Georgia sits between Europe and Asia, with the Caucasus mountains, an 8,000-year wine tradition and some of the warmest hospitality anywhere. Most Western passports can stay a full year without a visa, opening a bank account is quick, and individual entrepreneurs with small business status can pay just 1% tax on turnover. Tbilisi is a creative, affordable capital, and Batumi a Black Sea resort city. Since 2026 every visitor needs travel health insurance, and the political situation has been tense since late 2024, with large protests in Tbilisi.

• A full year visa-free for around 95 nationalities

• Fast bank account opening and a 1% tax option for small businesses

• Low living costs, great food and wine, and mountains close by

Georgia is affordable, though rents in Tbilisi rose sharply after 2022 with an influx of newcomers. Eating out, wine, taxis and public transport are cheap.

Internet is fast and cheap in cities, with Magti, Silknet and Cellfie offering fibre and 4G or 5G. Connections are weaker in remote mountain areas.

Georgians are extremely hospitable. Younger people often speak English, and Russian is widely understood among older generations.

Georgia is generally safe, with low crime. Avoid large demonstrations, drive carefully on mountain roads and check current travel advice.

Tbilisi has a metro, buses and cheap ride-hailing via Bolt. Marshrutkas (minibuses) and trains link the cities, and a car or driver is useful for the mountains.

Varies by region

Tbilisi has hot summers and cold winters; Batumi is humid and subtropical with a lot of rain; the mountains are cold and snowy in winter.

Around 95 nationalities can stay visa-free for a full year. Since 1 January 2026 all visitors need travel health insurance covering at least GEL 30,000 for their stay.

• Political tensions and protests since late 2024, and mandatory travel insurance since 2026

• National destination informationNational tourism board2026-10-07

Last reviewed 2026-10-07