Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than a year.
US Embassy/Consulate
[995] (32) 227-70-00; US Embassy Tbilisi, 11 Georgian-American Friendship Avenue, Didi Dighomi, Tbilisi, 0131; https://ge.usembassy.gov/; askconsultbilisi@state.gov
Telephone Code
995
Local Emergency Phone
22
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on the Black Sea coast
Currency (Code)
Laris (GEL)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Georgian, Azeri, Armenian, Russian
Major Religions
Orthodox 83.4%, Muslim 10.7%, Armenian Apostolic 2.9%
Time Difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Kakheti; Kutaisi; Lake Ritsa; Ananuri Castle; Tbilisi; Monastery of the Cross
Major Sports
Soccer, wrestling, rugby, weightlifting, basketball
Cultural Practices
Even numbers of flowers are used in funerals, while odd numbers are used as gifts.
Tipping Guidelines
Check to see if a 10% service charge has been applied to your bill. If not, leave a gratuity of around 10-15% of the bill. If you are staying at a higher-end hotel, tip the bellhop around 1-2 laris per bag and leave the maid at least 5 laris per day.
Souvenirs
Cloisonne jewelry and decorative items, silk clothing and accessories, woven carpets, felt items, religious icons, nesting dolls, wine and brandy
Traditional Cuisine
Khachapuri, Sulguni — cheese-filled, leavened, and baked bread topped with a cracked soft-boiled egg and butter just before serving
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, November 09, 2022
