It’s extremely easy to love Georgia. Formerly famed as the holiday haunt of the privileged elite of the Soviet Union, today’s country is an often overlooked but deeply rewarding travel destination.
A location at the historical crossroads of Europe, Asia, Russia and the Middle East means it still draws influences from all four, and the end result is a heady one. From its mountain-perched monasteries to its valley-floor vineyards, and from its Turkish-style food to its remarkable capacity for hospitality to strangers, Georgia represents a very special slice of the Caucasus.
Capital city Tbilisi, spread along the banks of the Mktvari River, is an enjoyable but sometimes jumbled mix of old and new. Incense-fogged churches and traditional bathhouses share the city with broad avenues and gleaming new towers, while crowning the skyline is a huge statue of “Mother Georgia” – holding a sword in one hand to ward off enemies, and a goblet of wine in the other to welcome friends.
It’s a sign of how tumultuous the country’s history has been, although it’s also worth pointing out that travelers and visitors fall firmly into the “friends” camp. Georgia, incidentally, claims to be the birthplace of wine – viticulture has been practiced here for more than 6,000 years.
Elsewhere in the country, highlights include the remote uplands of Svaneti, the relaxed Black Sea resort of Batumi, the spectacular hiking and horse-trekking trails of Tusheti and the tangled historical web of second city Kutaisi.
Talking of tangled, the Georgian alphabet at times resembles a thicket of twisted fish-hooks, and its presence on everything from street placards to the endless marshrutkas (minibuses) that ply the roads adds an extra sense of foreignness to travel here.
Georgia is an endlessly absorbing destination; a beautiful and beguiling nation made all the more rewarding by its bottomless hospitality and friendly inhabitants.

Area: 69,700 sq km (26,911 sq miles).
Population: 3,971,368 (UN estimate 2016).
Population density: 70.7 per sq km.
Capital: Tbilisi.
Government: Parliamentary republic.
Head of state: President Salome Zurabishvili since 2018.
Head of government: Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia since September 2019.
Currency: Georgian LARI (ლ) is the official currency of Georgia. 1 Lari is made up of 100 Tetri

Political situation

The political situation in Georgia is generally calm, but small-scale demonstrations and opposition rallies occasionally occur; particularly outside Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. These could escalate without warning; however, tour programs have never affected by this.

Crime

Crime levels in Georgia are low. However, you should exercise a normal level of caution as with travelling anywhere. Ethnic minorities and LGBT+ individuals may face discrimination in areas outside of the main cities if traveling alone.

Local travel

The Administrative Boundary Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia are generally unmarked away from roads.
Take care not to cross the lines inadvertently as you risk arrest. We do have private professional guides available if you plan to hike close to the Administrative Boundary Lines. We do recommend joining our tour groups or arranging a private tour of Georgia at all times to ensure the best vacation possible.
It is illegal under Georgian law to enter Georgia from Russia via South Ossetia or Abkhazia. If you enter Georgia in this way you may face criminal prosecution, which carries the penalty of potentially heavy fines and/or a prison sentence of up to 4 years. If your passport has entry/exit stamps from the separatist authorities the Georgian authorities may consider this as illegal entry via an unrecognised
border crossing.

Mountaineering and extreme sports

Take appropriate precautions when skiing and ensure you have valid insurance for skiing/winter sports
in Georgia.
If you get into trouble while hiking, skiing, or participating in adventure and/or extreme sports, the level of emergency response may be limited.
It can be difficult to get accurate information on mountain conditions, including avalanche risks when off-piste skiing. If you are considering trekking, mountaineering, climbing off-piste skiing or other extreme sports you might consider contacting companies who can provide specialist guides.
As Georgia’s winter and adventure sports industry develops, the Georgian authorities are working hard to ensure proper safety standards are maintained.
We recommend joining our winter tours or contacting us for information.

Road travel

You can drive in Georgia with a valid Australian driving license for up to one year from your last entry into the country.
Beyond this, you will need a valid International Driver’s License.
Driving is on the right. The speed limit is 60 km/h in towns and cities. In other areas it’s 80 km/h unless indicated.
There’s a zero-tolerance policy towards drink driving. Take care when driving especially at night. Many roads outside central Tbilisi, and other city centers, are badly lit and of poor quality. Stray livestock pose a hazard in many areas. Road markings and the right of way can be confusing. Many cars are poorly maintained and the standard of driving is erratic.
It’s compulsory to wear seat belts in the front seats in Georgia. Children under 12 years of age must sit in the back of the car. Children under 7 years of age must sit in child safety seats.
Heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes can affect roads and bridges making it difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). Landslides are also common if you’re travelling outside of Tbilisi, again, particularly in remote areas, make sure your vehicle is suitably equipped. Better yet, join one of our tour programs or book a driver with us to ensure you’re travelling with a skilled and knowledgeable local driver.

Rail travel

Exercise normal caution with your personal safety and belongings when travelling by train. Locks for
compartments are usually available on sleeper trains.

Air travel

There are international airports in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi.

Entry requirements/ Visas

Those traveling on Australian passport have an automatic 365 day visa entry to Georgia.
For those traveling on other passports please check https://www.passportindex.org/ for updated information regarding your passport travel requirements.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

Travel insurance

Make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy as you may be asked to provide evidence of this by your airline at check-in or by the immigration authorities upon arrival in Georgia. You may face difficulties if you cannot provide evidence of valid travel insurance.

Travelling with medicines

Georgia has a very strict anti-drugs policy, which can also cover prescription and non-prescription drugs or medicines, otherwise commonly available in Australia. For example, non-prescription medicines containing codeine are illegal in Georgia. This can cause serious problems for travellers and in some cases lead to administrative and criminal proceedings. Before travelling, check Georgia’s medication importation regulations on the Ministry of Health website (http://www.rs.ge/en/5982)
If you intend to travel with prescription medicine, you must carry a doctor’s prescription and ideally the original packaging.

Local laws and customs

Illegal drug use of any kind carries stiff administrative and criminal penalties, including heavy fines and long prison terms. The penalty for smuggling even a very small amount of drugs carries a prison term of between 5 to 25 years and/or heavy fines.
You should carry a copy of your passport at all times and keep original in a safe place.
Don’t photograph sensitive sites like military bases and power installations. Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing churches and other religious sites. Some visitors have been prevented from photographing the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi. Always seek permission if in doubt. Women should wear appropriate clothing for entering religious sites.
Tbilisi is a cosmopolitan city, but more conservative attitudes exist in rural areas. When travelling outside of the cities be aware of cultural sensitivities around modest dress and open displays of affection particularly in remote areas.

LGBT

Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, and the Georgian Parliament has adopted anti-discrimination legislation, but it is not widely accepted in society. Annual LGBT events are protected by police but may be subject to harassment and counter protest. Open displays of affection may result in some discrimination and harassment.

South Ossetia and Abkhazia

The government of Georgia does not recognise the unilateral declarations of independence by the breakaway regions of South Ossetia or Abkhazia and, in accordance with international law, continues to claim the right to exercise sovereignty in the two territories. The Australian government, along with those of all EU member states and the United States, recognise Georgia’s right to do so.