Georgia Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Tbilisi.

Geography:

Georgia is a mountainous country bordered by the Russian Federation in the north, Turkey in the southeast, Armenia in the south, Azerbaijan in the east and by the Black Sea in the west, which forms a 330km-long (206 miles) coastline. It includes the two autonomous republics Abkhazia and Ajaria. The state is crossed by the ranges of the Greater Caucasus (highest peak: Mt Kazbek, 5,047m/16,554ft). Enclosed high valleys, wide basins, health spas with famous mineral waters, caves and waterfalls combine in this land of varied landscapes and striking beauty.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Georgian Airways (www.airzena.com), the national airline, operates regular flights from Amsterdam, Moscow, Paris, Tel Aviv and Vienna among other destinations. Airlines offering indirect flights from the UK to Georgia include Aeroflot (www.aeroflot.com), Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com) and Ukraine International Airlines (www.flyuia.com).

The major airport is Tbilisi International Airport.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

From London - 7 hours (including stopover); New York - 18 hours (including stopover).

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Georgian Airways (www.airzena.com) flies between Tbilisi and Batumi.

Coach

These are in poor condition. Timetables frequently change and should not be relied upon. Mashrutkas (minibuses) travel to most major destinations and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Documentation

It is possible for holders of an EU licence to drive in Georgia but an International Driving Permit is required to hire a vehicle.

Getting Around By Rail

In total, Georgia has almost 1,600km (987 miles) of railway. Georgian Railway (www.railway.ge) runs passenger services. 

Rail passengers are advised to store their valuables in the compartment under the seat/bed and not to leave the compartment unattended. It is also a good idea to ensure the compartment door is secure from the inside by tying it closed with wire or strong cord. Reservations are required for all trains. There are two classes of trains, primarily distinguished by the comfort of the seats. Children under five years of age travel free and children from five to nine years of age pay half fare.

Regulations

The speed limit is 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) elsewhere.

Getting Around By Road

Poor road conditions and poor driving mean getting behind the wheel in Georgia isn't a relaxing experience. There are some stretches of motorway, but many roads remain unpaved and poorly lit.

Travellers attempting to drive around Georgia independently should be aware that it is difficult to buy fuel without highly specialised local knowledge and that an adequate supply of fuel should be obtained in Tbilisi beforehand.

Reliable road maps or signposts do not exist.

Side Of Road

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Urban Travel

Tbilisi is served by buses, trolleybuses, cable cars and a small underground system. It is common practice to flag down official taxis, but fares should always be negotiated in advance, bearing in mind the likelihood that rates set for foreigners will be unreasonably high.

In view of the rising crime rate, foreigners should take precautions before getting into a car. It's generally safer to use officially marked red taxis which should not be shared with strangers. It is inadvisable to take a ride if there is already more than one person in the car.

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

South Ossetia and Abkhazia

For security reasons, FCDO advises against all travel to the breakaway regions of:

• South Ossetia
• Abkhazia

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to areas immediately next to the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

FCDO cannot provide face-to-face support to British nationals travelling in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as UK government employees are restricted from travelling there.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

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Follow and contact FCDO: 

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Georgia's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Georgia set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Georgian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

If you're visiting Georgia, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Georgia without a visa for up to one year.

To stay longer or to travel for work or study, you must apply for a longer-term visa. Contact the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.

If you're in Georgia for more than 183 days and do any paid employment, you're automatically liable for income tax and must tell the Revenue Service of Georgia. This applies whether you are on a visitor's permit or officially resident. You'll be fined if you do not comply.

Travel insurance

All visitors to Georgia must have appropriate travel insurance to cover all healthcare needs during their visit. You may be asked for evidence of this, either by your airline at check-in or by immigration authorities when you arrive in Georgia. You may face difficulties if you do not have this evidence.

Make sure you have appropriate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Vaccine requirements

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Georgia guide.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Georgia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Bringing medicines into Georgia

Georgia has a very strict anti-drugs policy. This can also cover prescription and non-prescription medicines commonly available in the UK. For example, non-prescription medicines containing codeine are illegal.

This can cause serious problems for travellers and in some cases lead to prosecution. Foreign nationals have been detained on arrival for having medicines that would not normally cause problems in the UK.

For more information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the Revenue Service of Georgia or the Georgian Embassy in the UK.

