Georgia: Travel Requirements, Health & Medical Insurance
Georgia, in the Caucasus region, does not belong to the European Union or the Schengen Area, but it maintains one of the most open entry policies in the region: many nationalities can enter without a visa for extended stays, while others must obtain one before traveling depending on their passport. The official language is Georgian, with its own alphabet, and the currency is the Georgian lari (GEL).
Private medical care in Tbilisi and Batumi is adequate for most emergencies, but in rural mountain areas the hospital network is limited, so insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended. The emergency number is 112.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Georgia does not belong to the European Union or the Schengen Area; many nationalities enter without a visa for long stays, but the requirement depends on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: Private care in Tbilisi is adequate, but the hospital network is limited in mountain areas; insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
Visa and entry requirements
Georgia allows visa-free entry for a wide range of nationalities, in several cases for stays of up to a year, while other passports require a visa or advance registration. It's always worth confirming the exact requirement for your nationality before traveling.
- Passport valid as required by the relevant diplomatic mission.
- Check whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry and for how long.
- Travel insurance is recommended, especially for those planning mountain routes.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
Tbilisi has modern private clinics capable of handling most emergencies, but the mountainous regions of the Caucasus, popular for hiking, are far from well-equipped hospitals.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Georgia; code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transportation and currency
The currency is the Georgian lari (GEL); cards are accepted at most businesses in Tbilisi and Batumi, although it's worth carrying cash in small towns. Shared minibuses (marshrutkas) are the most common form of transportation between cities.
When to travel
Spring and autumn offer the best weather for exploring the Kakheti wine region and the Caucasus mountains. Summer is high season on the Black Sea coast, in Batumi.
Travel checklist for Georgia
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Georgia.
- Check the visa requirement for Georgia based on your passport: Georgia does not belong to the European Union or the Schengen Area; many nationalities enter without a visa for long stays, but the requirement depends on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Private care in Tbilisi is adequate, but the hospital network is limited in mountain areas; insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
- Save Georgia's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Georgian Lari (GEL)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Georgia?
It depends on your passport. Many nationalities enter without a visa for long stays, but it's worth confirming the exact requirement before traveling.
What is the emergency number in Georgia?
112, valid nationwide for police, fire, and ambulance.
Does Georgia belong to the European Union?
No. Georgia is a candidate for accession, but it is not yet a member of the EU or the Schengen Area.
What currency is used in Georgia?
The Georgian lari (GEL); cards are widely accepted in major cities.
