In general
Documents and visa
A passport valid for at least 6 months from entry is recommended; EU citizens may also enter with an electronic ID card valid for travel. NO visa: many nationalities (including EU) can stay up to one year (365 days) with no formalities, an almost unique case in the world - other nationalities should check their rules. Note: the stay is for tourism; to work (including remotely), from March 2026 a Georgian work permit is required.
Currency and payments
The currency is the Georgian lari (GEL). Georgia is very cheap. There is no need to get currency before leaving: in Tbilisi and the main cities you easily change euros and dollars (some exchange offices open 24 hours) and ATMs are common. Cards are accepted in cities, hotels and restaurants, but in mountain villages and markets you need cash. Always keep some lari for small purchases and tips.
Language
The language is Georgian, with its own unique and fascinating alphabet (mkhedruli). Russian is still understood by adults, while English is spreading among young people and in tourism, but outside the cities it may be little spoken. A translation app is useful; learning to read a few Georgian letters is a small satisfaction.
Health and medicines
No mandatory vaccine; keep your routine vaccinations up to date. The public health service is lacking; some private clinics in Tbilisi are better but not at European standards: ALWAYS take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation. IMPORTANT NOTE: Georgian drug law BANS certain substances contained in common medicines (e.g. some codeine derivatives), even with a prescription. Check the composition of your medicines before bringing them and, if in doubt, ask the Georgian embassy.
eSIM and connectivity
The main operators are Magti, Silknet and Cellfie: a tourist SIM with plenty of data costs very little and is easily bought at the airport or in town with your passport. Alternatively an eSIM. 4G coverage is good in cities and along main roads, but disappears in the most remote Caucasus valleys (Svaneti, Tusheti). Georgia is outside the EU: roaming with EU SIMs is generally not included.
Electricity
Power is 220V/50Hz with type C and F sockets, the same as continental Europe: European two-round-pin plugs fit without an adapter.
Time zone
Georgia is at UTC+4 all year (no daylight saving time).
Climate and seasons
The climate varies greatly: subtropical and humid on the Black Sea coast (Batumi), continental in Tbilisi and the valleys, alpine and cold in the mountains. The best time for the grand tour is May to October; the high Caucasus valleys (Svaneti, Kazbegi, Ushguli) are accessible mainly June to September, when the passes are clear of snow. Summer is hot in the lowlands but cool at altitude; spring and autumn offer colours and fewer crowds.
Good to know
Roads and mountains
Distances look short but mountain roads are slow and often rough: for Svaneti, Ushguli, the Truso valley or Tusheti you need 4x4 vehicles and plenty of time. It is best to rely on a local driver or organised tours rather than driving yourself. Georgia is prone to landslides, especially in the mountains after rain: check road conditions. The local driving style is rather assertive.
Safety and occupied territories
Georgia is a safe and hospitable country, with low crime: normal precautions apply in the cities. The political situation is generally stable. However, the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (on the border with Russia) must be ABSOLUTELY AVOIDED: entering them from outside the Georgian checkpoints is illegal under Georgian law and dangerous. Bear this in mind when travelling north. All the rest of the country, including the destinations on this itinerary, is calm.
Wine, feasts and hospitality
Georgian hospitality is legendary and revolves around the supra, the feast led by the tamada (the toastmaster), amid rivers of wine and polyphonic songs. Wine here was born 8,000 years ago in qvevri, buried amphorae (a UNESCO tradition): try the saperavi reds and the 'amber' whites. The cuisine is excellent: khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (filled dumplings), badrijani (aubergine with walnuts). Tips are not compulsory; often a cover/service charge is already on the bill.
Drugs and rules
Georgia has very strict drug laws: heavy penalties even for possession and use, with rigorous checks. Absolutely avoid any substance. Also remember the ban on certain medicine ingredients (see 'Health and medicines'). Crimes against minors are punished harshly. Otherwise, the rules are those of common sense in a country developing its tourism and very welcoming.
Useful numbers
- 112 — Single emergency number (police, ambulance, fire)
- +995 32 2996418 — Italian Embassy in Tbilisi (emergencies: +995 595 500206). For other nationalities, contact your own country's embassy
💡 Georgia is one of the most surprising and affordable destinations: no visa for up to a year and an ID card is enough for EU citizens. Rely on a local driver for the mountain roads to Kazbegi and Svaneti, avoid the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and check your medicines (some ingredients are banned). Then let yourself be swept up by the supra: qvevri wine and Georgian hospitality are unforgettable.