Things to Know Before Travelling to Georgia
Facts
Capital: Tbilisi
Population: 3,700,000 (2025)
Language: Georgian is the official language, written in its own unique script. Russian is still spoken by some, and English is increasingly common among younger people and in tourist areas.
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Visas
Citizens of over 90 countries — including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and all EU/Schengen states — can enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year. This generous policy makes Georgia one of the most accessible countries for travellers.
Travellers from countries that are not visa-exempt can apply for an e-Visa online via the official e-Visa portal. The application process is straightforward and typically requires a valid passport, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and return tickets.
No visa-on-arrival is available for most nationalities who are not exempt — so it’s essential to apply in advance if your country is not on the visa-free list.
As regulations can change, always check the latest information on Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact your nearest Georgian embassy before you travel.
Best time to visit
Georgia is a country of contrasts — and its seasons are no different. From snow-covered mountains to wine country in bloom, when you go depends on what you want to experience.
Spring (March to May):
The countryside awakens. Wildflowers carpet the valleys, Tbilisi warms up, and the vineyards begin to stir. It’s shoulder season, so you’ll dodge the summer crowds while still enjoying decent weather — especially in lowland areas.
Summer (June to August):
Hot, vibrant, and buzzing. Tbilisi can get stifling, but escape to the mountains — Kazbegi, Svaneti, and Tusheti — where alpine hikes and remote villages await. It’s festival season, and wine flows freely. Expect sunshine, longer days, and more tourists.
Autumn (September to November):
Arguably Georgia’s best season. The harvest is in full swing, the air is crisp, and the countryside blazes with colour. It’s also rtveli — grape harvest season — so expect invitations to stomp grapes and feast with locals. Mild temperatures make it perfect for both city wandering and rural adventures.
Winter (December to February):
Snow transforms Georgia into a wonderland. Ski resorts like Gudauri and Bakuriani are in full swing, and prices drop outside of the mountains. Tbilisi is quieter, with cosy cafés and sulphur baths to warm you up. Cold? Yes. Magical? Also yes.
Top Things to Do in Georgia
Prices in Georgia
Accommodation
15–25 Georgian Lari (GEL)(approximately US$5–$9) per night (budget guesthouse or hostel)
100–180 GEL (approximately US$34–$61) per night (midrange hotel)
Food & Drink
10–15 GEL (approximately US$3–$5) per person
(basic meal like khachapuri or lobiani from a local bakery)
35–55 GEL (approximately US$13–$20) per person
(midrange restaurant meal such as khinkali, mtsvadi, and wine)
Transportation
1–2 GEL (approximately US$0.35–$0.70) per person
(short ride on metro, bus, or minibus using a Metromoney card or contactless payment)
8–12 GEL (approximately US$3–$5) per fare
(short taxi ride within Tbilisi using apps like Bolt or Yandex Go)
Activities
90–130 GEL (approximately US$30–$45) per person
(guided day tour to destinations like Kazbegi or Kakheti wine region)
200–250 GEL (approximately US$70–$85) per person
(full-day ski pass in resorts like Gudauri or Bakuriani)
