Planning a journey through the Caucasus has become significantly more structured, blending Georgia's famously welcoming visa framework with newly formalized compliance measures. Whether you are mapping out a long-term digital nomad stay in Tbilisi, a wine-tasting weekend through the valleys of Kakheti, or a rugged hiking expedition across the high peaks of Svaneti, understanding the updated entry landscape is essential before booking your flight.
As Georgia continues to position itself as a premier global hub for tourism and remote exploration, familiarizing yourself with these operational adjustments ensures a completely seamless border-crossing experience. Below you will find everything you need to know about mandatory travel insurance, visa-free entry, local legal boundaries — plus 60 unforgettable things to do once you are through passport control.
Mandatory travel insurance
- Minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL
- Valid for the entire duration of your stay
- Issued in English or Georgian
- Checked at borders and boarding gates
Visa-free entry
- Nearly 100 nationalities enter visa-free
- Stays of up to one full year
- EU citizens may use a national ID card
- Overstaying triggers fines and entry bans
The mandatory health and accident insurance rule
The implementation of the landmark Law on Tourism has introduced a universal mandate requiring all incoming foreign visitors to hold valid health and accident insurance for the absolute duration of their stay. This policy must reflect a minimum coverage threshold of 30,000 GEL and be readily available in either English or Georgian.
While border guards conduct spot checks at land checkpoints and international airports, budget airlines and departure gate staff are increasingly enforcing this prerequisite by demanding proof of coverage before issuing boarding passes. In practice, this means your certificate should be saved offline on your phone and printed as a backup — a policy you cannot produce is treated the same as a policy you never bought.
Coverage threshold
Your policy must clearly state a medical limit of at least 30,000 GEL. Policies quoted in EUR or USD should show an equivalent or higher amount.
Full duration
Dates must cover every single day between arrival and departure. Gaps at either end are the most common reason documents are rejected.
Accepted languages
Certificates are accepted in English or Georgian. Documents in other languages may not be recognised by airline staff or border officers.
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Visa-free entry and border formalities
Georgia maintains one of the most generous visa-free entry regimes in the world, allowing citizens of nearly 100 countries — including the entire European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand — to enter without a visa for up to one full year. European Union travellers enjoy the added convenience of crossing international borders using a valid national identity card instead of a passport.
However, balancing this open-door hospitality requires careful attention to evolving administrative guidelines, tighter labour regulations and strict regional laws. Always confirm your own nationality's conditions on the official consular portal before departure, since bilateral arrangements are reviewed periodically.
60 unforgettable things to do in Georgia
From sulphur-scented bathhouse alleys to Soviet ropeways swinging over mining valleys, Georgia packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a country roughly the size of Ireland. Expand each category below to plan your route.
Soak in the sulphur baths of Abanotubani
Rent a private brick-vaulted room in the historic old town and experience the mineral-rich hot springs that gave the capital its name.
Ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress
Soar above the old town rooftops to reach 4th-century fortress ruins and the towering Mother of Georgia statue.
Cross the Bridge of Peace
Walk the striking bow-shaped glass-and-steel pedestrian bridge linking contemporary design with the ancient city quarters.
Climb the Betlemi Street stairs
Traverse steep hillside staircases from lower Old Tbilisi, discovering hidden terraces, historic homes and micro-chapels.
Wander the Art Nouveau mansions of Sololaki
Peek through weathered gates into hidden Italian-style courtyards and decaying interior staircases in the historic merchant quarter.
Tour Queen Darejan's Palace (Sachino)
Walk the breezy, scalloped blue wooden balcony wrapping around the 18th-century cliffside royal residence in Avlabari.
Find the Tbilisi Ateshgah
Inspect the raw brick masonry of a centuries-old Zoroastrian fire temple tucked away on a quiet cliffside street.
Gaze at the Chronicles of Georgia
Visit Zurab Tsereteli's monolithic pillars above the Tbilisi Sea, depicting biblical scenes and national historical figures.
Hunt for bargains at the Dry Bridge flea market
Browse Soviet memorabilia, vintage cameras, antique jewellery and local artwork along the banks of the Mtkvari River.
Shop for spices at the Dezerter Bazaar
Navigate the aisles of Tbilisi's largest food market to inspect strings of churchkhela, mountain cheeses and regional herbs.
