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Walk everywhere – All of the major towns and cities in Georgia are quite walkable, so skip the public transportation (and the taxis) if you want to save a few extra Lari.

Where to Stay in Georgia

You can find some incredibly cheap accommodation options throughout Georgia. These are some of my suggested places to stay in Georgia:

• Guest House Darejani (Kutaisi)
• Boutique Hotel and Hostel Medusa (Batumi)
• Rock Hotel First Line (Batumi)
• Nino Ratiani Guesthouse (Mestia)
• Nato and Lado Guesthouse (Sighnaghi)
• My Moon Hostel Zugdidi (Zugdidi)

How to Get Around Georgia

Public Transportation – Larger cities in Georgia are served by buses, mini-buses, and taxis. Tbilisi is the only city that has a metro system, costing 0.5 GEL per ride. You can also get a “Metromoney” card for 2 GEL that gives discounts on Tbilisi public transport and can be topped up as you go.

Public transportation prices vary by city but expect to pay around 0.5 GEL for a standard adult ticket. Most cities are walkable, although Tbilisi, with the exception of the old town, is pretty spread out so you may want to try and navigate the city’s public transport system.

If you need to take a taxi, prices start around 3 GEL and cost around 0.60 GEL per kilometer. Be sure to negotiate a fare before you get in.

Alternatively, if you are in Tbilisi and don’t want to take the bus then you can use Yandex, which is Georgia’s answer to Uber. You can download the app and use it to book a driver. Most journeys cost no more than 5 GEL.

Trains – Train travel within Georgia is slow and most of the trains are old and don’t have AC. If you do decide to travel by train and are traveling in high season, you need to book at least a day or two in advance or risk your train being sold out.

If you are entering or leaving Georgia by train, you can find direct routes from Armenia and Azerbaijan . Prices are very budget friendly with the overnight train from Baku in Azerbaijan costing from 62 GEL for a second-class ticket to Tbilisi. The journey is around 13 hours, so it may be worth paying a little extra for first class (around 100 GEL).

Bus – Buses, known locally as a marshrutka , are the best way to get around the country on a budget. Expect to pay 35 GEL to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan in Armenia.

Airlines – You can fly between Tbilisi and Batumi. Flights cost anything from 215-1,078 GEL so this is not the most economical option. I’d only recommend it if you’re short on time and have lots of money to spend.

Car rental – One of the best ways to see Georgia is by renting a car. This way you are free to roam without restrictions. Car rentals can be as low as 94 GEL per day for a multi-day rental. However, the roads in Georgia really aren’t the best and accidents are common so you’ll need to drive carefully. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for renting a vehicle.

When to Go to Georgia

The best time to visit Georgia is during the spring or autumn. Georgia can get extremely hot during the summer months and winters can be bitterly cold, making the shoulder seasons the best time to visit.

As the weather begins to get warmer from April to June, the cities come alive with people taking advantage of the weather. The temperatures also make hiking and outdoor activities more pleasant; the summer can be too warm to hike comfortably. Expect spring and autumn daily highs around 18°C (65°F).

The ski season in Georgia is from December through to April. Expect temperatures to hover around freezing. If you don’t plan on skiing or doing other winter sports, I’d avoid a winter visit to Georgia.

How to Stay Safe in Georgia

Georgia is a very safe country and violent crime against travelers is rare. The only areas to be avoided are the Russian-occupied areas of Georgia in the north (Abkhazia and South Ossetia) where things are still a bit rough and contentious.

As in any destination, don’t flash your valuables and keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy tourist areas and on crowded public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Road accidents are very common so be sure to always wear your seatbelt when in a vehicle and always look twice when crossing busy streets. If you rent car, make sure you don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Scams here are rare, but you can read about common travel scams to avoid if you’re concerned.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Georgia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Georgia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Georgia and continue planning your trip:

My 15 Favorite Things to See and Do in Georgia

Is Georgia Safe to Visit?

Finding Love and Home in Tbilisi, Georgia

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Georgia Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Georgia

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Georgia entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Georgia from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Georgia.

Can I travel to Georgia if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Georgia without restrictions.

Can I travel to Georgia without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Georgia without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Georgia?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Georgia.

Can I travel to Georgia without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Georgia?

Mask usage in Georgia is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Georgia?

Restaurants in Georgia are open. Bars in Georgia are .

• Why Georgia
• Destinations
• Things To Do
• Nature & Adventure
• Useful Info

Is Georgia a Safe Country?

Georgia on the list of top ten safest countries.

In January 2022, Usebounce published a list of the safest countries for solo travelers, and Georgia ranked thirteenth in conjunction with Italy. 

According to to See.place, a popular travelers website, Georgia is one the top ten safest countries in the world due to its low crime rate, after Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, and Luxembourg. 

The Crime Rate in Numbers

20% of Georgia is occupied by Russia, and in two regions, Abkhazeti and Samachablo, Georgian jurisdiction is not currently in effect. This statistic may be what gives people the impression that traveling in our country might be dangerous.

However, a variety of reforms have come into effect in Georgia in recent years that have increased the development of this European-style country, making living and traveling here safe.

According to Numbeo’s research carried out in the first half of 2020 by comparing 133 countries in the world safety and crime rates, Georgia came in 4th in the world and 1st in Europe. 

The national yearly statistics of the country prove that crimes like theft, robbery, murder, terrorism, human trafficking, and so on have significantly decreased, while the rate of crimes solved has increased. 

In populated areas or on highways, you’ll encounter the Georgian police force. These peacekeepers, who have undergone intensive training, can help with any problem, even one as simple as directions. The Georgian police force has a high confidence rating among the populace. 

112 is the number for safety assistance. If you witness a crime, road or public accident, domestic violence, crisis, or experience an unexpected health issue, call 112 for free from any telephone network, landline, or mobile, after which the Public Safety Command Center will respond operationally to any information 24/7. 

While you are in Georgia, download the 112 mobile app, and press “allow my location”, then if needed, you can call officers quickly.

Safety on the Roads

The majority of Georgia’s territory is equipped with video cameras, which are connected to a unified video surveillance system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Your journey’s safety is guaranteed by 5,439 cameras, of which 1,849 are license plate recognition cameras, and 3,590 are general view cameras, working in tandem. Road warning signs are set up before video cameras to inform drivers in advance of surveillance. 

Video cameras have been set up in the centers of the capital and other cities, in well-developed tourist areas, in hotels, near historical monuments , near caves, and along the paths in national parks.

Red Button on Transport, Police in the Subway

Complete comfort has been set up for every traveler, especially on public transport. There are many police officers in the Tbilisi subway and your safety is no less protected on the buses, which are equipped with video cameras and a red safety button.

The Guide - Your Journey’s Friend

The institution of the guide has been fully refined in Georgia, keeping up with the development of tourism. The certified guides do not just tell you about the diverse history and culture of our country but are also responsible for your safety. They will teach you how to hike peacefully over the mountainous landscapes, how to go see the fortress towers usually raised atop cliffs, how to take a trip through a cave , and how to safely enjoy the beautiful forests, lakes, and waterfalls. 

The guide companions for extreme adventure lovers are a separate category. The well-trained alpine groups take responsibility for your safety when climbing up Kazbegi (Mkinvartsveri), Ushba, Tetnuldi , and other peaks. 

Rafting enthusiasts will find rafting specialists who are well-trained with special safety equipment.

Extreme sports are often accompanied by accidents, a number that has significantly decreased in recent years.

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard reform is one of the Ministry of Internal Affairs' most successful reforms. The Black Sea resorts of Georgia stand out for their safe beaches and the 310 kilometers of the coastline are defended by more than 320 coastguards. During the 2022 season alone, they managed to save the lives of more than 100 people. 

The Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid pandemic has made it more essential to think about safety while traveling in recent years. 

In 2020, the European Council selected the following countries that would be on the safe countries list: Australia, Canada, Georgia , Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay.

Nowadays the risks of Covid-19 have significantly decreased throughout the world, and, rest assured Georgia has ensured the health and safety of all its visitors.

Hospitality

Georgian hospitality is a superior tradition from ancient times. It is said that among us, “a guest is from God”.

Every guest in Georgia, no matter nationality or religion, is seen as sent by God, so don’t be surprised in you are invited to a stranger’s house, where they will give you a supra and bless your journey with noble Georgian wine.

Visitors won’t feel like tourists here, even if it’s your first time visiting. In addition to all her other charms, the pleasant environment makes everyone fall in love with our country and sends them home with a desire to return.

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Is Georgia Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Georgia : Safety by City
• Cartersville
• East Columbus
• Johns Creek
• Lawrenceville
• Peachtree City
• Peachtree Corners
• Sandy Springs
• South Fulton
• Stockbridge
• Tybee Island
• Warner Robins

Georgia is a state in the southeast loaded with history and charm.

There are beaches in the southeast as well as Savannah, one of the oldest cities in America famous for its many squares lined with trees.

In the north, there are mountains and great outdoor areas to explore.

There is the city of Atlanta, itself a large historical city.

Atlanta has 500,000 people, but there are 6 million in the metropolitan area, half of the state’s population.

The Atlanta aquarium is the largest one in the world.

Atlanta was a big part of the civil war and the civil rights movements of the 60s.

There are several other medium-sized cities, as well as a lot of farmland, especially in the southern part of the state.

Augusta, in the west, is home to the famed Master’s golf tournament.

There is something for everyone in Georgia.

