£1 GEL 3.65
Today
9:57 pm
+4h from you
Travel warning
There are areas under Russian occupation and near the conflict lines that are unsafe, and wider tensions are causing flight cancellations and travel disruption.
Weather & climate
Weather in Georgia
Georgia
16°
Mainly clear
Thu
4°
16°
Fri
6°
16°
Sat
8°
18°
Sun
10°
14°
Mon
6°
11°
Tue
5°
10°
Wed
4°
18°
SPF level in Georgia
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Georgia
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Georgia without a visa for up to one year.
Your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay.
All visitors must have health and accident insurance for at least 30,000 Georgian Lari covering the full stay.
You may be asked for proof of your insurance by your airline or immigration upon arrival.
If you plan to travel with prescription medicine, carry a doctor's prescription and ideally the original packaging.
Good to know:
Some families have been denied entry because their child's passport photo no longer matched their appearance.
Non-prescription medicines containing codeine, which are common in the UK, are illegal in Georgia.
Safety in Georgia
Tips when travelling
Georgia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be wary of strangers approaching you to take you to a nightclub or offering you food and drink as they may contain drugs.
Always keep sight of your own drinks to avoid them being spiked.
Take sensible precautions against pick-pocketing, particularly in crowded places.
Avoid alcohol if you are driving as the blood alcohol limit is lower than in the UK.
Outside major towns, take enough cash in the local currency (lari) as ATMs and card payments may not be available.
Bonus tips:
You are expected to show your passport if the police or a service provider like a hotel asks for ID.
When travelling outside cities, be aware of cultural sensitivities around modest dress, especially in places of worship.
More information
Driving in Georgia
A valid UK driving license is accepted for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, but not always required. If you plan to stay longer than one year, you may need to obtain a Georgian driving license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Remember: Georgia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Georgia
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Georgia.
Tap water isn't always safe, especially outside Tbilisi. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues. Food hygiene standards may vary, so choose reputable restaurants. Consult your doctor for personalized health advice before traveling.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments in Tbilisi and other tourist areas, including hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, smaller businesses, local markets, and taxis often prefer cash. It's always wise to carry some cash, especially when travelling outside major cities.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Georgia
Tipping is becoming more common in Georgia, especially in tourist areas, but it is not always expected or automatically included in the bill. Consider the service quality when deciding whether and how much to tip.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service. Check if a service charge is already included.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (2-5 GEL) for good service is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare to the nearest GEL is common. For longer journeys or exceptional service, a slightly larger tip is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
2-5 GEL per bag is a typical tip.
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 GEL per day is a considerate tip for good service, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost for a good tour. The amount depends on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile phone users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Georgia. Roaming charges can be significant, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM
30 GB for 50 GEL (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Georgia
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
WiFi & internet
WiFi is readily available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public spaces, particularly in Tbilisi and other major cities. Quality and speed can vary.
Average speed
30 Mbps
Many accommodations and eateries offer free WiFi. Check the connection speed before committing to bandwidth-intensive applications. Mobile data is comparatively cheap if you wish to use it.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Georgia
Country code
+995
To call a Tbilisi number (area code 32) dial 00 995 32 XXXXXX
The country code for Georgia is 995. When calling Georgia from abroad, use the exit code of your country followed by 995 and the local number. Area codes are required.
UK Embassy
British Embassy Tbilisi
British Embassy, 51 Krtsanisi Street, Tbilisi, 0114, Georgia
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.