Hang out at Fabrika Tbilisi
Spend an afternoon in the graffiti-covered courtyard of a converted Soviet sewing factory, now a hub for youth culture and cafés.
Find the Botanical Garden waterfall
Hike into the shaded ravines of the National Botanical Garden to reach a dramatic cascade cutting through the urban landscape.
Unwind on the shores of Lisi Lake
Walk, bike or paddleboard around this recreational favourite nestled in the semi-arid hills just outside the centre.
Hike the ridges to Tabor Monastery
Follow quiet dirt trails up the arid southern hills for a tranquil, bird's-eye panorama of Old Tbilisi.
Browse Prospero's Books
Sip an espresso in a quiet, ivy-filled courtyard while thumbing through translated works of Georgian fiction.
Marvel at Gergeti Trinity Church
Hike or drive into the high Caucasus to witness this iconic 14th-century sanctuary beneath towering Mount Kazbek.
Hike up to the Gergeti Glacier
Trek past the Trinity Church into high-altitude glacial moraines directly beneath the shadow of Mount Kazbek.
Drive the Georgian Military Highway
Traverse one of the most scenic routes in the Caucasus, winding past gorges, medieval towers and mountain passes.
Stand beneath the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument
Admire the colourful, curved mosaic mural perched dramatically over steep drop-offs along the military highway.
Explore the castle ruins of Ananuri
Stop along the Aragvi River to photograph defensive stone towers and churches above the blue Zhinvali Reservoir.
Hike the remote valleys of Juta and Sno
Trek beneath the towering stone peaks of the "Georgian Dolomites" in the northern Sno Valley.
Cross Dashbashi (Tsalka) Canyon
Walk the transparent, diamond-shaped suspension bridge hanging high above waterfalls and deep river canyons.
Walk behind the waterfall in Martvili Canyon
Take a rubber raft through turquoise river canyons enclosed by moss-covered limestone walls in Samegrelo.
Trek Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Cross one of the largest protected forest reserves in Europe, spanning diverse alpine ecosystems and pristine trails.
Relax by the alpine waters of Lake Paravani
Drive onto the volcanic Javakheti Plateau to visit Georgia's largest natural lake, ringed by high-altitude plains.
Explore the cave city of Vardzia
Wander a 12th-century monastic complex carved into a sheer cliff face, with hundreds of rooms, tunnels and wine cellars.
Discover the rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe
Walk through pagan temples, rock-cut halls and secret escape tunnels dating back to the early Iron Age.
Wander the ancient towers of Ushguli
Journey deep into Upper Svaneti to one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe.
Climb to Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta
Stand atop the 6th-century cliffside viewpoint overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.
Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Marvel at the masterpiece where sacred Christian relics, including Christ's robe, are traditionally believed to be buried.
Visit Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi
Admire medieval frescoes and golden-age architecture at this UNESCO-listed spiritual and educational centre.
Walk to Motsameta Monastery
Cross forested river cliffs near Kutaisi to a quiet, picturesque sanctuary steeped in medieval legend.
Discover the cave monasteries of David Gareja
Journey into semi-arid, moon-like landscapes to explore monastic cells carved into rainbow-coloured hills.
Tour Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe
Explore a restored medieval fortress blending Ottoman mosques, Christian churches and administrative courtyards.
Seek out the citadel of Kvetera
Venture into the forested hills of Kakheti to find a well-preserved 10th-century domed church away from tourist trails.
Stroll the streets of Sighnaghi
Explore the "City of Love" in Kakheti, enclosed by medieval fortress walls overlooking the Alazani Valley.
Ride the retro cable cars in Chiatura
Experience a surreal piece of industrial history on the Soviet-era ropeways spanning the mining valleys of western Georgia.
Wander the abandoned sanatoriums of Tskaltubo
Explore the haunting, nature-reclaimed grandeur of mineral spa hotels once frequented by Soviet elites.
Track down Soviet mosaics across the country
Hunt for vibrant mid-century tile murals embedded into bus stops, administrative buildings and factory walls.
Photograph the former Wedding Palace
Marvel at the radical expressionist architecture and soaring concrete arches of the ceremonial hall in Avlabari.