• Warnings & Dangers in Georgia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Georgia is safe but has its dangerous areas. Georgia has the 22nd highest crime rate in the United States, with 400 crimes per 100,000, slightly above the national average of 380. Georgia is slightly above the national average in many statistical crime categories. Theft and burglary are by far the most common crimes. Georgia has a lot of tourism, and most tourist areas are safe.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

There is a train service and bus service in the Atlanta area. They are safe but are not good for commuting. Atlanta is notorious for its crowded highways and traffic congestion. There is not a lot of public transportation in rural areas or between cities, so if you want to see a lot of the state, you would be better off renting a car. Mid-sized cities have safe taxis from the airport to hotels.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

There have been some pickpockets reported on public transportation in Atlanta, but it is not a common crime. It is unheard of in other areas of the state. It does happen though, so it is a good idea to keep your wallet or purse well hidden.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Since there is a large coastal area, there is a danger of hurricanes. There are a lot of warnings when there is a hurricane. Tornadoes are relatively common in spring and can cause a lot of damage. There are ice storms, and since snow is rare, most cities are not equipped to handle the situation. A small amount of snow can shut cities down.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There are certain areas, especially in the Atlanta area, where the risk is high. It is not a big risk in other areas of the state. If you stay in tourist areas, and out of the bad areas, you are very unlikely to be mugged in Georgia. The most common crime in Georgia is someone stealing an unlocked car. In any city, there are bad areas, but with common-sense precautions, you should be safe in Georgia.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There have been shootings and some terroristic acts, but overall there is little risk in Georgia. Recent unrest and the rise of radical groups have caused some concern among law enforcement about domestic terrorism. Cities are often a target, so there is a small risk, but there has not been much terrorism in Georgia.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Since it is a state with a lot of tourists, there are a fair number of scams. Taxi drivers may claim their meter is broken and charge you more. Some hotels are using an overbooking scam to get you to pay a high price for a low-quality place. Summer vacation rentals in coastal areas can also be scams.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women often travel alone in Georgia and are completely safe. There are bad areas to be avoided, and common sense precautions should always be taken, but women are generally as safe as men in Georgia.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Cities provide good quality water throughout the state. The only risk you would face would be a facility with bad pipes, but that is rare.

• Safest Places to Visit in Georgia

Savannah, Georgia might be the safest place to visit, and it is a historical city with lots of charm.

Buildings are dating back to the 1700s, and a famous restaurant that has been in business for more than 300 years.

The historical downtown has a lot of picturesque squares.

Atlanta is safe but has its bad areas.

The tourist areas of the city are very safe but don’t go too far off the beaten path.

Atlanta has a lot of history, professional sports, and all the amenities of any large city, as well as the world’s largest aquarium.

Coca-cola was invented in Atlanta and has a museum of colas from around the world that would take a whole day to explore.

The beaches, in places like Tybee Island, are beautiful and very safe.

Georgia beaches are not as commercialized as some in Florida or South Carolina.

The mountainous areas in the north have some of the best white water rafting in the nation.

Smaller towns also have their charm and are great places to visit.

• Places to Avoid in Georgia

The further south you go in Atlanta, the more dangerous it becomes.

The Atlanta Suburb of Oakland City has a violent crime rate of 1246 per 100,000, and a property crime rate of 3027.

The national violent crime rate is 366.

The southeastern suburb of Lakewood Heights has a violent crime rate of 994 and is one of the most dangerous areas in the nation.

West end and Adair Park are also dangerous Atlanta suburbs.

The downtown area of Atlanta is safe in the daytime, but not at night, and its crime rate is well above the national average.

While the historical areas of Savannah are safe, there are a lot of robberies and assaults, as well as car thefts in the city.

Its crime rate is higher than the national average.

Albany is a small rural town in the southern part of the state, but it has a high crime rate, as well as Warner Robins and Douglasville.

Brunswick is a coastal town that has a bad reputation, and Macon is further inland and it too has a reputation for property crime.

• Safety Tips for Traveling to Georgia
• Park carefully. Car theft is a major problem in some areas. It’s fairly easy to identify a rental car and those are targeted, so make sure to park it in a safe area that is well lit.
• Lock your car. Property theft from vehicles is also a problem. Make sure you lock your car. Most thieves are looking for easy targets and will look for a car that is not locked. They will most often pass up a car that is locked.
• Keep property hidden. Even if you lock your car, some people will break into a car. Try to avoid leaving valuables in your car. If you must, make sure they are not visible from the outside.
• Stay on the path. Tourist areas are safe in big cities like Atlanta, but bad areas may be a short distance away. Avoid going far off the beaten path at night, or alone any time of day. Stay in the good areas.
• Stay hydrated. Georgia can get very hot in the summer, as well as humid. Drink a lot of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible. It is easy to get overheated without realizing it and stay safe by drinking a lot of water.
• Use sunscreen. In addition to the heat, the summer sun is strong in Georgia. You can get sunburn easily in any area of the state. Wear hats and use sunscreen to protect yourself during the day.
• Check your car. Make sure your car is roadworthy before heading out exploring in Georgia. Check fluid levels, belts, hoses, wipers, lights, and anything else you can think of.
• Avoid the dark. Most of Georgia is safe during the day, but at night the criminal element hits the streets. Avoid going out alone in an area you are not familiar with. If you must, walk fast and keep your eyes open.
• Watch for alligators. In the coastal areas and the south of Georgia, there are alligators in some areas. These are dangerous creatures that can run faster than you. Do not get near them or approach them at all.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, or just uncomfortable, get away from it as fast as you can. Your instincts are probably right. While this is true for urban areas especially, there is also a criminal element in small towns and rural areas. Don’t put yourself in danger.
• So... How Safe Is Georgia Really?

For the most part, Georgia is a very safe state.

Southern hospitality is a real thing, and most people will welcome you and help you in any way they can.

Just like any other place though, there are some bad people and there are some natural dangers to look out for.

Atlanta is the safest area, as well as the most dangerous area at the same time.

Tourist areas are safe, and most of the city is during the day.

At night is when it gets a little dangerous.

There are areas of Atlanta that are dangerous and you should not go there at any time of the day, but you can find out where those areas are.

With basic common-sense precautions, you should be completely safe in Atlanta.

Other cities, like Savannah, Augusta, or Athens, are similar to Atlanta but on a smaller scale.

There are bad areas to avoid, but as long you avoid those, you are fairly safe.

Many people visit Georgia and there are not a lot of crimes against tourists reported.

The beaches are safe, but there are some natural dangers, such as alligators and mosquitos.

• How Does Georgia Compare?
• Useful Information

A visa is required to enter the United States, but once you are in the country you will not need it again in most cases. The visa will be needed when you pass through customs, most likely at the Atlanta airport. You do not need it to travel from state to state.

The U.S. Dollar is the accepted currency in Georgia. Other currencies are not accepted as payment in businesses around the state. You may do currency exchange at banks, or the airport.

Summers are hot and humid in Georgia, and it does not cool down at night. Wear very light clothing. It is also a good idea to use sunscreen when outside for long periods. Winters are mild, and a light jacket will be all you will need. Snow is rare but it does happen.

The Atlanta airport is one of the world's largest. It is a major hub for many airlines and has flights all around the world. Transportation to the city and hotels is easy. Other cities have airports and there are flights from Atlanta, and between some cities.

Travel Insurance

Georgia is safe for the most part, but anything can happen. It is a good idea to have some travel insurance to protect you in case things go wrong. Hopefully, you will not need it, but it is good to have that peace of mind when you are insured.

Georgia Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Georgia - Safety by City

Explore georgia.

• 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Georgia
• Where to Next?

1 Review on Georgia

Weather is hot but natural risks are lower than stated in article..

I’ve got to disagree with the natural disasters rating. Georgia has a very small coastline on the Atlantic. While the rest of the state can catch the residual storms after a hurricane makes landfall, these storms are mostly just strong thunderstorms and many of us like getting them because we don’t usually get much wind deep in the state.

Also, winter storms are so rare that it seems odd to mention them. Every few years we’ll get snow/ice but it’s generally gone in a day or two.

It is highly unlikely anyone visiting will deal with much more than a heavy rain and thunderstorm.

What should be mentioned is Georgia gets hot. Like really hot and humid for more than half the year.

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Tap Water Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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21 Georgia Travel Tips: Local’s Guide to First-Timers

Sandwiched between Europe and Asia, Georgia has lush nature, centuries-old traditions, and rich history. Here, old and new harmoniously co-exist next to each other – remote villages are still untouched, while cities are bustling with life. 

Even though hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the country, Georgia still can be overwhelming with not-so-well-organized public transport or tourist infrastructure. Therefore, as a local, here are some essential Georgia travel tips to ease your travel here as much as possible.

This post includes affiliate links to products, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund my blog and bring more authentic articles to you 🙂   Learn more

Essential things to know about Georgia (country)

Where is georgia.

Georgia shares its borders with Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan at the intersection of Europe and Asia. The classification of Georgia as either European or Asian has long been discussed. 

From a Georgian perspective, we consider ourselves an integral part of Europe, while our mentality and traditions often align with those of Asian countries.

Do you need a visa?

In contrast to numerous countries in the region, Georgia boasts remarkably lenient visa requirements. More than 90 countries’ citizens can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 365 days in the country. 

If you do not hold citizenship from one of these countries, you can still enjoy a visa-free stay in Georgia for up to 90 days or opt to obtain a visa before your arrival.

Is Georgia safe to travel to? 

Georgia is an exceptionally safe destination for all travelers, including families, backpackers, and solo female adventurers. While petty theft, mugging, and robbery incidents are occasionally reported, the overall crime rate in Georgia remains impressively low compared to other European countries.

Like anywhere in the world, I advise you to exercise general caution by being aware of your surroundings and watching your belongings. That’s one of the Georgia travel tips to remember; nonetheless, Georgia can be considered a highly secure country to visit. 

Best time to visit Georgia

The best time to visit Georgia varies depending on your desired destination. For traveling to Tbilisi and lowland cities, the ideal periods are mid-April to the end of May and September to mid-October during the pleasant spring and autumn seasons. 

Autumn is particularly remarkable for exploring Kakheti ( Telavi or Sighnaghi ), Georgia’s renowned wine region, as it offers the opportunity to witness the harvest.

Summer is excellent for mountainous regions like Racha and Svaneti . It’s also ideal for escaping to Glamping Tago in Upper Adjara.

Read a separate post discussing the best time to visit Georgia by season and month. 

