Georgia Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.  Do Not Travel To: The Russian-occupied Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to risk of  crime, civil unrest, and landmines . Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Georgia. If you decide to travel to Georgia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Pr...

🚨 Emergency Numbers

ℹ️ 112 handles all emergencies. Tourist hotline: 1505. Georgian emergency services have improved significantly but response times in rural mountain areas can be long.

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Private hospitals in Tbilisi offer reasonable care. Gudushauri National Medical Center handles trauma cases. For serious conditions, consider evacuation to Turkey (Istanbul) or Germany.

Insurance: Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage strongly recommended. Helicopter rescue in the Caucasus mountains is expensive and may require private arrangements.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Georgia has relaxed some drug laws but remains conservative about controlled substances. Carry all prescription medications in original packaging with documentation. Import of narcotics requires advance approval.

• Opioids / narcotics — RESTRICTED: Carry original prescription and doctor's letter. Keep in original packaging. Georgia has historically been strict on drugs — verify current regulations before travel.
• CBD / cannabis products — RESTRICTED: Possession of cannabis for personal use was decriminalized in 2018 but sales remain illegal. Do not bring cannabis products into Georgia.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Tipping is not traditional but is becoming expected in tourist-facing businesses. Restaurants: 10% is generous. Taxi: round up. Traditional Georgian hospitality (supra feast) — no tipping expected at family homes.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Refusing food or wine at a Georgian supra (feast) is considered impolite
• Disrespecting Orthodox churches or religious symbols
• Taking photos inside churches without asking
• Wasting food when a host has cooked for you