Georgia
Phone Code
+995
Capital
Tbilisi
Population
3.7 Million
Native Name
საქართველო
Region
Asia
Western Asia
Timezone
Georgia Standard Time
UTC+04:00
On This Page
Georgia is a Caucasus country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, known for ancient wine-making traditions (8,000 years), stunning mountain landscapes, unique alphabet and language, Orthodox Christian heritage, and legendary hospitality. Tbilisi, the capital, blends old-world charm with modern energy. Visitors are drawn to Tbilisi's old town and sulfur baths, Kazbegi mountains and Gergeti Trinity Church, Svaneti's medieval towers, ancient cave city of Vardzia, wine region of Kakheti, Batumi's Black Sea coast, Uplistsikhe cave town, and UNESCO sites including Mtskheta. Georgia offers dramatic scenery, rich culture, delicious cuisine (khachapuri, khinkali), and very liberal visa policies making it increasingly popular with digital nomads and travelers.
Visa Requirements for Georgia
Georgia has one of the most liberal visa policies in the world. Citizens of over 90 countries including all EU member states, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many others can enter visa-free for tourism, business, or short-term study for up to 1 year (365 days) without any visa. Citizens of approximately 50 additional countries can obtain an e-visa online at https://www.evisa.gov.ge, typically processed within 5 business days, valid for 30 or 90 days depending on nationality. E-visas cost around $20 USD. A small number of countries still require traditional visa applications through Georgian embassies. Georgia's generous visa policy has made it a popular destination for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (Up to 1 Year)
For tourism, business, short-term study, or visiting friends/family for citizens of 90+ countries including EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
E-Visa (30 or 90 Days)
For tourism or business for citizens of 50+ countries not eligible for visa-free entry but who can apply online.
Transit Visa
For travelers transiting through Georgia to another destination, required for some nationalities not eligible for visa-free transit.
Residence Permit
For longer stays beyond tourist period for work, study, family reunification, or long-term residence in Georgia.
Important Travel Information
Georgia is one of the rare destinations where very different travel worlds sit within a single itinerary. Tbilisi combines medieval churches, Persian-era sulfur baths, Art Nouveau facades, Soviet layers, and an energetic contemporary food and wine scene. A few hours north, the Georgian Military Highway climbs into the Greater Caucasus to Stepantsminda and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, with high alpine landscapes that feel dramatically remote yet remain accessible by road. To the east, Kakheti offers one of the world's oldest continuous wine cultures, where family cellars still produce qvevri wines in buried clay vessels as part of everyday life. In the northwest, Svaneti preserves stone defensive towers and mountain villages that look almost unchanged across centuries. Georgia's appeal is not only scenic: it is also social and culinary. Long supra dinners, toasts led by a tamada, warm guesthouse culture, and deeply regional cooking make travel here feel participatory rather than observational. Add very liberal entry rules and moderate costs, and Georgia becomes especially attractive for both short cultural trips and longer stays.
Discover Georgia
Ways to Experience This Destination
Best for travelers focused on Tbilisi's old town, bathhouses, architecture, museums, and neighborhood food culture with easy day trips to Mtskheta.
Kazbegi, Gudauri, Tusheti, and Svaneti routes for alpine scenery, trekking, and high-valley villages in the Greater Caucasus.
Kakheti wine estates and family cellars, qvevri traditions, supra dining culture, and regional specialties such as khachapuri and khinkali.
Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, Vardzia, Gelati, and medieval monasteries for travelers prioritizing Christian heritage and deep historical timelines.
Liberal entry rules, moderate living costs, and a growing expat infrastructure make Georgia practical for multi-month stays.
Money & Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
Currency code: GEL
Practical Money Tips
Georgian Lari (GEL) — one of the easiest currencies to manage in the Caucasus
Georgia uses the Georgian Lari (GEL), with a rate that has hovered around 2.5–2.8 GEL per USD in recent years (check current rates before travel). The Lari is a convertible currency with no controls on bringing in or taking out foreign cash. USD, EUR, and GBP exchange easily at licensed exchange booths (savaluto) found on nearly every corner in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi — often with excellent rates and no commission. Airport exchange rates at Tbilisi International are fair but slightly below street rates in the city center. For Australian and New Zealand travelers, AUD/NZD exchange is available at major Tbilisi branches of TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia. Indian and Nigerian travelers should convert to USD or EUR before departure for smoother exchange in Georgia.
TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia ATMs — outstanding coverage even in small towns
Georgia has exceptional ATM coverage for its size. TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia (BOG) operate ATMs in virtually every town and tourist area, including Mtskheta, Telavi (Kakheti wine region), Gori, Zugdidi, Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), and Mestia (Svaneti). Even remote mountain villages near major trekking routes often have at least one ATM nearby. Tbilisi has hundreds of ATMs. Batumi is well-covered throughout the city. International Visa and Mastercard withdrawals work reliably with low fees. Most ATMs offer USD, EUR, and GEL options.
Cards and Apple Pay widely accepted in Tbilisi and Batumi
Georgia is impressively cashless for a Caucasus destination. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most Tbilisi restaurants, cafes, supermarkets (Carrefour, Goodwill), shopping malls (Galleria, East Point), and accommodation. Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported by Georgian banks including TBC, BOG, and Liberty Bank — expect contactless to work at modern merchants in Tbilisi and Batumi. Outside the main cities — rural Kakheti villages, Svaneti mountain lodges, local marshrutka (minibus) fares, and street market vendors — cash is required. Carry small GEL denominations for daily use in rural areas.
One of Europe's most affordable destinations — excellent value for UK, US, and Australian travelers
Georgia offers outstanding value for money. Tbilisi meal at a local restaurant (khinkali, khachapuri): GEL 15–35 per person (about £4–9 / $5–13). Mid-range guesthouse in Tbilisi Old Town: GEL 80–180/night. Craft beer (Tbilisi): GEL 8–15. Marshrutka intercity: GEL 10–25. Wine tour in Kakheti (with transport and tasting): GEL 80–200 per person. Horse trek in Svaneti: GEL 150–300/day including guide. For UK and Australian travelers used to expensive home cities, Georgia feels extraordinarily affordable. Tip culture exists but is modest — rounding up or 10% at restaurants is appreciated.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
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