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How to get to Georgia

We currently have three international airports serving small and big airline companies. Depending on where you want to start your journey, you can travel to Tbilisi , Kutaisi , or Batumi .

There are big and small international airline companies offering flights to these cities from almost anywhere in the world. For budget-conscious travelers, Kutaisi hosts flights from WizzAir from various European cities. There are also flights from various cities in Turkey to Batumi.

How to get from Kutaisi International Airport to Tbilisi

Two bus companies take travelers directly from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi. Georgian Bus and Omnibus vehicles are parked right outside Kutaisi Airport. You can purchase tickets online or right upon arrival. One way costs 25 GEL. 

If you decide to explore Kutaisi first rather than go directly from Tbilisi, you can quickly get from the airport to the city center, as it’s around 30km away. 

Alternatively, you can catch a train from the Kutaisi International Airport railway stop if you arrive during the day. There are minibusses at the airport that take you to the railway station free of charge. You can check tickets at Tkt.ge or the official railway website two weeks before you arrive in Kutaisi. 

And here is detailed information on how to get from Kutaisi to Tbilisi with various means of transportation. 

How to get from Batumi International Airport to Tbilisi

There are no direct buses from Batumi International Airport; however, various public transportation goes from Batumi to Tbilisi, including Metro Georgia and Omnibus buses, marshrutkas, and trains. Additionally, Vanilla Sky operates flights from Batumi International Airport to Tbilisi Airport. 

Georgia has land borders with its neighboring countries – Russia, Turkey , Armenia, and Azerbaijan , enabling travelers to explore them easily. 

The only functioning Georgia-Russia land border is in Stepantsminda, taking travelers to Vladikavkaz. There are borders with breakaway territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, but it’s better to stay with Stepnatsminda for safety reasons.  

Georgia and Armenia have three land borders : Sadakhlo-Bagratashen, Guguti-Gogavan, and Ninotsminda-Bavra. All of them are open for international travelers; however, the first is the most frequently used Georgia-Armenia border crossing because it is the main road between Yerevan and Tbilisi. This land border also enables visitors to travel to and from Iran via Armenia. 

Georgia and Azerbaijan have two land borders: Red Bridge (Tsiteli Khidi in Georgian)-Shikhli and Lagodekhi-Balakan. The first one is a frequently used Georgia-Azerbaijan border crossing from Tbilisi, as it’s only around an hour’s drive from the capital. The second one enters the Kakheti region of Georgia. 

Since COVID, Azerbaijan hasn’t opened borders land borders – October 2023 update .

Like Armenia, Georgia has three border crossings with Turkey : Sarpi-Hopa, Vale-Posof, and Aktas-Cildir. Sarpi-Hopa is the most used Georgia-Turkey border crossing that follows the coast of the Black Sea. Frequent buses run to Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi from the major cities of Turkey. 

Unfortunately, there are only two options for train lovers coming to Georgia. There are overnight trains from Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Georgia-Azerbaijan overnight train runs daily, while the Georgia-Armenia train operates every other day on odd dates. 

Georgia-Azerbaijan train doesn’t run because of land border closure – October 2023 update .

Georgia travel tips: Things to know before traveling to Georgia

Is georgia expensive .

Georgia is still considered a relatively inexpensive destination. One of the great things about Georgia is that it can be as expensive as you want it to be. Here, you can spoil yourself with fancy dining, stay at international hotel chains, hire a private jet, or be as budget-friendly as possible. 

It is important to note that the economic situation in Georgia changed due to the impact of COVID-19, followed by the Russo-Ukraine war in 2022. The conflict resulted in an influx of Ukrainian, Russian, and Belorussian citizens into Georgia, subsequently increasing accommodation prices. Additionally, the political tensions and Georgia’s reliance on imports for various goods contributed to rising prices for groceries and other commodities.

While the changes in the economic situation may not be immediately noticeable to typical tourists visiting Georgia for a few days, those planning to stay longer or considering the country as a digital nomad destination might observe that Georgia is no longer as affordable as it once was. If the latter is the case, read what other expats and digital nomads wished they knew before coming to Tbilisi and Georgia. 

Food and accommodation experienced the most rise in prices. However, you can still find decent, well-furnished Airbnb apartments for under $50. Dining out can get expensive, but this depends on which restaurant you’ll go to. A meal for two at an average restaurant will cost between $30-40 with a glass of drink, in some places, even cheaper. 

Public transportation to other cities ranges from $1 to 20, depending on the distance. Tickets for metro and buses start from $0.38. 

Prices for museums in Tbilisi and elsewhere in the country and other attractions are relatively reasonable too. The entrance fee for the museum can be anywhere from $2 to 8, while prices for national parks start from $7

Do Georgians speak English? 

As Georgian tourism is rapidly developing, more and more Georgians speak English, so navigating the major towns won’t be a problem. The older generation mostly speaks Russian because of being part of the Soviet Union. It is challenging to find someone speaking English in mountainous and remote areas. 

Learn essential words in the Georgian language

The Georgian language is one of the oldest languages globally and uses an alphabet that is not similar to other languages. We speak as we read; we don’t have silent or multiple letters pronounced as one, which might make Georgian a bit easier to learn by grammar gets quite challenging. 

Luckily, you won’t need to master grammatical structures when traveling through Georgia; knowing some essential and fundamental words will do just fine.

• გამარჯობა – Gamarjoba – Hello/Hi
• ნახვამდის – Nakhvamdis – Bye
• მადლობა – Madloba – Thank you
• არაფრის – Arapris – You are welcome!
• რა ღირს – Ra ghirs? – How much does it cost?
• თუ შეიძლება – Too sheidzleba – Please
• არა – Ara – no
• კი, კარგი, დიახ – Ki, Kargi, Diakh –  yes/okay
• სად არის – Sad aris…? – Where is…? 
• ინგლისურად ლაპარაკობ? – Inglisurad laparakob? – Do you speak English? 
• გაგვიმარჯოს – Gagvimarchos – Cheers (to us) as in toasting

Note : Don’t rely on Google Translate as your primary means of communicating with locals who don’t speak English. It still doesn’t work when translating complex sentences; you might get nonsense. 

Georgia travel tips: Public transportation in Tbilisi 

Tbilisi has a relatively well-organized and simple public transportation system with metro, buses, and minibusses (marshrutka). Metro and buses are easy to navigate. The challenge for a foreigner is the marshrutkas, with not always designated stops until you tell them you want to get off.

I have a separate post on Tbilisi public transport that explains everything, including how to top up the Tbilisi metro card, the prices for public transportation in Tbilisi, and what taxi apps to use.

Renting a car in Georgia

If you want to explore the captivating destinations of Georgia , renting a car is an ideal choice. For affordable rates and excellent service, I highly recommend LocalRent.com . Renting for multiple days rather than just one can result in even better deals.

I understand that driving in Georgia may not be everyone’s preference, so I want to highlight an exceptional service called GoTrip.ge . This car rental service provides a skilled driver who can take you from point A to point B throughout the country while allowing unlimited stops along the way. It’s a convenient option that ensures a hassle-free journey. Moreover, the prices are very reasonable, making it an attractive choice for travelers.

Georgia travel tips: How to travel around Georgia

You have several options when traveling around Georgia: marshrutkas, buses, trains, and renting a car. 

Marshrutka 

Marshrutkas are the most frequent and preferred transportation when traveling to other cities in Georgia. It is fast and drives to remote areas, but they are the least comfortable ones with short leg space and uncomfortable chairs. 

Vehicles depart from Didube and Navtlughi bus stations. Depending on the destination, marshrutkas run daily and hourly. There is no need to buy tickets before the departure – show up and ask where to find the one to your desired destination. You pay directly to the driver, or he will direct you to the ticket office. 

Sadly, Georgia doesn’t have an organized bus system. The coach bus Metro Georgia, a Turkish company, operates mainly on the Georgia-Turkey route with stopovers to the major cities along the way, including Kutaisi and Batumi. 

Omnibus is another option for traveling from Tbilisi to Batumi and Zugdidi (and vice versa) departing from Ortachala bus station. 

Train 

Georgia does have a moderately organized train system. However, the majority are of Soviet times, meaning that they are slower than buses and marshrutkas. We have the only somewhat fast train, Stadler, on the Tbilisi-Batumi route, which also stops at Kutaisi International Airport stop. 

How to buy train tickets

Unfortunately, the website of the Georgia Railway is not very user-friendly. The best way to find the timetable is to Google your destinations, for instance, Tbilisi to Batumi train, and look for the railway.ge website.

Here’s the general timetable . Note that the second Departure column means that the train departs FROM the end destination, not the starting point. 

You can buy tickets online by registering on the website and choosing the preferred option. The website will charge you a 1-2% commission when purchasing online. Another downside of Georgian Railway trains is that you can’t choose the seat when buying online or in the station itself. 

Alternatively, Tkt.ge offers a more user-friendly experience for buying train tickets in Georgia. Unlike the official Railway website, you can only choose seats on Tbilisi-Batumi trains here. Sadly, for other destinations, the system automatically assigns you the seats. However, they charge extra for selecting seats and commissions using their website. 

Other practical Georgia travel tips to know

Tap water is safe to drink .

Due to its proximity to the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia boasts many freshwater sources; therefore, tap water is safe to drink anywhere. Bottled water is cheap to buy as well. I recommend adjusting your tummy to Georgian water for the first two days and buying a bottled one to stay safe. 

Then you can use your reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated on your travels. I have Stojo collapsible water bottle . 

Electricity plugs

We have standard European plugs with 230 V, so there is no need for a travel adapter if you are coming from Europe. In other cases, you’ll definitely need a universal one . 

ATMs and Money Withdrawal 

ATMs are almost anywhere, no matter if it’s a big or a small city. The only problem you might see is finding them in remote villages. ATMs are safe to use here and even let you withdraw USD. Some even have EUR. Then you can exchange USD or EUR at exchange booths for a better rate than banks .

You can pay with cards almost everywhere, starting from cafes to small convenient shops. However, do carry cash just in case. And if traveling to remote mountainous villages, always have cash with you. 

