Traveling to Georgia
A practical guide for Americans: Safety, logistics, culture, and etiquette
Introduction
For the American traveler over 60, Georgia offers a unique proposition: it is safer than many European capitals regarding violent crime, yet wilder in its logistics and infrastructure. The rewards—extraordinary hospitality, world-class wine, stunning landscapes, and ancient culture—are well worth the adventure.
This guide provides practical information for American visitors, with particular attention to the needs of mature travelers who value comfort, safety, and authentic cultural experiences.
I. Safety and Security
Crime
Georgia consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists. Violent street crime is rare in Tbilisi and essentially unknown in smaller cities. The police are generally helpful to tourists—a legacy of the radical police reforms of the mid-2000s that eliminated low-level corruption.
Petty theft exists, as in any tourist destination, but at lower rates than in Western European capitals. Standard precautions (secure your belongings, be aware of your surroundings) are sufficient.
The Real Danger: Traffic
Warning
The primary hazard for visitors is traffic. Georgian driving habits are aggressive and, by American standards, chaotic. Key points:
- Pedestrians do not inherently have the right of way, even at marked crosswalks
- Drivers may not stop for pedestrians crossing the street
- Mountain roads can be treacherous, with sheer drops and no guardrails
- Road conditions deteriorate rapidly outside major cities
Recommendation: For older travelers, hiring professional drivers is strongly advised rather than renting cars, especially for mountain travel.
No-Go Zones: Occupied Territories
The administrative boundary lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia are heavily militarized. The U.S. State Department advises against all travel to these Russian-occupied regions.
- Crossing from the Russian side is illegal under Georgian law
- Crossing from the Georgian side carries risk of detention by Russian border guards
- The "borders" are not internationally recognized and unmarked in some areas
For more information, see our page on Occupied Territories.
II. Entry Requirements
Visa-Free Entry for Americans
U.S. citizens can enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year. This is one of the most generous visa policies in the world. Requirements:
- Valid U.S. passport (must be valid for duration of stay)
- No visa required for stays up to 365 days
- No registration required with local authorities
Arrival
Most international visitors arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). The airport is modern and efficient. Immigration is typically quick for U.S. passport holders.
Batumi International Airport (BUS) serves the Black Sea coast and may be convenient for those heading directly to Adjara.
III. Logistics
Currency: The Georgian Lari (GEL)
The official currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). As of 2026, the exchange rate fluctuates around 2.6-2.8 GEL per 1 USD.
Money Tips
- Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in Tbilisi and Batumi—restaurants, hotels, shops, and many taxis accept cards
- Cash is mandatory for rural guest houses, local markets, marshrutkas (minibuses), and many small restaurants outside cities
- American Express is rarely accepted outside major international hotels
- ATMs are plentiful in cities; use bank ATMs rather than standalone machines
- Currency exchange offices are common; rates are generally fair
Transportation
Within Tbilisi
- Metro: Clean, efficient, and very cheap. Two lines cover central Tbilisi
- Taxis: Use ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Yandex) for fair, metered pricing. Avoid unmarked taxis
- Walking: The city center is walkable, but sidewalks can be uneven
Between Cities
- Marshrutkas: Shared minibuses—cheap but cramped and not ideal for older travelers
- Private drivers: Arranged through hotels or travel agencies—recommended for comfort
- Georgian Railway: Connects major cities; slower but comfortable
- Domestic flights: Available to Batumi and Mestia (Svaneti)
IV. Health and Medical Care
Medical Facilities
In Tbilisi, private clinics offer Western-standard care with English-speaking staff:
- American Hospital Tbilisi (affiliated with Johns Hopkins)
- MediClub Georgia
- Evex Medical Corporation hospitals
Outside the capital, medical facilities can be basic. For serious conditions, evacuation to Tbilisi (or out of the country) may be necessary.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential. U.S. Medicare does not cover medical expenses abroad. Ensure your policy covers:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Medical evacuation to Tbilisi or internationally
- Trip cancellation/interruption
Medications
- Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications; some may be unavailable locally
- Carry medications in original containers with prescriptions
- Common over-the-counter medications are available at pharmacies (aptiaki)
V. The Culture of Hospitality: The Supra
Hospitality (stumar-maspindzloba) is not merely a custom in Georgia—it is a national ideology. The central institution is the Supra (სუფრა): the traditional feast.