If you plan to travel with prescription medicine, you must carry a doctor's prescription and ideally the original packaging.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Georgia.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Georgia

Terrorist attacks in Georgia cannot be ruled out. Attacks could happen anywhere and affect western interests and places visited by foreigners, such as tourist sites and cultural events.

Political situation

Since 28 November there have been daily political demonstrations, some leading to violent confrontation between police and protesters. In Tbilisi these are mainly on Rustaveli Avenue, Chavchavadze Avenue and Heroes' Square and in other nearby areas, but they can begin or end at different locations across the city, disrupting traffic.  Demonstrations are taking place in other cities and towns. Crowd numbers tend to increase in the evening and some rallies extend into the night. 

Tensions can escalate without warning. You should:

• check local media
• avoid large gatherings and demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities

Crime

Crime levels are low. You should:

• take sensible precautious to avoid pick-pocketing, particularly in crowded places
• not leave valuables unattended
• stay aware of your surroundings
• always keep your mobile phone charged and with you

Georgian law protects everyone's human rights and equality, but ethnic minorities and LGBT+ people may face discrimination. Harassment and assault based on race and sexuality do take place.

If someone attempts to assault you or you feel threatened, call the emergency number 112 and ask for the police.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You are not legally required to always carry ID, but if the police or a service provider (hotel, bank etc) ask you for ID you are expected to show your passport.

Dress codes and behaviour in public

Tbilisi is a cosmopolitan city. There can be more conservative attitudes in rural areas. When travelling outside cities, be aware of cultural sensitivities around modest dress (particularly in places of worship) and showing affection in public.

Money

Prices may be quoted in US dollars and euros, but goods and services must be paid for in local currency (lari).

Travellers' cheques are rarely accepted. Outside major towns, you may not find ATMs or be able to use credit and debit cards. Take enough cash in lari if travelling to rural or remote areas.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you use illegal drugs of any kind, you can get heavy fines or long prison terms. Smuggling even very small amounts of drugs carries a prison term of 5 to 25 years and heavy fines.

Using cameras

Do not photograph sensitive sites like military bases and power installations.

Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing churches and other religious sites.

Using Drones

You must register any drone with a video or audio recording system at the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency before it can be used in a public place. To register you need your passport and a valid email address. Foreign nationals cannot register drones online, so you will need to do this in person at the Civil Aviation Agency office.

You must get a special licence from the Civil Aviation Authority for any drone that weighs more than 250g but less than 25kg, even if it does not have a video or audio system.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Georgia, and there are anti-discrimination laws, but same-sex relationships are still not widely accepted.

Showing affection in public may result in discrimination or harassment. Homophobic harassment and assault take place.

Pride marches in 2019 and 2021 were cancelled because the police did not guarantee security. In 2023, a Pride event was cancelled after a violent protest.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Surrogacy

The Georgian Parliament is expected to adopt a law banning surrogacy for foreign couples soon. Keep up to date and get emails when we update Georgia travel advice.

If you're visiting Georgia to arrange an international surrogacy, consider the risks and challenges involved. Surrogacy is a complex, lengthy process. You should:

• make sure you're aware of the facts and well-prepared before starting the process
• get specialist legal advice on Georgian and UK laws before making any arrangements
• read FCDO and Home Office guidance on surrogacy overseas
• research clinics and hospitals thoroughly to make sure they are safe and reputable

The British Embassy cannot get involved in surrogacy arrangements or recommend hospitals or clinics.

Commissioning a surrogacy will not automatically mean that the child holds British citizenship. To bring your child born through surrogacy from Georgia to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport. You need a Georgian birth certificate for this. Check the Public Service Hall and Service Development Agency websites and research the rules for leaving the country with children (some legal details are in Georgian only). You can stay visa-free in Georgia for a continuous period of up to one year. The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has more information.

Trade with South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Anyone trading with Abkhazia and South Ossetia must have a licence issued by the Georgia government. This includes buying and selling property and most financial transactions. Anyone trading without a licence may face penalties under Georgian civil and criminal law.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Make sure your travel insurance covers your activities.

If you get into trouble during hiking, skiing, adventure travel or extreme sports, the emergency response may be limited.