Georgia has three leading network provider companies, Magti, Silknet, and Beeline, now rebranding themselves as Celfie. They all have 4G or 4.5G internet service and various MB and GB packages. 

Magti has the best coverage in Georgia, even in the mountain areas, so if you spend more time in the highlands, I suggest getting a Magti Card. 

I have been a Silknet user for years because I love their low-cost local call package bundles. Their internet service is also alright but not as best as Magti’s. I use Silknet for calls and Magti eSIM for the internet. 

Beeline (Celfie) is a Russian company with the lowest calls and internet bundle prices. However, their Internet service is relatively slow even though it’s 4G, and the coverage is very poor. 

The best way to buy sim cards is to visit their service centers scattered across the city. The staff will help you set it up and choose the right bundle or package that suits your needs. The sim card prices vary by the company and start from 5 GEL. 

I don’t recommend buying sim cards or tourist packages at airports. If you need to have a connection the moment you arrive in Georgia and before you get to the city center.

Instead, I recommend the Airalo app – it provides local eSIMs for a more affordable internet connection when traveling.

Tip: I use the Airalo app , which provides local eSIMs for a more affordable internet connection when traveling. Get 3 USD with code: BAIA2592 .

How to top up the sim card

If you run out of credit on your phone, the easiest way to top up a Georgian SIM card is via self-service payment machines. There are several different company machines all over the country, and every single of them is the same when it comes to topping up the sim card. Do note that they take a 4% commission. I usually top up through my internet bank with no extra fee. 

Georgia travel tips: Local cuisine and drinks

Georgian cuisine is a delightful fusion of regional dishes shaped by numerous historical influences from invaders over the centuries. As a result, Georgian food exhibits traces of Mongolian, Turkish, Mediterranean, and Persian culinary traditions, resulting in a genuinely diverse culinary experience. 

The local cuisine predominantly emphasizes meat, walnuts, dough, and spices. However, vegetarian visitors also have plenty of tasty vegetable and plant-based options.

Here’s a detailed guide to the best and my favorite restaurants in Tbilisi to try different Georgian food.

What to drink in Georgia:

• Georgian tea – tea industry here is slowly reviving, so you can try artisanal loose-leaf teas and have a tea-tasting ceremony.
• Wine – Georgia has broken the GUINNESS World Records for being the first winemaking country globally, producing the beverage for at least 8,000 years. 
• Chacha – A strong local spirit made from the leftovers from wine production. However, today there are fruit versions as well.
• Sparkling waters – Georgia has plenty of mineral water sources, out of which Borjomi and Nabeghlavi are the absolute favorites of many locals. 
• Lemonade – several companies that make lemonades in bottles are sweet, sparkly, and in different flavors. Tarragon and pear are local favorites. However, I love Laghidze Water’s lemonade, the original company I used to drink as a kid. It’s not bottled, so the best place to try them is at the following cafes: Puri Guliani, Stamba, Bazari Orbelianze, and Laghidze Water itself. 

Georgia travel tips: Do’s and don’ts in Georgia

Georgians are recognized as a hospitable nation, where a guest is “a gift from God.” Therefore, Georgians pay a particular interest whether you are a local or a foreigner. 

When you meet a Georgian and engage in a friendly conversation, don’t be surprised if they invite you to a family dinner. You can accept or kindly reject, and if you decide to go, make sure to go hungry ; the host will insist on eating every dish on the table and drinking as much wine as you can stomach. 

The country is still a bit conservative regarding dressing and behavior etiquette. Avoid wearing short skirts/dresses or see-through clothes; you won’t be punished but will attract a staring eye. 

Females should wear a headscarf to cover their heads and shoulders when entering churches and monasteries. Ideally, wear an up-to-knee skirt or a dress. Some churches provide scarves at the entrance, but having your own is better. Men can wear regular t-shirts and pants in churches; no strict rule applies here. Ideally, avoid shorts and tank tops . Do note that these rules are stern in monasteries outside the major cities.

• Don’t blow your nose and French kiss in public. 
• Don’t start discussing politics and religion with a Georgian you just met. 
• Do leave a tip if there is no extra service fee included in your bill
• Do take the usual safety precautions
• Avoid petting or encountering stray dogs. Some could be vaccinated, but most in remote areas and small towns may not.

My Favorite Travel Resources

To ease your travel planning, check out all the posts about Georgia travel . Additionally, here are some of the websites and services I use when preparing for my next adventure anywhere in the world.

✈ Book affordable flights on WayAway , a platform that shows the best flight deals, tours, and hotels. With a WayAway Plus membership, you can earn cashback . Get 10% off with code: RFD10

🚫 Get compensation for up to 700$ with Airhelp if your flight was canceled or delayed within the last 3 years.

🚗 Rent a car at Local Rent for affordable prices and convenient service.

❣ Pre-book a private car transfer with GoTrip from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel or any other city across Georgia.

💻 Get a VPN from Surfshark to protect your devices from hackers when using public Wi-Fi when traveling.

📱 Install the Airalo app , which provides local eSIMs for a more affordable internet connection when traveling. Get 3 USD with code: BAIA2592 .

💸 Use Wise to withdraw money in local currency without hidden fees and avoid high exchange rates. On top, you might get a Visa or Mastercard debit card .

🍷 For some of the best, expat-designed wine tours check out Eat!ThisTours . Get a 5% discount with code RFD5 .

🏨 Find budget-friendly deals on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com .

🩺 Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance, SafetyWing , covering COVID .

☀ Book in advance some of the best city walks, cultural experiences, and day tours to maximize your stay and experience here.

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Very good review of Georgia for the visitors. All information is correct, just e-visa platform was closed unfortunatelly.

Thank you for notifing! Will update accordingly

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The Complete Georgia Travel Guide: 19 Useful Things you should know for backpacking in Georgia in 2024

Are you an independent traveler and planning to travel to Georgia country soon? Then this is the Georgia Travel Guide you’re looking for! Here is everything you need to know about traveling and backpacking in Georgia in 2023!

Georgia is a small country right at the intersection between Europe and Asia, sandwiched between Russia in the north and Turkey in the South.

It’s an ancient country tugged away in the Caucasus Mountains and home to very determined people who, despite a tough history of war and conquerings, still strongly value their unique religion, culture, and centuries-old traditions!

Georgia, or Sakartvelo as the citizens call it, is slowly becoming a very popular touristic destination. After living there for almost one year, I understand why travelers are drawn to this magnificent and wild country!

With this Georgia travel guide, I want to help you prepare for your trip to Georgia. I cover everything from visas, entry requirements and safety to transport, accommodation, food, useful apps and cultural etiquette so you’ll have a great time traveling in Georgia, the country!

Discover Georgia’s Highlights or go on a unique Georgia Trekking Adventure to Tusheti , Racha , Vardzia , Katskhi and Chiatura on one of my Georgia Adventure Tours !

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Georgia

• 19 important things to know before traveling to Georgia
• 15 Best Places to visit in Georgia

3 Fantastic Georgia Travel Itineraries

• Tours & Experiences: Adventure Tours in Georgia – Georgia City Tours
• Rent a car in Georgia
• Travel insurance for Georgia
• Book your stay in Georgia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Traveling to Georgia country in 2024 – Georgia Entry Requirements

Georgia is open for tourism and has opened its borders to all international travelers (see visa section).

1.1 Georgia entry requirements Covid-19

Foreign citizens taking any mode of travel by air, land or sea, no longer need to present proof of Covid-vaccination or a negative PCR test result.

1.2 Georgia vaccination requirements

You don’t need any compulsory vaccinations to go backpacking in Georgia.

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Rabies are recommended. Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals in the country of Georgia.

I wasn’t vaccinated for Rabies when I traveled and lived in Georgia and even though there are a lot of stray dogs in the country, I never dealt with aggressive ones. In case you get bit, just go immediately to a doctor for a check-up.

2. Georgia Visa Requirements

2.1 do i need a visa to go to georgia.

If you want to visit Georgia, I have good news: Georgia is very generous with its tourist visa regulations!

Citizens from the European Union, North America, Australia, and the countries on this list can enter Georgia visa-free for 365 days !

This means that you can just show up at the airport of Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi or at any land border and you’ll be allowed to enter Georgia.

If your country of residency is not on that list, you’ll have to apply for an e-visa , which will allow you to stay for 30 or 90 days , depending on your home country. You can check that out here .

2.2 How to get a Georgia e-visa?

What do i need to apply for a georgia e-visa.

• Document proving the purpose of travel (if it’s tourism, just provide your itinerary with proof of accommodation)
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel and health insurance
• A bank statement or document proving sufficient financial means to cover your travel expenses in Georgia
• Vaccination document/PCR test

Where to apply for a Georgia e-visa?

You don’t need to go to an embassy or consulate. You can apply online on this website .

All you need is a credit or debit card and scanned copies of your documents . Fill in the online application, upload the scans of your documents and pay. That’s it!

After 5 working days, you receive your e-visa. Print it out and bring it with you on the day you enter Georgia.

→ Important: You can apply for an e-visa only if you are NOT in the territory of Georgia.

How much does an e-visa for Georgia cost?

A standard tourist visa for Georgia costs 20USD + 2% service fee.

→ Important: You can’t enter Abkhazia or South Ossetia, two Russian-occupied regions of Georgia, on a Georgian visa. It’s currently not even possible to visit South Ossetia from Georgia. You can enter Abkhazia but only on foot and with a special visa. Read more about it in this travel guide to Abkhazia

2.3 How to renew or extend the Georgia e-visa

You can’t extend your visa for Georgia but you can easily renew it.

If you’re a citizen of a country that gets a free visa on arrival, you can simply renew this visa by crossing the border into one of Georgia’s neighboring countries, staying there for a few days and coming back. You’ll receive a new (free) visa upon your return.

If you entered Georgia with an e-visa, you can apply for a new one.

However, if you have an e-visa for 90 days, you’re allowed to stay in the country for 90 days within 180 days so you can only apply for a new visa every 6 months.

