Georgia Republic

The Georgia Republic is fast becoming a popular tourist hub. Offering vast mountain ranges with superb walking, skiing and snowboarding opportunities, a magnificent sub-tropical coastline with a temperate climate, immense architectural and archaeological sights and a modern capital displaying contemporary Georgian culture, there is plenty for the visitor to see and do.

Located on the strip of land between the Black and Caspian seas known as the Caucasus, Georgia has been continuously inhabited since the Stone Age. The busiest trade route of the ancient world, the Silk Road, ran through Georgia, bringing many different cultures through its borders and enriching its economy. Because of its transcontinental location the country has been invaded and occupied throughout the centuries by various forces such as the Persians, Romans, Arab Caliphs and Mongols. This is best seen in the country's impressive archaeological ruins, some dating back to the 5th century BC and in its impressive fortresses and churches.

Gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country is embracing its tourist potential. Known for their sincere hospitality, Georgians do their best to make visitors feel welcome. Often guests are invited to dine at residents' homes to partake in the supratradition, where local cuisine can be sampled, an amazing blend of Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Persian and European flavours. Such occasions are marked by toasts of wine, reflecting the 3,000 year-old Georgian viticultural heritage.

The capital Tbilisi, named after the warm springs found in the area, has a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere. Visitors can wander the winding narrow streets and indulge in the café culture, visit some of the finest museums and art galleries in the region, as well as the theatre and Turkish baths. At the other end of this small country, the warm Black Sea invites travellers to source out its more isolated beaches and visit the many local markets, spilling over with fresh produce from the orange, banana and lemon groves found in the area.

Climate

Georgia has a warm, temperate climate. The Likhi mountain range divides the country into western and eastern halves, shielding the eastern part of the country from the influence of the Black Sea, creating a continental climate. The average temperature here in summer is 60-75°F (20-24°C) and 36-39°F (2-4°C) in winter. The western part of the country experiences a humid sub-tropical climate and in summer the average temperature is 72°F (22°C) and 41°F (5°C) in winter.

Money

The official currency is the Lari (GEL), which is divided into 100 tetri. Cash is the preferred method of payment in Georgia but major credit cards are accepted in established restaurants, hotels and shops in Tbilisi. Euros, Roubles or US Dollars can be exchanged at any of the widespread bureaux de change, but other currencies should be changed at the bank. Travellers cheques in Euros or US Dollars are recommended and ATM machines can be found in the major cities. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.

Passport Visa

NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of the USA.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the intended period of stay in Georgia. For passports endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen, no visa is required for a stay of up to 360 days. For all other passport endorsements, holders of a state excise of GEL 50 (for a 90-day, single-entry visa), or GEL 100 (for a 360-day, multiple-entry visa), can obtain a visa on arrival. Visa fees range between USD 10 and USD 200.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of Canada.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of Australia.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of South Africa.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of New Zealand.

Health

Preventative health measures should be taken for malaria; there is no risk in Tbilisi, but visitors to the southeastern areas should take chloroquine before travel. Avoid drinking untreated tap water; bottled water is widely available. Medical care in Georgia is limited, especially outside Tbilisi. Many doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Georgia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 387 2390.
• Embassy of Georgia, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7348 1942.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Tbilisi: +995 (32) 294 5000.
• British Embassy, Tbilisi: +995 (32) 227 4747.
• Canadian Embassy, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Georgia): +90 (0)312 409 2700.
• South African Embassy, Kiev, Ukraine (also responsible for Georgia): +380 (44) 287 7172.