Off-piste skiing is very dangerous. It can be difficult to get accurate information on mountain conditions, including avalanche risks. Read preparing for winter sports abroad.

If you're doing extreme sports, consider going with specialist guides. Many insurance policies will not cover damage to rental equipment or skiing off-piste without a guide.

Be aware that safety standards in Georgia may not be as high as those in the UK. For example, several people were injured when a ski lift at Gudauri malfunctioned in 2018 and a tourist helicopter crashed near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) in 2019.

If you plan to hike close to the administrative boundary lines, consider hiring a professional guide.

Transport risks

Take usual precautions after dark in unfamiliar areas.

Street lighting away from main roads can be poor and pavements uneven. There may be occasional short power cuts – consider carrying a torch.

Taxis

Taxi provision and safety has improved significantly. To stay safe using taxis:

• do not flag taxis in the street
• try to pre-book taxis through an app
• check the taxi has working seatbelts

Road travel

If you're planning to drive in Georgia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Georgia guide.

You can drive in Georgia with a UK driving licence for up to one year. If you're hiring a car, check with the car hire company before you travel whether they will accept the UK licence or whether you will need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP). You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Drink driving punishments can be severe. Georgia has a lower blood alcohol content limit than the UK, so avoid alcohol if driving.

Driving conditions

Take care when driving, especially at night. Be aware that:

• roads outside city centres are often badly lit and poor quality
• stray livestock can be a hazard
• road markings and the right of way can be confusing
• many cars are poorly maintained
• driving can be erratic
• heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes can affect roads and bridges making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas)
• landslides are common

If you're travelling outside Tbilisi, particularly in remote areas, make sure your vehicle is suitable for off-road driving and check weather conditions locally.

Rail travel

Take usual precautions with your personal safety and belongings. Compartments on sleeper trains usually have locks.

There is currently no train service between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

There are frequent small earthquakes in Georgia. The most recent significant earthquake took place in 2022 – a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck 104km south-west of Tbilisi.  

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Wildfires

Lightning and wildfires are a risk in summer, particularly in the mountains.

This section has safety advice for regions of Georgia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

South Ossetia and Abkhazia

For security reasons, FCDO advises against all travel to the breakaway regions of:

• South Ossetia
• Abkhazia

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to areas immediately next to the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The administrative boundary lines with the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are generally unmarked and away from roads. Take care not to cross the lines – you could be arrested by the region's self-declared authorities.

The Georgia and UK governments do not recognise the unilateral declarations of independence by the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Following international law, the Georgian government claims the right to exercise sovereignty in these territories. The UK government, along with almost all other states, recognises Georgia's right to do this.

Consular support is not available in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Buying property in South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Ownership of many properties in these regions is disputed. There are thousands of claims to property ownership from people displaced by conflicts following the collapse of the USSR.

Buying these properties could have serious financial and legal implications, including legal proceedings in Georgia's courts and enforcement of court judgements elsewhere in Europe. If territorial disputes are settled, this could have consequences. For example, property may need to be returned to its original owners (property restitution).

Travel to and from Russia

It is illegal under Georgian law to enter Georgia from Russia through South Ossetia or Abkhazia. If you do this, you could get heavy fines or a prison sentence of up to 4 years. If your passport has entry or exit stamps from the self-declared authorities in these regions, Georgian authorities may see this as illegal entry through an unrecognised border crossing.

If you're considering entering Russia by crossing Georgia-Russia land borders, check Russia travel advice. FCDO advises against all travel to Russia.

Unexploded weapons in border and boundary areas

There is some risk from unexploded weapons:

• along the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia
• near the border with Azerbaijan (Red Bridge area in particular)

Areas where there might be unexploded weapons are not always marked. Go with a local guide or tour group if visiting these areas.

Border with Azerbaijan

The land border with Azerbaijan has been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you visit the Udabno caves at the Davit Gareja monastery site, take care not to cross the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. It is unmarked in this area and disputed. There are border guides in the area – seek their advice if you're unsure.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Georgia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Georgia, including Gudauri ski resort, Mount Kazbegi, and Mount Tetnuldi. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Health risks include:

• rabies – treatment is available in Tbilisi and major towns. If you're bitten or scratched by a dog, get medical attention immediately.
• venomous snakes (vipers), particularly in early summer – few medical facilities outside major towns have anti-venom
• varying water quality – bottled water is widely available

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

For more information on travelling with medicines to Georgia, see Entry requirements. For information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the Georgian Embassy in the UK.

