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

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

995

Local Emergency Phone

22

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Georgia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. The COVID-19 vaccination is recommended.

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

Georgian’s have a tradition of hosting big dinners called supras, where a table is full of different dishes and people sit around it for hours. The leader of the supra, called the Tamada or the toastmaker, is in charge of keeping the audience at the table engaged. Supra revolves around many toasts, where a tamada talks for several minutes. Each toast has it’s own theme and the toastmaker must be very good at entertaining a crowd and holding his liquor.

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: Thursday, September 21, 2023