Welcome to Georgia

Backpackers have long known the charms of popular Georgia in the South Caucasus. Today’s curious mainstream travelers are making their way there for its history, nature and world-class dining – not to mention the wine.

From the snowy Svaneti peaks to the Black Sea beaches, there are bucket-list attractions to last a week or more. Dance and dine in hip Tbilisi, one of Europe’s chicest cities, sample cheese from the Dartlo region and go back in time in Borjomi, famed for its Russian imperial architecture and its mysterious Green Monastery.

Unique Facts

• The locals call Georgia Kartveli refers to people living in the core Georgian region of Karli-Iberia, and “sa-o” means “land where Kartveli live.”
• Wine has been produced in Georgia for at least 8,000 years. The traditional method, in which wine is made in a clay jar called a Qvevri, is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
• Georgia has 12 climate zones, making it one of the world’s most ecologically diverse places. You can find leopards, lynxes and bears in the deep primeval forests.
• There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Georgia: the ancient city of Mtskheta; the cathedral complex, Gelati Monastery; and the Upper Svaneti mountainous region.
• The Jewish community in Georgia is one of the world’s oldest. The Georgian Jews have been in the country for 2,600 years, while the Ashkenazi Jews have been there since the 19th century.

Language

Georgia’s official language is Georgian.

When To Go

The best time to go to Georgia is mid-May to mid-October.

Airports

Tbilisi International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Georgia: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive the Hepatitis A. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Georgian Lari

Getting Around

The road conditions vary significantly from those in the United States. Roads are typically in poor condition with uneven paving and large potholes. Do not drive at night.

Public transportation is unreliable. The minibuses are poorly maintained and often overcrowded.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license and an international driving permit are required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Tbilisi
29 Georgian-American Friendship Avenue
Didi Dighomi
Tbilisi, Georgia, 0131
Telephone: +(995)(32) 227-7724 (M-F 8:30-5:30)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(995)(32) 227-7000
AskConsulTbilisi@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Georgia Tourism Board
4 Sanapiro st. 0105, Tbilisi
Phone: +995 32 243 69 99
Fax: +995 32 243 69 87 15.0
Viber: +995 591 96 50 02
info@gnta.ge

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

US citizens are advised not to travel to the Russian-occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, nor the Pankisi Gorge region.

The crime rate is high in Georgia. Use extreme safety precautions. Firearms are readily available in Georgia so assailants may be armed. Avoid traveling at night. Exercise caution when traveling alone in a private taxi or minibus.