Healthcare in Georgia

The UK does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Georgia. You or your travel insurer will need to pay for all treatment as it's provided.

Medical facilities in Tbilisi are available but can be expensive. Outside Tbilisi, medical facilities are limited.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Georgia where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Georgia.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Georgia

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Georgia
• dealing with a death in Georgia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Georgia
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Georgia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Sometimes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Sometimes
Yellow Fever	No

Overview:

The health system is undergoing dramatic change. Medical facilities are available but owing to the present state of medical services, emergency evacuation travel insurance is recommended for all travellers. It is also advisable to take a supply of those medicines that are likely to be required (but check first that they may be legally imported) as medicines can prove very difficult to get hold of.

Food Drink:

All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Boiled water is readily available and should be used. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

Immunisation against Hepatitis B should be considered. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Travellers staying for more than one month must present a medical certificate proving they are HIV negative. If not holding the required documentation, they will be subject to a compulsory HIV test on arrival.

Currency Information:

Lari (GEL) = 100 tetri. Notes are in denominations of GEL100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tetri.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards are accepted in certain hotels, restaurants and shops in Tbilisi.

ATMs:

ATMs are common in Georgia.

Travellers Cheques:

Euros or US Dollars are recommended.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 1000-1800.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local or foreign currency is unrestricted. However, amounts exceeding GEL30,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Euros, Roubles or US Dollars can be exchanged at special exchange shops, found throughout Tbilisi, while other currencies must be exchanged in banks. Cash is the preferred method of payment, and visitors are advised to carry notes in small denominations. Visitors are also advised to carry US Dollars in cash. Euros and Russian Roubles are also in use. There is unlikely to be a substantial difference between rates offered by banks or bureaux de change.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
GEL

Exchange Rates

0.89

1.04

1.24

1.00

Language

The official language is Georgian, the only language in the Ibera Caucasian family written in ancient script, with its own unique alphabet. Russian, Armenian, Azeri, Ossetian and Abkhazian are also spoken.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Christmas Day	2024-01-07 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Epiphany	2024-01-19 00:00:00	0
Mother's Day	2024-03-03 00:00:00	0
International Women's Day	2024-03-08 00:00:00	0
National Unity Day	2024-04-09 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Easter Sunday	2024-05-05 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Easter Monday	2024-05-06 00:00:00	0
Victory Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-05-26 00:00:00	0
Mariamoba (Assumption)	2024-08-28 00:00:00	0
Svetitskhovloba (Georgian Orthodox Festival)	2024-10-14 00:00:00	0
Giorgoba (St George's Day)	2024-11-23 00:00:00	0

Overview:

The following goods may be imported into Georgia without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 4L of alcoholic beverages.
• Goods up to the value of GEL500 per 30 calendar days or GEL3,000 if arriving by air, up to 30kg in weight.

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited or restricted imports include weapons or explosive materials, narcotics, antiques and art, plants and animals.

Telephone:

Some outgoing calls from Georgia, except to other parts of the CIS, must be made through the operator and long waits can occur. It is possible for visitors to set up an account with the local telecom company that enables them to make direct long-distance calls without the operator's assistance. Many businesspeople now use satellite links to overcome the considerable problems of ordinary telephone communication. The Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel (tel: (32) 772020; www.starwoodhotels.com) is equipped with its own satellite phones.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. It is possible to hire mobile hand-sets from Geocell Ltd (www.geocell.com.ge). Coverage is good throughout the country, but there is limited coverage in the north west.

Internet:

There are some Internet cafés in Tbilisi.

Post

International postal services can be severely disrupted. Long delays may occur and parcels should be registered or delivered through courier services such as Air Express and DHL, based locally. It is advisable to post letters in central post offices rather than using the post boxes in the street.

Media:

Much of the Georgian media are considered to be free but there have been reports of journalists investigating corruption being harassed, and sometimes physically attacked. The outspoken private TV station Rustavi-2 has regularly angered the police and officials. The authorities operate the national state TV and radio networks.

Tbilisi

Enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of Tbilisi, the capital, which stands on the banks of the River Mtkvari, in a valley surrounded by hills. The name for the city derives from the word tbili (warm). It is best seen from the top of Mount Mtatsminda.

