Explore the Stunning Beauty and Rich Culture of Georgia Republic
Georgia is fast becoming a popular tourist hub. Visitors can look forward to vast mountain ranges with superb walking, skiing and snowboarding opportunities, a magnificent coastline, immense architectural and archaeological wealth, and a modern capital that shows off contemporary Georgian culture.
The country lies between the Black and Caspian seas, and has had inhabitants since the Stone Age. History lovers should note that the ancient world’s busiest trade route, the Silk Road, ran through Georgia, enriching the region both culturally and economically.
Georgia’s transcontinental location also exposed it to invasion throughout the centuries, with Persians, Romans, Arab Caliphs and Mongols occupying it at various times. This turbulent history is best seen in Georgia’s impressive archaeological ruins, some dating back to the 5th century BC. Its impressive churches and fortresses are worth seeing too.
Having gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia has only recently embraced its potential as a tourist destination. Known for their sincere hospitality, locals do their best to make visitors feel welcome. Often guests are invited to dine at residents’ homes to partake in the supratradition. Essentially, it’s a sampling of the local cuisine, which blends of Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Persian and European flavours. Such occasions are marked by toasts of wine, reflecting Georgia’s 3,000 year-old heritage in viticulture.
The capital, Tbilisi, was named after the area’s warm springs, and has a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere. Travellers can wander the winding narrow streets and indulge in the cafe culture, and visit some of the finest museums and art galleries in the region. They can also enjoy the theatre and Turkish baths. Located at the other end of this small country, the warm Black Sea invites travellers to discover its more isolated beaches and visit the many local markets, which spill over with fresh produce from the area’s lemon, orange and banana groves.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Georgian is the official language, but Russian and English are also spoken widely. In Abkhazia, a region in west Georgia, the Abkhazian language also has the status of an official language.
- Passport/Visa:
Travellers to Georgia require valid passports and may require proof of sufficient funds for their stay, proof of health insurance, and an onward ticket and documentation for the next leg of their journey. It is highly recommended that their passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after their intended date of departure. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the lari (GEL), which is divided into 100 tetri. Credit and debit cards are widely used in Tbilisi but less so in regional areas; ATMs are available in major towns. The law requires that all goods and services are paid for in local currency, even though prices are sometimes quoted in US dollars and euros.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. The ‘Type C’ Europlug with two round pins is standard.
Climate in Georgia Republic
Georgia has a warm, temperate climate. The Likhi mountain range divides the country into western and eastern halves, shielding the eastern part of the country from the influence of the Black Sea and creating a continental climate. The average temperature in the east ranges between 60F to 75F (20C to 24C) in summer and between 36F to 39F (2C to 4C) in winter.
Western Georgia experiences a sub-tropical, maritime climate, and summer temperatures average around 72F (22C), dropping to 41F (5C) in winter. The west can get humid and receives rainfall throughout the year, though autumn and winter receive the heaviest precipitation. In the east, rainfall peaks in spring, and winter is the driest season. The mountainous areas receive a lot of rain, but the amount of rainfall generally decreases with distance from the coast.
Whether travellers are visiting the coast or the mountains, the best time to see Georgia is during summer. The weather is at its sunniest and most pleasant in May, June and September. However, as the country’s climate varies somewhat from region to region, it’s worth checking out exactly what to expect for particular destinations.
Health Notes when travelling to Georgia Republic
Travel to Georgia is usually incident free as long as visitors go prepared. There are no required vaccinations but travellers should ask their doctors to recommend some or all of the following jabs, depending on what they are planning to do in the country: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria, and rabies.
Malaria is not a concern in Tbilisi, but those venturing to the southeastern areas should take medication. Visitors should avoid drinking untreated tap water, as water quality is variable across the country. Fortunately, bottled water is widely available. Medical facilities are available but expensive in Tbilisi, and limited in other parts of the country. Visitors should make sure they have adequate travel health insurance that includes the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If travellers need prescription medications, it is best to take them along, as well as a copy of a doctor’s letter explaining the medical condition in question, and what has been prescribed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Georgia Republic
Holidays in Georgia are generally trouble free, though travellers will have to be wary of petty acts of theft and pickpocketing. Visitors should use hotel safes to store valuables, and by divide cards, money and travel documents between various bags. They should also avoid flaunting their wealth and walking alone in quiet areas at night, and should remain vigilant when using public transport.
Travellers should not visit the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as they clash sporadically with the national government. LGBT travellers, as well as their friends and families, have been targets of harassment and violence.
Customs in Georgia Republic
Georgians are generally friendly, hospitable, and gregarious people. They’re known to offer complete strangers drinks at bars or restaurants, and routinely invite foreigners into private homes for dinner.
Tourists should wear suitable clothing if visiting churches. (Shorts are inappropriate and women should cover their heads.) Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, though not widely accepted.
Duty Free in Georgia Republic
Travellers are allowed 400 cigarettes, 4 litres of any alcohol, and personal, non-commercial goods up to a weight of 100kg.
Doing Business in Georgia Republic
Suitable business attire for men is a suit, while dresses or suits are appropriate for women. Business cards are frequently exchanged. Georgians pride themselves on being good hosts, so meetings are often followed by a meal or drinks. If invited into a private home, a small gift of chocolates, flowers, or alcohol is appreciated. Business hours are usually 10am to 6pm, with a short break taken over lunch.
Communication in Georgia Republic
The international dialling code for Georgia is +995. WiFi is available in cities and at major hotels; visitors can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Georgia Republic
Tipping is generally expected in at cafes and restaurants, as well as for taxis. The tip is usually between 10 and 15 percent, but visitors should take note that a service charge is sometimes added to bills.
Passport/Visa Note
Travellers to Georgia require valid passports and may require proof of sufficient funds for their stay, proof of health insurance, and an onward ticket and documentation for the next leg of their journey. It is highly recommended that their passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after their intended date of departure. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the intended period of stay in Georgia. For passports endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen no visa is required for a stay of up to a year. Those with passports with any other endorsement should confirm entry requirements before travel.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 1 year.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to a year.
Tourist Offices
Georgian National Tourism Association, Tbilisi: +995 32 243 6999 http://www.gnta.ge
Georgia Republic Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Georgia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 387 2390.
- In Canada:
Embassy of Georgia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 421 0460.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Georgia, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7348 1942.
- In Australia:
Embassy of Georgia, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6162 0126.
- In Ireland:
Embassy of Georgia, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 905 9191
- In South Africa:
Georgian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 346 1831
Foreign Embassies in Georgia Republic
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Tbilisi: +995 32 227 7000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Georgia): +90 312 409 2700.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Tbilisi: +995 32 227 4747.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Georgia): +90 312 459 9500.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Kiev, Ukraine (also responsible for Georgia): +380 44 289 8870.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