Tour the Stalin Museum in Gori
Examine the preserved birthplace, personal armoured railway carriage and historical exhibits dedicated to the Soviet leader.
Ride the deep Tbilisi metro
Descend into cavernous stations featuring heavy industrial design, fast escalators and historic relief carvings.
Walk the Saburtalo residential skybridges
Photograph the dizzying engineering marvel where high-rise blocks are linked across ravines by suspended walkways.
Inspect the Tbilisi Auto Museum
Browse a nostalgic collection of restored Soviet-era Ladas, Volgas and state vehicles north of the city centre.
Sample amber wine in Kakheti
Tour ancient vineyards and taste traditional vintages fermented underground in clay qvevri jars.
Savour khinkali soup dumplings
Master the local art of biting into freshly boiled meat dumplings to drink the hot broth without spilling a drop.
Taste authentic Adjaruli khachapuri
Indulge in the boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese, rich butter and a runny egg yolk from the Black Sea region.
Try traditional Lagidze water
Order a glass of natural fruit syrup blended with sparkling soda water from vintage taps in a historic café.
Dine at a working-class canteen (sasadilo)
Order unpretentious bowls of steaming borscht or stew served cafeteria-style in retro dining rooms unchanged for decades.
Sit down for a traditional supra
Join a Georgian feast led by a tamada, where endless toasts turn a long dinner into the country's core social ritual.
Catch a performance at the Opera and Ballet Theatre
Step inside the opulent Moorish-revival auditorium on Rustaveli Avenue for world-class classical performing arts.
Visit the National Gallery on Rustaveli
View the poetic, primitive paintings of Georgia's most celebrated self-taught artist, Niko Pirosmani.
Explore the Sergei Parajanov Museum
Examine whimsical collages, surreal artwork and film memorabilia dedicated to the legendary avant-garde director.
Listen to UNESCO-recognised polyphonic chanting
Attend an evening service at an ancient church such as Anchiskhati Basilica to hear multi-voiced sacred harmonies.
Find the Qajar mirror halls at the Academy of Arts
Marvel at interior walls and ceilings covered in sparkling, intricate Persian-style mosaic mirror work.
Browse the National Parliamentary Library
Explore grand architecture, ornate reading rooms and historic cast-iron spiral book stacks in downtown Tbilisi.
Shop for blue tablecloths (lurji supra)
Meet artisans keeping historic indigo block-printing techniques and folkloric textile patterns alive.
Catch an underground electronic music event
Immerse yourself in Tbilisi's globally renowned club culture with a late-night set in an industrial basement venue.
Unwind on the Black Sea coast in Batumi
Enjoy the subtropical climate, modern coastal architecture, pebble beaches and lively seaside boulevard.
Bathe in the mineral waters of Borjomi
Walk the lush central park of this historic spa town and taste naturally carbonated water straight from the spring.
Work permits, residency and restricted regions
Beyond standard border checks, long-term travellers and expatriates must remain mindful of Georgia's tightened legal framework regarding labour and residency.
Work permits
Foreign nationals engaging in local employment or professional services must secure formal work permits through the State Employment Support Agency, creating a clear division between casual remote work and domestic labour integration.
Residency thresholds
Minimum property investment thresholds for short-term residency permits have been adjusted, reinforcing state oversight across real estate markets. Verify current figures before committing to a purchase.
Overstay penalties
Exceeding your authorised stay period triggers severe financial penalties and multi-year removal protocols. Track your entry date carefully, especially on repeat visits.
The Occupied Territories Act
Entering the breakaway regions of Abkhazia or South Ossetia via the Russian Federation is treated as a severe criminal offence under Georgian law, resulting in heavy fines, formal deportation and permanent entry bans. All travel into these territories must originate exclusively from undisputed domestic checkpoints.
Frequently asked questions
Final thoughts
A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring an unforgettable journey into one of the world's most hospitable and culturally rich destinations. By double-checking your nationality's requirements on the official consular portal, saving your mandatory health insurance certificate digitally and in print, and respecting local legal boundaries, you can explore everything from the winding sulphur-bath alleys of Tbilisi to the remote alpine towers of Ushguli with absolute peace of mind.
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