Sioni Cathedral

The old city in Tbilisi, spreading out from the south bank of the river, has numerous frescoed churches (the most noteworthy being the fifth-century Sioni Cathedral), 19th-century houses with arcaded open galleries on the upper floors, a castle and a surprising number of cafes and enticing tourist shops selling locally produced arts and crafts.

Prospekt Rustaveli

Prospekt Rustaveli, Tbilisi's main thoroughfare, features an assortment of stylish public buildings testifying to the city's prosperity at the turn of the century.

Georgian State Museum

Spend some time at the Georgian State Museum on Prospekt Rustaveli in Tbilisi, which houses a collection of icons, frescoes and porcelain, as well as an outstanding display of jewellery discovered in pre-Christian Georgian tombs. The Georgian Museum of Arts, in the centre of town, includes many works by the much-loved 19th-century 'primitive' artist, Niko Pirosmani. The open-air Museum of Ethnography has interesting examples of rural buildings and artefacts.

Narikala Fortress

Enjoy beautiful views of the old part of Tbilisi from the Narikala Fortress, first established by the Persians in the fourth century AD and most recently rebuilt in the 17th century.

Mtskheta

Head for Mtskheta, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which remained the centre of Georgian Christianity until the 12th century. The 15th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Pillar of Life), standing at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, was the holiest place in old Georgia. According to legend, the church is built on the spot where Christ's crucifixion robe was dropped to the ground in AD328, having been brought from Jerusalem by a local Jew, and fragments of the robe are said to be kept inside the cathedral.

Samtavro Monastery

Also of interest in Mtskheta are the Samtavro Monastery (still functioning although founded in the 11th century, it is famous as the burial place for the first Christian king, Mirian and his wife Nana) and the sixth-century Jvari Cathedral, the design of which became a prototype for Georgian ecclesiastical architecture.

Shatili

The remote village of Shatili is an outstanding monument of Georgian construction art, located on the main Caucasus ridge; towers are clustered together to create a single fortress.

Georgian Military Highway

Follow the Georgian Military Highway. Leading 220km (137 miles) from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz (formerly Ordzhonikidze) in North Ossetia (now part of the Russian Federation), this route was built by the Russians in the 19th century to help them control their conquered Georgian territories. The road winds through the dramatic mountain scenery of the high Caucasus, apparently little changed since the 19th-century novelist Lermontov described the route in A Hero of our Time. Sites of interest along the road include the 14th-century Sameba Church (Holy Trinity), overlooking the mountain town of Kazbegi, and the city of Mtskheta. The ski resort of Gudauri is situated along the highway.

Uplistsikhe

Some 10km (6 miles) east of Gori is Uplistsikhe (Fortress of God), a large complex of natural caves. Inhabited from the sixth century BC to the 14th century AD, the caves were gradually transformed into increasingly sophisticated dwellings, shops and public buildings, including the most ancient theatre in Georgia, dungeons and enormous wine cellars.

Ateni Sioni Church

Discover the Ateni Sioni Church, 10km (6 miles) south of Gori, which stands in a beautiful setting and is highly prized for its 11th-century stonecarvings and frescoes.

Daba Monastery

10km (6 miles) from Bakuriani, heading towards Bordzhomi, is the 12th-century Daba Monastery, and nearby a 60m (197ft) waterfall. During the summer it is also possible to visit Lake Tabatskuri, sunk into a hollow high in the mountains.

Batumi

Discover the Turkish character of Batumi, the capital of the Ajarian Autonomous Republic. The mosque, 19th-century bath house, Ajarian Museum (with its superb national costume collection), circus, park, botanical garden and the theatre are well worth visiting.

Sulphur baths

Experiment with health-giving sulphur baths in a domed, oriental-style 19th-century bath house just north of the Metekhi Bridge in Tbilisi. Popular with visitors today, Georgian sulphur baths were also frequented by writers such as Pushkin and Tolstoy.

Borjomi

The spa town of Borjomi, 150km (93 miles) west of Tbilisi in the Tori region, developed by Tsar Nicholas in the 19th century as a spa town, produces much acclaimed mineral water. It is possible to hike in the surrounding hills.

