What should tourists know before travelling to Georgia?
Documents, money, connectivity and rules worth knowing in advance.
Short answer
Before travelling to Georgia, know that most nationalities need no visa, but since 2026 health insurance of at least 30,000 GEL is mandatory. Payments are made only in lari, Russian cards don't work and smoking indoors is banned. The emergency number is 112, sockets are European, and under Georgian law you must not enter Abkhazia from Russia.
Why
- Visa-free entry is set by Government of Georgia Ordinance No 255.
- Insurance is mandatory under Government of Georgia Resolution No 602.
- Smoking indoors is banned by the Law on Tobacco Control.
Details
Churches expect modest clothing, and women should bring a headscarf. At the table the tamada leads the toasts, and abruptly refusing food is considered rude. Use taxi apps, and take an offline map to the mountains.
People also ask
- What should I know before visiting Georgia?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Entry decisions are made by the Georgian border service and the rules may change, so check official sources before you travel.
What not to do in GeorgiaRelated questions
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What is there to see and do in Gori?
In Gori, climb to the medieval fortress on the hill in the centre, visit the Stalin Museum with his birth house and personal railway carriage, and go to the cave town of Uplistsikhe 10 kilometres away.
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Where is Kazbegi, and what is there to see?
Kazbegi is a mountain district in northern Georgia on the Russian border, 150 kilometres from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Road, centred on the town of Stepantsminda.
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What to see in Georgia in 3-5 days?
For 3 days, base yourself in Tbilisi: a day for the Old Town, Narikala and the baths, a day for Mtskheta and Jvari, and a day for Kazbegi and Gergeti Church.
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Armenia or Georgia: which is better for a holiday?
People choose Georgia for variety: the Black Sea, the high Caucasus, wine and cuisine, and Russian citizens can stay visa-free for a full year.