The Tamada
Every Supra is led by a Tamada (toastmaster). The Tamada:
- Proposes all toasts—often long, philosophical speeches about family, ancestors, peace, and friendship
- Sets the pace of drinking
- Commands respect from all guests
Supra Etiquette
- Don't sip wine casually—wait for the Tamada's toast
- When you drink from a kantsi (drinking horn), you must finish it—the horn cannot be set down
- Try every dish—refusing food can be seen as an insult
- Health restrictions are understood—explain dietary needs politely
- Pace yourself—Supras can last many hours
- You may be asked to give a toast—prepare something about friendship, family, or gratitude
For more on Georgian cuisine and the Supra, see our Cuisine page.
VI. Church Etiquette
Georgia is deeply Orthodox Christian, and churches are living places of worship, not museums. Respectful behavior is expected.
Dress Code
- Men: Remove hats upon entering; long pants preferred
- Women: Cover head (scarves usually provided at entrance); wear skirts or use provided wraps; shoulders should be covered
- Both: Shorts are generally not permitted inside churches
Behavior
- Speak quietly; services may be in progress
- Photography policies vary—look for signs or ask
- Do not walk in front of worshippers or the altar
- Candle-lighting is appropriate; small donations are customary
For more on Georgian Orthodoxy, see our Religion page.
VII. Regional Travel Tips
Tbilisi
The capital offers the most developed tourist infrastructure. Allow 3-4 days for the Old Town, sulfur baths, museums, and restaurants. The city is hilly; comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Kakheti (Wine Region)
A day trip or 2-3 day visit to Georgia's wine heartland. Winery tours, vineyard stays, and the charming town of Sighnaghi are highlights. Hire a driver—you'll be tasting wine.
Batumi (Black Sea Coast)
Georgia's second city offers beaches, casinos, and a more resort-like atmosphere. Direct flights from Tbilisi or a scenic 5-hour drive.
Svaneti (Mountain Region)
UNESCO World Heritage towers in stunning mountain scenery. Accessibility note: Roads can be challenging; consider flying to Mestia. Best visited June-September. Not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Mtskheta
The ancient capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an easy 30-minute drive from Tbilisi. Home to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery.
VIII. Emergency Contacts
Important Numbers
- Emergency Services: 112 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Police: 022 (Tbilisi)
- Tourist Police: +995 32 294 22 22 (English-speaking, helpful for visitors)
- U.S. Embassy Tbilisi: +995 32 227 70 00
- U.S. Embassy Address: 11 George Balanchine Street, Tbilisi 0131
U.S. Embassy Services
The embassy can assist with:
- Passport replacement
- Emergency financial assistance
- Lists of local attorneys and medical providers
- Welfare and whereabouts inquiries
- Notarial services
STEP Enrollment: Register with the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before travel for security updates and emergency contact.
Conclusion: Worth the Journey
Georgia rewards the prepared traveler with experiences unavailable anywhere else: 8,000-year-old wine traditions, hospitality that can overwhelm the uninitiated, landscapes ranging from subtropical coast to alpine peaks, and a culture that has maintained its distinct identity through millennia of pressure from empires.
For the American visitor willing to step outside the typical European tourist circuit, Georgia offers authenticity, warmth, and adventure. The infrastructure may be less polished than Western Europe, but the cultural richness more than compensates.
Georgia is one of the few places in the world where strangers still invite you to their table, where ancient churches stand on clifftops unchanged for fifteen centuries, and where a glass of wine carries eight millennia of tradition. It is well worth the journey.