If you have an e-visa for 30 days (you can stay 30 days within 120 days), you can re-apply every 3 months.

2.4 What happens if I overstay my Georgia visa?

If you are not able to leave Georgia, you must apply to a territorial office of the Public Service Development Agency or to the branch of the Public Service Hall. It takes the 3 calendar days to make a decision after submitting the request.

If your term of legal stay in Georgia has expired, you will have to pay the administrative fine before or after leaving Georgia.

The fine for staying for 3 months after the expiry of the term of legal stay is 180 Georgian Lari (around US$60), for staying longer than 3 months the fine is 360 Georgian Lari (around US$120).

You will be denied entry and not be issued a new visa for Georgia until you’ve paid the administrative fine for overstaying. In addition to the fine, you might get banned from entering Georgia for 2 to 5 years.

3. When is the best time to visit Georgia?

You can visit Georgia the whole year round, depending on what you want to see and do during your trip.

If you want to do some hiking, then the period between May and September would be the best time. All the roads to the mountains are open and the temperature is pleasant for camping.

It’s also the only period in the year that you can visit Tusheti, Georgia’s most remote region and Khevsureti. The landscapes there are absolutely breathtaking and you’ll find some very unique and ancient settlements.

How to visit Tusheti, one of Georgia’s most remote regions

Svaneti , another breathtaking mountain region of Georgia, is accessible all around the year though and you can enjoy hiking in summertime, skiing in winter, and immerse yourself in culture and traditions, or learning about ancient legends during fall and spring.

21 Top Things to do in Svaneti, the Wild Heart of the Caucasus

If you love skiing and you don’t mind the cold and snowy weather, then you should visit Georgia between the months of December and March.

Georgia is just magical during the winter! It might be cold but everything turns into a beautiful winter wonderland.

Even Batumi , Georgia’s most extravagant city on the Black Sea coast, isn’t spared by the snow.

No matter at what time of the year you visit Georgia, you’re in for a beautiful treat!

3.1 Is Georgia good in summer?

The period between May and mid-September is the warmest time in Georgia. This is probably when most people prefer to travel.

Packing light clothes, camping outside, swimming in lakes and rivers, jumping in the sea, and chasing waterfalls,… The roads are also open to the country’s remote regions and villages.

Summer is the best time for wild camping and hiking . The hiking trails in Svaneti, Tusheti, Khevsureti, and the Tobovarchkhli Lakes trail – which is probably one of the hardest routes – can only be covered in the summertime.

Though in July and August, Tbilisi – the capital – gets too hot. Temperatures can be between 35°C and 42°C. Most locals move in August to the mountains and seaside.

Some vendors, shops, cafes, and even dance studios close in Tbilisi and pop up in Batumi for a month.

Top Things to do in Batumi – The Complete City Guide to Georgia’s Las Vegas

3.2 Is spring or autumn a good time to go backpacking in Georgia?

Spring or autumn is absolutely a good time to travel to Georgia!

One big reason for visiting Georgia in the fall is to explore the 8000 years of winemaking tradition .

The wine harvest in Georgia starts from the end of August (in Kartli and Kakheti) and lasts till early or mid-October (in Imereti, Racha, etc ) depending on the weather that year.

Springtime is when winemakers open the Qvevri , a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine. Opening Qvevri is a sacred ritual during which they lit candles, say a prayer or a toast, and taste the first sips of the wine from the previous year’s harvest.

Oh Georgia, Sweet Motherland of Wine!

Spring and fall is the best time for generally exploring the country without getting hit by the suffocating heat or getting frozen.

It’s also a great time for photography-vast fields covered with flowers, trees blooming, or leaves turning into many colors in the forests.

3.3 Is Georgia nice in the winter?

Winter in Georgia is a paradise for winter sports lovers!

Georgia has several ski resorts. Gudauri is a 3 hours drive from Tbilisi and probably the most popular due to its closer location to the capital Tbilisi.

Svaneti has 2 ski resorts in Mestia and Tetnuldi . This is the best option for more advanced and adventurous skiers and snowboarders.

Bakuriani ski resort is good for professionals and is also child-friendly. Accommodation is generally cheaper compared to Gudauri. This is where most locals enjoy their winter vacations.

From Bakuriani, you can take a snowmobile adventure trip to Tabatkhuri lake and pay a visit to the largest Paravani lake, both frozen enough in winter for people and animals to freely walk on them.

Local families drill a hole in the ice to catch fish and are happy to take visitors on that adventure.

Goderzi ski resort is located in the Adjara region. It’s slightly trickier to access but the journey is unforgettable.

There is no public transport going directly to the Goderdzi ski resort. It can be reached by taxi from Batumi or Akhaltsikhe, the nearest big cities to the Goderdzi Pass, or you can get to Khulo center by public transport from Batumi.

From the Tourist Information Center in Khulo transport departs every day from the Information Center on the following schedule: from Khulo to Goderdzi at 11:00 and from Goderdzi to Khulo: at 16:00.

A complete guide to skiing in Georgia including the best ski resorts.

4. Where should you go in Georgia?

Georgia is a small country so you might think it can easily be covered in a week. But the reality is that Georgia is very diverse and has so much to offer.

While the places and itinerary must resonate with your personal preferences and available time, here are some suggestions:

If you’re interested in medieval fortresses, century-old monasteries, ancient cave cities, and Unesco World Heritage Sites, you should definitely visit the monasteries in Mtskheta , the Gergeti Trinity Church , the Gelati Monastery , and the cave cities of Vardzia , David Gareja Lavra , and Uplistsikhe .

15 amazing and most beautiful places to visit in Georgia

If you like unique and unusual places, don’t skip the Katskhi Pillar , the cable car city of Chiatura , and the Chronicle of Georgia in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi and Batumi are some of the many great cities to visit in Georgia and if you’re more an outdoorsy person, you’ll love the regions of Kazbegi , Svaneti , Borjomi , and Tusheti .

These are just a few of the beautiful places to visit while backpacking in Georgia !

5. Fun and unique things to do in Georgia

Georgia offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor activities. Try to put at least one of the following in your itinerary to get the best experience in Georgia:

• Wine tasting/ harvesting/ qvevri making :

Georgia is the homeland of wine , so it comes as no surprise that any activities related to wine are a must-try.

Starting from making qvevri (a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine) and putting them in the ground to simple wine tasting and making churchkhela with grape juice, these activities will give you an insight into the Georgian culture, which is so different from everything else you’ve experienced before!

If you’re traveling in Georgia in the fall, try to participate in the wine harvest. If you happen to be around in spring, you should join the qvevri opening ritual during which you get to taste the first taste of the previous harvest!

• Hiking in Georgia:

Georgia is a top hiking destination. If you like conquering high picks, the Caucasus mountains are here to challenge you.

If you enjoy less hardcore walks but still want to immerse yourself in nature, hundreds of lakes, waterfalls, easy day hikes, and camping spots are waiting for you.

A great resource for hiking in Georgia is Caucasus Trekking on which you’ll find an overview of all the hikes and treks in the country!

7 Beautiful Hikes in Georgia

• Join one of the traditional folk festivals in the mountains:

The highlands of Georgia are fascinating! Not only because of the beautiful nature, but they’re also rich in culture.

The “highlanders” of Georgia organize yearly traditional folk festivals. Such festivals often have thousands of years of history.

If you have the chance, don’t miss out on the early spring festival Lamproba in Svaneti and the Atengenoba festivals in Tusheti in the summer.

During these festivals, locals first pay a visit to their chappels and sacred places. Then they brew beer (which is considered a sacred drink in Tusheti), participate in horse races, have local dances, and sing traditional songs.

The festivals end with the blessing by the Ukhutsesi , the eldest and most respected member of the community.

Read more about the traditional festivals unique to Georgia .  

• Discover Georgian folklore:

There’s nothing like Georgian folklore and nobody knows it better than Levan , member of the renowned folk band Adilei .

Levan is a singing coach and runs folk tours. He can take you to rural Georgia and unfold the 5000 years old melodies with you. 

• Explore Soviet leftovers:

While locals confusingly cringe at that, westerners can’t hide their excitement exploring post-soviet architecture and other leftovers in Georgia.

There are people visiting Georgia just to discover whatever has been preserved from the soviet past. Starting from residency buildings to Soviet sanatoriums in Tkhaltubo and abandoned factories, there is so much to explore. 

Tip: To better understand the consequences of the soviet past in Georgia, visit the Ergneti home museum of war by Lia Chlachidze.

Lia Chlachidze decided to turn her bombed house- that was nothing but 4 walls after the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia – into a museum.

She renovated the house and collected all the memorabilia from her neighbors to display in her impromptu museum to raise awareness about the issue and struggles of the locals.

While this place is often neglected by most tour guides, it is visited by many individual adventurers, ambassadors, and other officials from all over the world.

The museum is completely free for visitors. Listening to Lia’s stories is a whole new experience. If you have a chance, bring a Georgian or Russian-speaking person with you to better communicate with Lia. 

6. Georgia Travel Insurance

While some websites state that it’s mandatory to have travel insurance when traveling to Georgia, I’ve never been asked about it.

Traveling without insurance is a risk so I highly recommend getting one, especially when planning on hiking , skiing or horseback riding in the mountains.

An accident can happen fast and it’s better to be fully insured to avoid expensive medical costs.

I highly recommend the travel insurance provided by IATI . If you’re planning on doing adventurous activities and trekking in the mountains at high altitudes, I recommend the Backpacker Insurance by IATI .

The IATI Backpacker Insurance also covers Covid-19 and offers good long-term plans.

The 3 best budget-friendly travel insurances for travelers.

7. How to get to Georgia country

7.1 what airport do you fly into for georgia country.

There are 3 international airports in Georgia to which you can fly to.

1) Tbilisi International Airport

Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia and this is the country’s main international airport. The airport is about 17km from the city center.

How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city center and back?