Borjami-Kharagauli National Park

Set inside the Lesser Caucasus around the Borjami-Kharagauli National Park, the former health resorts of Abastumani, Saime, Badgadi and Nunisiare are returning to life.

Black Sea Coast

A seaside resort and port in the southwest of the republic on the Black Sea Coast, Batumi is the capital of the Ajarian Autonomous Republic. Close to the Turkish border (20km/12.5 miles), the town has a decidedly Turkish character. Its charm lies less in any particular sights than in its lush, subtropical setting, among citrus groves and tea plantations, with mountains rising up from the edge of the sea.

Trekking

There are five national parks open to visitors to enjoy the country's unique beauty. Trekking and mountain activities are popular in the Tusheti National Park which is a mountainous landscape reaching up to 4,800m (15,748ft). Many of the endemic species can be seen here: the Caspian sea wolf, Caucasian Lynx and many bird species. Tourists can explore the park by foot, horse or vehicle. The Tusheti Villages are protected as historical sites, and are situated here.

Vashlovani National Park and Nature Reserve

Vashlovani National Park and Nature Reserve is located in the innermost part of Georgia, where hyena, brown bear, wolf, lynx, griffin vulture and Egyptian vulture can be seen. This park can also be explored by foot or horse, but is open to scientific and educational tourism only.

Lagodechi National Park and Nature Reserve

Lagodechi National Park and Nature Reserve gives tourists the opportunity to trek through the untouched natural ecosystems, beautiful lakes and waterfalls.

Caucasus

The mountain regions of the Caucasus, which extend from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, offer numerous opportunities for hiking, skiing, ski touring, heli-skiing and snowboarding. Mount Shkora is the highest summit at 5,068m (16,627ft) and Mount Kazbegi or Mkinvartsveri, meaning 'ice top', (5,033m/16,512ft) is the most attractive to mountain-climbers. The ski resorts of Gudauri and Bakuriani are suitable for skiers of all abilities. Snow cover is guaranteed from December to April.

Roshka Valley

The Roshka Valley, with its glaciers, and the Chaukhi Mountains also offer strenuous wilderness treks and stark mountain scenery. Lowland walks are possible in both the north and the south of the country.

Gudauri ski resort

The area around the ski resort of Gudauri (120km/75 miles north of Tbilisi) makes a good starting point for summer walks through mountain meadows full of flowers. Even in the lowland areas, eagles soar overhead and spectacular views can be had. The mountains in the south and east can offer more gentle walks.

Horse riding

These regions are also suitable for horse riding and mountain biking, and there are numerous mountain roads and tracks. Special Caucasian horses bred for their endurance and beauty, such as the Kabardo and the Tusheti, are the traditional means of transport in this area. Trips can be started at the mountain resort of Bakuriani.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is another of Georgia's attractions. Approximately 360 species can be found, depending on the season, and the number of birds increases considerably during the spring and autumn migrations. Raptors including the bearded vulture, the long-legged buzzard and the white-tailed eagle can be seen in the Caucasus in summer. In the autumn, the wetlands and mountain steppes in the south near the Armenian border harbour white pelicans, white storks, cranes and Caspian snowcocks.

Wine tasting

Go wine tasting in the Kakheti province in the far east of the country, Georgia's wine-growing region. Apart from being an ancient tradition, drinking wine is also a social skill, with the traditional toast (or Tamada) being the prerogative of the most powerful male at the table.

Overview

Georgian ceramics, embroidery and jewellery are all distinctive, and may be bought in art salons or special tourist shops. Visitors may also develop a liking for locally produced wines and brandies. Antiques such as rugs and icons attract a heavy export duty and must be licensed for export by the Ministry of Culture. Goods acquired in markets or from private individuals will not come with an export licence, whereas official tourist shops usually take responsibility for certification. The main shopping streets are Rustaveli and Chavchavadze Avenue.

Opening Hours

Most shops are open Mon-Sat 1000-1800, some open on Sundays.

Overview

According to Georgian legend, when God was distributing land among the peoples of the world, the Georgians were so busy eating and drinking that they lost their place in the queue and there was no land left for them. But when they invited God to join the party, he enjoyed himself so immensely he gave them all the choicest bits of land he had been saving for himself. Georgians pride themselves, with some justification, on being the bons viveurs of the former Soviet Union, and their culinary tradition has survived better than most the dead hand of Soviet mass-catering.

