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.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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, influenza, and COVID-19.
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
Eastern Orthodox Christian, Muslim, Armenian Apostolic Christian, other, none, unspecified/no answer
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: Wednesday, April 03, 2024