• By taxi: 

There will be plenty of taxi drivers at the airport who will be very happy driving you to the city center! The journey to the city center takes about 20-30 min and costs 30-60 Gel .

If you don’t want to bargain for the price, download taxi apps such as Bolt , Yandex or Maxim in advance and order a taxi on the app. This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.

There’s a minibus (#37) that runs 24/7 from the airport to the metro Station Square. It can take up to 45 minutes to reach the city center as it stops everywhere along the way. You can learn all about Tbilisi municipality transportation here .

You can take a train from the airport to the main train station in Tbilisi, however, it only runs at 8.45 am and 6.05 pm.

2) Batumi International Airport

Batumi airport is the second biggest international airport in Georgia and is located 2km south of the city of Batumi .

How to get from Batumi airport to the city center and back?

You’ll have to bargain for the price but a taxi to and from the airport should cost between 15 and 20 GEL .

This is why the best is to order a taxi through apps such as Bolt , Maxim or Yandex . Your trip will cost only 5-6 Gel if you are staying in the new part of the town.

Just keep in mind that Batumi is a resort town and during the high season in July and August prices double or triple and that includes taxi fares as well. From September on, things slowly go back to normal.

There’s one bus (#10) that runs regularly from the airport to Batumi center and back.

The bus stop is in front of the terminal and it takes about 20 minutes to get to the city center. It costs 0.30 GEL and you pay on the bus itself.

3) David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport

This airport is about 14km west of the city of Kutaisi.

How to get from Kutaisi airport to the city center and back?

  A taxi between the airport and the city center of Kutaisi costs around  20 GEL.

• By bus: 

There are buses going from Kutaisi airport to the city center of Kutaisi ( 5GEL) . You can purchase tickets for these buses at the Georgian bus counter right near the exit of the terminal.

Airport Transfers in Georgia

If you are arriving in either the Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi international airports and you immediately would like to travel to other destinations, airport transfers are provided by the following companies where you can book your tickets online:

• Georgian Bus

7.2 How to travel to Georgia country By road

You can enter Georiga overland from Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan (read our border crossing report here ) .

For more info about the different border crossings, go to  this page  on Caravanistan.

How to travel from Europe to Asia by road

7.3 How to travel to Georgia by ferry

It is possible to travel to Georgia by ferry as Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey , Russia and Ukraine are bordering the Black Sea from where you can take ferries to the ports of Batumi and Poti in Georgia.

It is very hard to get any reliable information online regarding scheduling, so the best is to visit the closest port in the country you’re in and ask there.

8. Is it safe to travel to Georgia country?

Georgia is one of the safest countries I’ve been to! You can walk around with an expensive camera late at night and nobody will try to rob you. The Georgians are very respectful and genuinely nice people!

The Patruli – Georgian Police – is really helpful. Their cars are patrolling streets 24/7.

If you have an emergency and see a police car passing you, just wave a hand and they’ll stop for you. Or you can dial 112 , it’s the Georgian 911.

There are just a couple of things you should be careful about:

As a woman alone it is safe to travel or hitchhike in Georgia but … men will stare at you. A lot!

Some guys will try to hit on you and – even though it’s their full right to try to seduce a girl – they don’t easily take no for an answer. Don’t be afraid to be rude if they don’t leave you alone. It’s the only way to keep the guys at a distance.

You can always make up a story about your “husband”, who works in the embassy or is a wrestling champion. As ridiculous and heartbreaking as it sounds, having a strong male patron works miracles in masculine cultures.

Be careful on the road . The Georgian drivers often have dangerous driving behavior ! ALWAYS buckle up whenever you get in a car and be VERY careful whenever you cross a street.

There aren’t many pedestrian crossings and even if there is one, the cars might not stop for you, not even when there’s a stop sign or when the traffic light is red … They like to ignore the traffic rules.

Even though the situation is improving every year, it is still better to be careful than sorry. How many drivers obey traffic rules can also vary from city to village.

9 months of hitchhiking in Georgia: the good, the bad and the untold stories

Never go hiking in the mountains without proper equipment, and preferably, don’t go alone .

The mountain regions are sparsely populated, there are wild animals and stray dogs and if something happens, there’s no one around to help you. Be adventurous but don’t be stupid!

9. Money and currency in Georgia

9.1 what currency do they use in georgia.

The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari , abbreviated to GEL .

I always use the  Xe.com app  to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are:

• $1 USD = 3.08 GEL
• €1 Euro = 3.35 GEL
• £1 British Pound = 4.02 GEL

9.2 ATMs and payment methods in Georgia

ATMs are almost around every corner and you can withdraw GEL and USD everywhere. Many ATMs offer EURO too.

For other currencies, it’s better to withdraw GEL, USD or EURO and exchange at exchange boxes, banks and microfinance companies.

Most of the shops, except small vendors, have POS terminals so you can pay both in cash and by card.

You need to bring cash money when visiting remote villages and regions, such as Tusheti, Svaneti and so on.

9.3 What credit cards are accepted in Georgia country?

Visa and Mastercard are the common cards in Georgia, as well as Amex, though the latter might not be accepted in small shops due to its higher charges.

Other than the mentioned above, major US, UK and Australian cards are also accepted here.

Before you use an ATM, check the logos on it to make sure they match your card.

9.4 Where to exchange money in Georgia

Exchanging money is easy in Georgia. There are exchange offices in every town and city. You will pass many of them as you walk around.

If you want an easy way to find them, just go to the biggest marketplace/bazaar and you will surely see one. Some close at 6 pm, others remain open until late at night.

Exchanging money is also possible at banks but they usually offer worse rates than exchange offices. Most bank branches open at 9 or 10 am and close at 6 or 7 pm. Some branches work until 8 pm. Almost every big bank has at least one branch that is open 24/7, usually at airports.

There are also several microfinance companies where you can exchange money. Rico Credit has many 24/7 branches around Georgia and they offer good exchange rates.

9.5 How much money do you need in Georgia?

If you are coming from a western country, Georgia will feel cheap for you.

City transport, taxis, and street food are relatively cheap. For the price of a pint in London, you can have a 3-course meal in Georgia, if you dine in a modest restaurant. In supermarkets, while prices on most products will surprise you, some might cost you more than in your home country.

Overall, traveling in Georgia is still really affordable, even though prices up every year.

How much does it cost to travel and live in Georgia?

9.6 Tipping in Georgia

Tipping in Georgia is not mandatory. Be aware that most restaurants include a 10% or 15% service charge in the bill.

Most people get confused and think that the service charge are tips for the waiters in reality, the money goes to the restaurant owners and hardly ever fills the pockets of waiters who are notoriously overworked and underpaid.

While you have no obligation or cultural pressure to tip, if you are happy with the service and giving away an extra couple of dollars won’t damage your budget, leaving a tip might make a big difference for the waiter(s).

10. How to get around Georgia

10.1 getting around tbilisi.

Getting around Tbilisi by public transport is quite convenient, cheap and easy. Local public transport includes metro, bus, minibus, and 3 ropeways around Tbilisi.

The first step is to purchase a “Metromoney” card , a universal card used to pay for public transport and minibusses in Tbilisi. Owners of this card benefit from a discount system .

The “Metromoney” card costs 2 GEL and you can buy it at the metro stations and at the Rike-Narikala ropeway. The card isn’t personal so if you’re in Tbilisi for only a short time, keep the receipt and you will be able to return the card within a month.

You can top up the card at any metro station, at both stations of the Rike-Narikala ropeway, via the express payment machines of “Bank of Georgia” and at service-centers.

Since 2022, the Tbilisi Transport Company offers following subscription fares for public transport (metro, bus, minibus, Bagebi-University ropeway):

• 1 GEL: 90 minutes unlimited free travel – payment is possible with ” Metromoney” card, as well as with different bank cards.
• 3 GEL: 1-day unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 20 GEL: 1-week unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 40 GEL: 1-month unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 100 GEL: 3-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 150 GEL: 6-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 250 GEL: 1-year unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• Rike-Narikala ropeway fare:one-way fare is 2.5 GEL.
• Turtle Lake (Kus tba) ropeway: one-way fare is 1 GEL

It was hard to figure out the specific routes and schedules of the buses, but after a couple of months I found out that you can use Google Maps .

Just type your current location and the address or area you want to go to and dear Google will give you the time and number of the bus, metro or minibus you have to take!

You can also use the Journey Planner on the Tbilisi Transport Company website or download their app on your phone.

10.2 Getting around Georgia by mashrutka (minibus), minivan or taxi

If you want to travel like a local, you should travel around Georgia by mashrutka or minivan.

Taking a mashrutka is the cheapest way to get around in Georgia. It’s the main public transport for the locals to travel in and around cities and across the country.

Some marshrutkas have a fixed schedule, some depart when they are full.  You’ll find them at bus stations of any city and town.

For short distances, you pay the driver once you get off. If you’re going on a long journey by mashrutka, you pay upfront at the ticket office (in case you’re at a bus station) or the driver himself.

Lately, shared taxis and minivans became popular alternatives to marshrutkas. They may cost a couple of GEL more, they have no fixed schedule, they depart as they are full but have way fewer seats than marshrutkas so they don’t take long to bring you to your destination. They are a bit more comfortable as well!

You’ll also find them at bus stations of any city and town.

When taking a taxi within a city, be aware that some drivers like to take advantage of unwary foreigners. Before you get in the taxi, make also sure you agree on the price! Some taxis have a meter but there are a few cheeky drivers who will turn it off if they see you’re a foreigner.

That’s why it’s a good idea to order a taxi on apps such as Bolt , Yandex or Maxim . This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.

10.3 Travel around Georgia by train

There aren’t that many train lines in Georgia and some of the trains are very slow but it’s quite an experience! Check the website of Georgian Railways for routes and timetables.

The fastest and most straightforward train ride is the one between Tbilisi and Batumi. You pay 24 GEL for a seat in economy class and you can comfortably sit back, relax and look out the window to watch the marvelous views passing by.