The cuisine makes extensive use of walnuts, which are used to thicken soups and sauces (anything including the word satsivi will be served in a rich sauce flavoured with herbs, garlic, walnuts and egg). Cafés, restaurants and street-food traditions are all better established in Georgia than in many of the other former Soviet republics, and the markets are full of locally grown fruit and vegetables. Privately-run restaurants, cafés and bars, which began to thrive during the Gorbachev period, were badly hit by the post-independence breakdown of civil order, but in recent times have begun to bounce back. The future looks bright.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

For service in restaurants, cafés or taxis, the bill is usually rounded up.

Drinking Age

16.

Hotels

Under the former Soviet government, hotels in Georgia were mainly state-owned. Much has changed recently, with many hotels now privatised and standards of tourist facilities far higher than in previous years. Tbilisi has luxury hotels with correspondingly high prices, one of which also houses the British Embassy.

There are also a number of good hotels in Batumi and Kutaisi. Some of the large public hotels now provide temporary accommodation for refugees from Abkhazia and do not serve tourists.

History

Georgia’s history has been a constant struggle for survival against the aggression of powerful neighbours, interspersed with brief interludes of peace.

Georgia's power and influence reached an apex during the late-12th and early-13th centuries under Queen Tamar. The Mongol invasions from 1220 onwards brought this 'golden age' to an end.

At the end of the 18th century, King Erekle II forged a vital alliance with Catherine the Great of Russia but the royal lineage was deposed by the Russians in 1801, after which the whole region was steadily absorbed into the Russian Empire.

Georgia briefly gained independence from 1918, until the invasion of the Red Army in 1921. Although Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was himself a Georgian (his real name was Djugashvili), the republic suffered terribly during the purges of the 1930s and 40s. It is estimated that 10 per cent of the population perished between 1940 and 1945. Nonetheless, many Georgians continue to this day to idolise their most notorious son.

Agitation mounted steadily from the late 1970s until 1989 when, in an episode that was to trigger the final disillusionment with Soviet power, 20 people (most of them women) were killed and hundreds more injured when Soviet troops attacked a nationalist demonstration in Tbilisi.

In a referendum held in April 1991, an overwhelming majority voted in favour of independence from the Soviet Union. Zviad Gamsakhurdia was brought to power in May, but his chaotic government ended within months.

In March 1992, former Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze was appointed and, after two terms in office, was replaced by Mikheil Saakashvili in 2004 as Chairman of the National Parliament.

The past two decades have been dominated by conflict with breakaway nations South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In 1994, after two years of sporadic fighting, South Ossetia was brought back under Georgian control, but violence flared again in 2008 into a full-scale war following claims and counter claims of attacks. Russia sent its troops to defend the breakaway region while also moving is forces into Abkhazia, and has since recognised both as independent states.

Religion

Christian majority, mainly Georgian Orthodox church. Also Eastern Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish and other Christian denomination minorities.

Social Conventions

Georgians pride themselves on their reputation for gregariousness and hospitality. Visitors sitting in restaurants are likely to be offered drinks by complete strangers. They will then be invited to raise (and empty) their glasses in response to an endless string of elaborate toasts, preferably interpolating a few suitably enthusiastic toasts of their own into the sequence. Smoking is widespread. Visitors may also be entertained in private homes. On such occasions, gifts such as chocolates, flowers or alcohol are well received.

On social occasions foreign women will find themselves the object of immense flattery. Those finding such attentions oppressive should avoid giving any hint of encouragement. Appropriate clothing should be worn when entering a church; visitors should ensure they are not wearing shorts and women should cover their heads.

Visitors should also be aware that street crime is far from uncommon. Anyone travelling in the republic should be cautious when venturing out after dark, carry as few valuables as possible, and beware of the risk of being robbed and possibly attacked.

Best Time To Visit:

Georgia has hot summers with mild winters, particularly in the southwest. Low temperatures are common in alpine areas. Heavist rainfall exists in the subtropical southwest. The best time to visit Georgia is in early-summer (May and June) and early-autumn (September), when temperatures are mild without the humidity and heat associated with July and August.

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Dialing Code:

+995

Area(sq km):

69700

Population:

3.989.167

Population Density(per sq km):

71

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

112