One of the key pieces of information that I always gather before visiting any country is the logistics of getting around safely for me and respectfully to the local culture, so I will share the insight about my own country through the lens of a traveler.

Georgia is historically known for its warm hospitality, which remains unchanged when hosting visitors, though there is a distinction between how guests are treated and how tourists are treated. While guests are under the personal care and responsibility of the hosts, who will gladly act as guides, historians, chefs, sommeliers, photographers, and drivers for their guests, tourists with no personal connections in the country have to be prepared to navigate Georgian on their own. In general, it is a welcoming and safe country, though sometimes confusing for foreigners, since some parts of the tourist services are very well-developed (for example, beautifully designed little chateaus for wine tasting), while others require more preparation and knowledge (like travelling to regions of Georgia via mini buses from the bus depot).  Before you travel, it helps to understand a few practical details and cultural nuances.

Visa Rules and Entry Requirements

One of the reasons Georgia has become such a popular destination is its traveler-friendly entry policy. Citizens of many countries can enter Georgia without a visa and stay for up to a year. This liberal policy makes the country especially attractive to long-term travelers and digital nomads.

Visitors who do need a visa can usually apply online through Georgia’s e-Visa system, which is relatively simple and fast. It is always wise to check the latest requirements before departure, as immigration rules can change. Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay, with extra validity time recommended for peace of mind.

Quick Essentials

• Visa-exempt travelers: Nationals of over 90 countries can enter Georgia for tourism without a visa.
• Conditional visa-free entry: If you hold a valid visa/residence permit from the EU, US, UK, Japan, Korea, or UAE, you may be allowed visa-free entry even if your passport alone would require a Georgian visa.
• Otherwise, travelers from many countries — particularly in parts of Asia and Africa not on the exemption list — must obtain a visa before arrival.

Who Doesn’t Need a Visa

Georgia allows citizens of many countries to enter visa-free for up to one year for tourism and other short stays — including most EU countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, many countries in South America, and several Middle Eastern and African states.

People holding a valid visa or residence permit from certain countries (like the EU, US, UK, Japan, Korea, or UAE) can also enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180 days — even if their own passport would normally require a Georgian visa.

Passport Holders Who Do Not Need a Georgian Visa

If your nationality isn’t on Georgia’s visa-exempt list, and you don’t qualify for a visa or residence permit from an exempt country, you must obtain a Georgian visa before arrival.

This generally applies to citizens of many countries in:

• Asia (Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia)
• Africa (many sub-Saharan countries not on the exempt list)
• Some parts of the Caribbean and small island states
• Some Middle Eastern countries are not on the exemption list
• South and Central Asia (ordinary passport holders from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka require an e-visa or visa before travel unless they qualify through a valid US/EU/Japan visa or residence permit)

How to Apply If You Do Need a Visa

Most travelers who need a Georgian visa can apply either:

• Online through Georgia’s official e-Visa portal
• At a Georgian embassy or consulate before travel.

For more information, check out the official website: https://geoconsul.gov.ge/en

Understanding the Georgian Currency

The Georgian Lari is the official currency of Georgia. It is abbreviated as GEL. While card payments are widely accepted in large cities, in cafes, tourist shops, malls, and hotels, cash is still essential in smaller towns, local markets, and rural areas. So, plan on having both. Check with your bank how much you will be charged if you use your card in Georgia, vs. if you retrieve cash from the ATM.

ATMs are easy to find in cities such as Tbilisi and Batumi, but they become less common as you move into mountainous regions. Banks offer fair rates for exchange, and while sometimes a small exchange kiosk offers a better rate, it is best to avoid informal money changers. You need a legal ID to exchange money.

Safety and Travel Awareness

Georgia is generally considered a safe destination, even for solo travelers. Violent crime is rare, and locals are known for being helpful and welcoming. That said, basic travel awareness is still important.

Like in any touristy destination, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep personal belongings secure. Road safety deserves attention, especially in rural or mountainous regions where driving conditions can be challenging. If you plan to drive, caution and patience are essential – Georgian drivers are not for the faint-hearted; they will honk, they will try to pass you, and they will break rules when possible.

A small note for solo female travelers, while Georgian men will usually not overstep boundaries and respect female travelers, it is wise to keep conversations with unknown men short, on point, and non-flirty. Otherwise, you may be bothered by unwanted attention, complements and attempts to ask you out on a date. Unless you are seeking romantic adventures, it is best not to be overly friendly with strangers and exercise usual common sense and precautions, like not over-indulging in alcohol in unknown settings, or not allowing a newly-met friend to drive you in his car, or not following a stranger to see his grandmother in a remote village.

The Meaning of “Georgian Time”

Time in Georgia is often approached with flexibility, especially in social settings. The phrase “Georgian time” reflects a relaxed attitude toward punctuality. Gatherings, dinners, and even casual meetings may start later than scheduled, and delays are usually met with understanding rather than stress.

This approach to time highlights the importance Georgians place on personal connection and conversation. Travelers are encouraged to remain flexible, allow buffer time between plans, and embrace the slower rhythm. While appointments (especially business meetings) and transportation generally run more reliably, it is still helpful to confirm schedules in advance. Don’t be surprised if people show up 10 minutes late- that is not considered late.

Getting Around the Country

Traveling within Georgia is pretty complicated. Firstly, if you arrive at Tbilisi airport at night or early in the morning, a taxi is your only option. You will be met by a swarm of taxi drivers who offer their services, and if you don’t want to overpay, tell them no. The cheaper way to travel is to download a taxi app beforehand, such as Bolt or Yandex Taxi. During the day, there is a local bus that runs every 20 minutes, and it will take you to the city center. However, since most of the flights arrive at night, I have personally never used the bus.  If you travel via Kutaisi airport, you should secure a bus to Tbilisi. There are two bus companies that adjust to the flight schedules and can take you to Tbilisi.

Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi have a reliable bus service, though major overcrowding during rush hour is expected.  Tbilisi also has a subway system with two branches. You can pay for the bus and subway (we call it metro) using your credit card or by purchasing a travel card and putting money on it through the machines that are available almost at every bus and subway stop. The card can be purchased in the subway stations from the ladies at the cashier window.

Minibuses, known as marshrutkas, are an affordable and common way to travel between cities and towns – usually, you go to the bus depot and purchase a ticket either directly from a minibus driver or from a cashier. This is complicated, as different marshrutkas operate differently, and you should investigate how to buy a ticket depending on where you are going. Also, keep in mind that many regional marshrutkas leave before their scheduled time – as soon as they are full, so come at least half an hour before the scheduled departure. Trains offer comfortable and scenic routes, particularly between major destinations. They are modern, comfortable, clean, and run on a strict schedule. You can purchase a train ticket online or at the cashier at the railway station.

Google Maps usually gives pretty accurate bus schedules in Tbilisi, though you can also check out the official bus website: https://ttc.com.ge/en

These are the websites for two bus companies from Kutaisi:

https://georgianbus.com/en/

https://omnibusexpress.ge/

To purchase regional train tickets, visit this website: https://www.railway.ge/en/

Have a nice and safe trip!