You can buy tickets at the train station or online, on the website of Georgian Railways where you’ll first have to register. If you’re having a hard time navigating the website, ask for help in the hostel/ hotel you’re staying.

10.4 Taking domestic flights in Georgia

Georgia isn’t a big country to travel in but if you want to save some time, you can always opt to take a domestic flight.

Vanilla Sky offers regular domestic flights to Batumi, Mestia and Ambrolauri from and to Natakhtari airport, which is located 32km from Tbilisi. The company offers free transfers from Tbilisi to Natakhtari. 

You can buy the tickets online exclusively in the office or on their website .

Vanilla Sky also offers Air Taxi service, which means that you can rent an aircraft for any period and any purpose (passenger transportation, air trips, air shooting).

10.5 Driving in Georgia

You can travel around by driving your own car or by rental car . They drive on the right side of the road in Georgia. Here’s a useful checklist with all the requirements and driving rules.

The state of the roads is generally ok although I would recommend you to rent a 4WD if you’re planning on driving in the mountains.

Be careful! They say that if you want to stay safe on Georgian roads, forget the rules that apply in your country and understand (if you can) how they function in Georgia. Expect the unexpected!

I really love the Georgian people but they can be crazy drivers! Up until now, it’s the only country where I haven’t felt safe on the roads! They love overtaking on blind bends and speeding like crazy while simultaneously checking their phone.

Petrol stations and convenience stores are situated within a reasonable distance from each other on the main roads. You can find them in small towns and on village roads too. Though if you are going to remote areas, it might be a good idea to store fuel.

Be aware that there are different types of fuel available in Georgia so go to official-looking gas stations and make sure you get the right petrol for your car!

In case you’re renting a car , ask the rental company to write down in Georgian which fuel you need so you can show this at the gas station.

If you’re an experienced and confident driver, then going on a road trip through Georgia will definitely be worth it! You’ll be able to get to very remote places and camp under the stars!

10.6 Hitchhiking in Georgia

I mainly traveled around Georgia by hitchhiking and it was an adventure on its own! Although I nearly peed my pants a few times, due to the recklessness of the drivers, I had a great time hitchhiking!

In 2017, my average waiting time before getting a ride was 5 to10 minutes, which is pretty good! Even during the pandemic and now in 2022 traveling in Georgia by hitchhiking is still easy.

If you want to hitchhike, I’d recommend learning some basic Georgian. Even though it can seem difficult at first, it’s always possible to remember very simple words such as Hello (gamarjoba), Bye (kargad), Thank you (madloba) and Sorry (bodishi).

Locals truly appreciate your effort and failing attempts to nail difficult Georgian sounds can be a great ice-breaker and ends with good laughter and bonding.

If you want to build deeper connections and have more insightful conversations, English is mainly useful with the younger generation (-35) and Russian with the older one.

Though, before starting speaking in Russian with Georgians straight away, please ask them if it’s their preferred language.

11 tips to learn Russian quickly and effectively

It’s not unusual in Georgia to end up with a gallon of homemade wine while you’re hitchhiking (a gift from one of our drivers)

11. Where to stay in Georgia – Accommodation in Georgia

Whether you want to camp (in the wild) or stay in a hostel, guesthouse, or luxurious hotel, Georgia has it all!

11.1 Hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Georgia

There are plenty of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in nearly every city, town and village in Georgia.

Hostels are the cheapest option, starting from $5 per night for a bed in a dorm. You can also find a nice private room, starting from 15 USD per night.

There are also some really nice hotels and boutique guesthouses in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and major towns, from mid-range to luxury. The average price for a room in a mid-range hotel is usually around $40 per night.

I always use booking.com to find the best hostel and hotel deals.

11.2 Glamping in Georgia

In the last few years, several glamping places have emerged in Georgia.

One of the most distinguished is Glamping Tago in Khulo municipality.

“I really believe that people are more lonely now than ever before. I think this is in large part due to social media, people being addicted to their smartphones that they kinda think they are connected with others but in reality, they are not.

Glamping Tago is a social place, first of all, where people can immerse in nature and connect with it, with themselves and each other.” , says Jonas, the young Belgian who turned a rural Adjarian village Tago into travelers’ beloved sanctuary in just one season.

Glamping Tago is a vegan/vegetarian/pet/kid-friendly place. They buy all products from local farmers and employ locals to run the place.

Other honorable mentions for glamping are Wine Space , Glamping Georgia , and Jewelberry Glamping .

11.3 Camping in Georgia

There are a few designated camping areas in Georgia but nobody will tell you off if you pitch your tent somewhere in a meadow or a forest. Just be aware of wild dogs and animals.

Don’t keep your food in the tent, but hang it in a sealed bag in a tree, at a small distance from your campsite.

If you’re planning on camping in the mountains, keep in mind that it can get cold at night.

12. Georgia food and drinks

The food in Georgia is finger-licking delicious! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a meat-eater, a vegetarian, or a vegan, you’ll enjoy the Georgian cuisine!

12.1 What is the most popular food in Georgia country?

The most popular dish in Georgia is khachapuri . It’s a gooey cheese-filled bread that looks a little like pizza. Rich in carbohydrates and dairy, it could cause a lot of trouble to lactose-intolerants but they might find the cramps worth it!

Almost every region in Georgia has its own version of khachapuri .

12.2 Georgian dishes you have to try

Georgia is a small country and nobody expects to discover such a variety of dishes and flavors in such a small territory, but Georgian cuisine amazes visitors.

A whole blog post can be dedicated to the food of each region of Georgia, but here I will give a short review and include as much as I can.

• Pastries: Georgian bread- Tonis or Shotis Puri – is a treat itself. Aside from khachapuri, there’s also osuri khachapuri (bread with potato and cheese mix), mchadi (cornbread), chishtari (cornbread and cheese), lobiani (bread with beans), chakhrakina (bread with spinach or beetroot leaves ), etc…
• Soups: kharcho, chakhokhbili, chashushuli, khashi, matsoni soup, chikirtma etc…
• Meat dishes : mtsvadi (Georgian barbeque), kuchmachi, kashlama, tabaka (whole chicken), kupati (spicy sausage), apkhazura,…

10 dishes from the G eorgian cuisine that you absolutely have to try

12.3 IS vegan and vegetarian food available in Georgia country?

it’s a common misconception that Georgia is not a vegan/vegetarian-friendly country. To debunk the meat, I will tell you that ¼ of the year Georgians are fasting, which means that they go vegan.

Generally, Georgians tend to love meat and consider vegan food as side dishes, this is why amazing vegan dishes are a little underrated but let me name some of them here: Lobio (beans) and Green Lobio, Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplants with walnuts), different kinds of Pkhali, Ajapsandali, Gebzhalia, Gomi with sulguni, Elarji.

You definitely won’t starve as a vegan/ vegetarian in Georgia, on the contrary!

12.4 What is the most popular drink in Georgia?

Alcohol flows freely in Georgia. From Georgian craft beer to homemade wine to the notorious chacha (a Georgian pomace brandy, ranging between 40% to 65% alcohol…). You’ve got to try it all but please, consume in moderation!

The most beloved is wine. No wonder because Georgia is after all the homeland of wine !

Georgians love a good toast and they drink wine with abundance but as a foreigner, it’s often hard to keep up with all these toasts and drinks. I’m talking out of experience…

Read more about the drinking traditions in Oh Georgia, sweet mother of wine . You’ll also find tips on how to prevent a hangover…

13. What should you pack for a trip to Georgia?

13.1 what should i wear in georgia.

Georgia has all the climate zones, from subtropical to semi-desert and alpine.

The climate along the coast of the Black Sea is rainy and mild, with average temperatures of 20°C in summer (June – September) and 5°C in winter (December – March).

The climate in the central and eastern areas of Georgia is arider, with average temperatures of +25°C in summer and 0°C in winter.

The mountains have an alpine climate, with heavy snowfall in winter. The average temperature in the mountains in summer is +20°C and -20°C in winter.

Pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re traveling. If you’re planning on doing some hiking and camping in the mountains, bring warm clothing, even during summer as it can become cold at night.

As a woman, it’s okay to wear miniskirts, short shorts, and tops (if you don’t mind being stared at by some men). Only if you want to visit a church, you’ll have to cover your legs and arms and you’ll also have to cover your head with a scarf.

13.2 Travel essentials for Georgia

Here’s an overview of all the essentials you should pack for your Georgia travel trip:

• Water Filter Bottle : There are several water supply companies in Georgia whose main job is to filter and control the water quality. However, the water in Tbilisi sometimes tasted like chlorine and in some buildings, the water pipes are pretty old and rusty. If you don’t want to take risks, you can always filter the water using a Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . I highly recommend this reusable bottle with a microfiltration device. It allows you to safely drink the tap water and fresh mountain water from rivers and streams without becoming sick. When you drink water using a bottle like this, any dirt, bacteria, or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through.
• Power bank :  you might not always have electricity available to charge your electronic devices, especially not when you’re planning on spending time in the mountains. I use and recommend  Anker Power Bank   as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
• International travel adaptor : the power sockets in Georgia are of type C and F (the same as in the rest of Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.
• Biodegradable toilet paper :  you sometimes have to be comfortable using a squat toilet in Georgia. Sometimes there’s toilet paper but you should definitely bring biodegradable toilet paper with you. I mention biodegradable as the toilet paper disappears into the ground so we can keep it environment-friendly! It’s also really bad to flush the paper into the toilet as the drains block easily so use the small bin provided.

14. Can I fly a drone in Georgia country?

Yes, flying drones is allowed in Georgia as long as your drone doesn’t weigh more than 25 kg, doesn’t fly faster than 54km/h and you have liability insurance.

You can fly your drone everywhere in Georgia, except near airports, border areas, military, and governmental buildings, high tension power lines and crowded areas.

My photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers

15. How is the internet in Georgia country?

15.1 what is the best sim card in georgia and how to get one.

It’s very easy and cheap to get mobile internet in Georgia. I suggest the mobile operator called Magticom .

You can buy a sim card for about 5 GEL at any Magticom shop (you’ll see them everywhere in the big cities). Bring your passport as you’ll have to get registered.

Once you’ve got your sim card, install the Magticom app on your phone. Once it’s installed, you can set up the app in English. Enter your phone number, add a password and you’re ready to buy credit at any moment of the day.

I used to buy 4000 MB for only 10 GEL per month. You can also get unlimited internet for 150 GEL per month.

In case you’re a digital nomad and you need to work online, you can count on the internet in the big cities. It might be a bit slower in some hostels but in general, it’s reliable and fast.

I rented a flat and had my own private connection (that came with the apartment). Just keep in mind that once or twice a month there might be a power cut, even in Tbilisi or in Batumi, but they usually never last longer than 4 hours.

16.2 Recommended apps and websites for Georgia Travel

• Maps.M e :  This is one of the most practical apps you could use to navigate in Georgia. You download the map of the country so you can use it offline. It gives you very accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest, etc. This is also a great app to use while hiking as it shows most of the trails.
• Booking.com :  You’ll need internet to use this app but it’s a great tool to find (last-minute) accommodation in the country.
• Google Translate :  Translates written and spoken Georgian or Russian. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
• Xe currency:  very handy to check exchange rates, also works offline.
• Metrogeorgia.ge: for buses between Georgian cities and Turkey
• Georgian Bus and Omnibus : for airport transfers between cities of Georgia
• TTC : official public transport application for Tbilisi bus and metro
• Railway.ge : for domestic and international train tickets and 1331 if you want to call them.
• Vanillasky.ge – for domestic flights
• Taxi Tbilisi
• scootscoot.ge
• tkt.ge : Tickets for events, train and bus trips, football matches and more
• Safe You : a safety app for emergency situations. A great SOS call app that works for iOS and Android. The application has an SOS button that a woman can use if she is in danger and needs protection. For installing the application, follow these instructions.
• 112: the unified emergency number in Georgia. The 112 service is free of charge from all fixed-line and mobile networks even if the number is disconnected from both sides or there is no SIM card in the mobile phone.
• USA2Georgia and Postalon.ge : for international shipping services.

16. Culture and etiquette in Georgia

Despite repeated periods of foreign occupation, the country’s rich and ancient historical roots date back thousands of years.

Georgia’s monumental architecture, unique traditional music, colorful dances and art combine to give the country, and its hospitable and gracious citizens, a strong sense of national identity.

Georgians call themselves Kartveli and their land is called Sakartvelo. These names were taken from Kartlos, who was a descendant of Noah.

The foreign name of Georgia has been used all over Western Europe, and it is believed to come from the country’s patron saint, St. George or the Greek word “ Georgios” which translates as farmers/people who work on land. The latter makes the best sense as Georgians have been renowned as people who worked on land and Georgia has always been famous as an agricultural country.

Georgians are one of the most hospitable people I encountered. They truly believe that guests are a gift from God so you can expect many invitations for a meal when you visit small towns and villages.

This meal will probably turn out to be a supra, a large dinner party involving many toasts with wine. Beer was traditionally used to toast to the enemy so it’s an outdated tradition to never toast with beer, which some people still follow.

If you get invited, bring flowers, sweets or chocolate for the hosts. Make sure that you give an odd number of flowers since even numbers are given at funerals.

The common greeting is a handshake while saying ‘Gamarjoba’ (which means ‘hello’). Once a person knows you better, you might get greeted with a kiss on the cheek.

17. What is the religion in Georgia country

Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in Georgia and there are many centuries-old churches and monasteries that you can visit all over the country.

The Georgians are religious but most of them are not church-goers. People merged religion into traditions and practice it vaguely.

You might see Georgians making a cross while passing churches and for many that’s the biggest act of practicing their religion. Yet, you’ll see a lot of icons of the different saints in households, cars, and mini-buses.

One of the most important saints in the country is Saint Nino, known as the Enlightener of Georgia. Many girls are named after her (Nino, Nini, Nina). She’s the woman who preached Christianity in Georgia and the reason why this religion was adopted as the state religion in the year 330.

Saint Nino’s cousin, Saint George, is considered the patron of Georgia. They say there are 360 churches in Saint George’s name, so people could pray to him in a different church every day of the year.

There is a big Muslim community in Georgia as well as Jewish, Catholic and other religions.

Georgia has always been at the crossroads of cultures and religions. The fact that there are an Orthodox Christian church, Armenian church, Mosque and Synagogue on the main square in Tbilisi speak for itself.

18. Is English spoken in Georgia country

The younger generation in Georgia speaks English while for the generations that got education during soviet times, Russian is their second language.

Both languages can be really useful when traveling in Georgia, but I would not recommend learning Russian solely for traveling in Georgia. Most young people in Georgia don’t or even prefer not to speak Russian.

Georgian is the official language of the country. It’s a Kartvelian language that is over 2000 years old (!). It’s one of the oldest spoken languages in the world and probably the hardest one to learn with its complicated grammar rules and peculiar throat sounds. The language has very little in common with any other spoken languages. Georgian also has its own alphabet.

Georgians are fully aware that their language is difficult and spoken only in their small country. They don’t expect tourists or even foreigners living here to be nearly fluent, but you can definitely brighten up their faces with smiles with simple “Gamarjoba” (which means “hello”).

The Georgian people had to fight hard for centuries to preserve their language. Even nowadays, many people mistake Georgia for the state in the USA or even with Russia, due to Georgia’s Soviet past.

It’s extremely important for Georgian people to let the world know who they are and even the slightest interest you express in their language and culture is greatly welcomed and appreciated.

19. Recommended books about Georgia

Bradt’s Unique Travel Guide to Georgia is the ideal companion for all travellers, from serious hikers to wine buffs, high-end culture lovers to backpackers of all ages.

In Culture Smart! Georgia , you’ll be guided through the past and present-day realities of Georgia, explaining what makes people tick, how they live and feel, and how to get on with them. You will discover that the Georgians will not let you down. Learn with this book how to reach their hearts, and they will charm you back.

If you’re planning to visit all the countries in the Caucasus, then Lonely Planet’s Travel Guide to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a very useful book!

Georgia is a truly marvelous country waiting to be explored. I hope this post will guide you through your journey and that you’ll enjoy your time there as much as I did!

If you still have questions about your upcoming journey, let me know in the comments below or send me an email .

Related Posts

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More georgia travel resources.

• Guide to Tbilisi , Georgia’s capital city
• Visit the 15 most beautiful and unique places in Georgia
• Plan your trip with these 3 awesome Georgia travel itineraries
• Discover the Chronicle of Georgia , Tbilisi’s hidden gem
• Guide to Batumi, Georgia’s most quirky beach city
• Hiking in Georgia: 7 beautiful off-the-beaten path hikes
• Visiting ghosts of the past in Chiatura, the cable car city of Georgia
• Visit Katskhi Pillar , the most incredible cliff church in the world
• Travel Guide to Vardzia , the ancient cave city of Georgia
• Visit Svaneti , the wild heart of Georgia
• Visit Tusheti , Georgia’s most remote region
• Visit these 10 beautiful historical places in Georgia
• Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia
• 10 Georgian dishes you absolutely have to try
• Georgia, motherland of wine
• From Past to Present, a guide to Georgian Tea

15 thoughts on “The Complete Georgia Travel Guide: 19 Useful Things you should know for backpacking in Georgia in 2024”

What a informative webpage! Will definitely follow all blogs and social media. Thank you it helped to start planning a hiking solo trip to Georgia!

Hi Es, happy to hear this! Have fun with your preparations!

Never been so interested in reading out the entire vlog going line by line. All the information provided seems so detailed and hope it can make my georgia trip so easier. Keep up the good work!

Thank you Jazeel!! Wishing you a great time in Georgia!

Hey! I read this article to plan my trip to Georgia. And I must say I haven’t seen such an elaborate and well written travel guide ever! Pls keep on doing the great work. Helps all the travelers!

Thank you so much Manish!!

Thank you so much for all the information you shared! I am excited to explore Georgia and this is a great guide to get me started!

Hi Gina, that is so great to hear! Thank you! We wish you a beautiful trip to Georgia and let us know if you’d have more questions about traveling to this stunning country!

Thanks for sharing your insights! I’m heading to Svaneti in Sept by myself and plan to do the 5 day hike to the glacier. Do you think it’s safe for a solo female traveller? I can’t get a sense as to whether there are many people on the same hiking trails. Thanks!

Hi Camila, Svaneti is currently a popular place for hiking so you’ll meet other people on the trail. It’s also a safe place for a solo female traveller. If you’d like to have some company, you could always post a message in the Facebook group ” Georgian Wanderers”. But if you like to do it on your own, you should be fine as well. Wishing you great adventures in Georgia! Happy travels!

Thank you so much for such an informative blog. I´m trying to convince my family to go to Georgia this year and I thing your blog will be of great help for that. Just one question: do you think this is a safe/enjoyable country for kids? I have a 5 year old boy (very used to road trips) and I´ve been wandering if this would be also appropriate for him. Best regards and congratulations!

Hi Nuno, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy reading our blog! I hope you can convince your family to go to Georgia as it’s such a beautiful country (we miss it there and are thinking about returning as soon as we can). Georgia is very safe for kids and for travelers in general. It’s honestly one of the safest countries I’ve visited during my +7 years of traveling! The Georgians also love children so you don’t have to worry about anything! Hope this will convince your family and if you have any more questions, I’ll be happy to answer them! Warmest wishes, Cynthia

Thank you for providing such an in depth guide to traveling in Georgia! This was very helpful. Georgia has been on our bucket list for quite a long time but we haven’t yet made it to that country. Now we want to travel there even more!

Hi Desiree, you’re very welcome! We spent 11 months in Georgia and really loved our time there. It’s a beautiful destination and I hope you can make it one day to visit it! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would have more questions!

Oh, that is so great to hear!! Glad that our website provides you with good information!! You’ll enjoy your trip, both countries are very beautiful and special! Do you already have an idea which places you want to visit?

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