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Georgia! One of the best places to experience European vibes, culture & architecture at the same cost as exploring any Asian country. 

Georgia is beautiful and affordable, but it is known for denying entry to people even if they have a visa. Everyone told us this whenever we discussed travelling to Georgia. Read this article to know everything important and essential (Not just immigration) to plan a smooth and fun-filled trip to Georgia.

Georgia- A dreamy escape at an affordable price

Located in the intersection of Eastern Europe & West Asia, Georgia offers scenic views, majestic mountains, beaches, vineyards, dreamy churches, monasteries, great food, wines and much more. So if you are looking to explore an International destination that’s not too far from India and not too expensive, Georgia would be an ideal choice. 

We recently visited Georgia during winter and loved every bit of it  (even though it was extremely cold in December). From our personal experience, I have created a list of things you should know before planning a trip to Georgia. 

European country where no Schengen visa is required

The best part about choosing Georgia as your holiday destination is that you don’t have to worry about getting a Schengen visa( which is considered a hassle). Indians can apply for an e-visa, which may take up to 10-15 days. The Visa fee is 20 USD. 

However, if you have a valid USA Visa, you are eligible for a Visa on arrival, and you don’t have to pay any Visa fee. We have a Valid USA visa, which made the entire immigration process very smooth for us. 

Georgia is infamous for its strict immigration laws.

Honestly, I cannot confirm if it’s true. Thankfully, we did not face any such issues. However, right from our travel agency, to friends (including content creators) who travelled to Georgia, mentioned the possibility of facing difficulties during the immigration process. This made us cautious about carrying all the documents advised by our travel agency. As a rule, it’s always better to carry all the important travel documents whenever you visit any country to avoid inconvenience. 

Here is a list of documents that we carried with us

• 1. Passport (6+ months validity),
• 2. E-visa/ or a valid USA Visa for Visa on arrival,
• 3. Photos (as per specification),
• 4. Comprehensive Travel Medical insurance,
• 5. Proof of funds (which includes your 6-month bank statement
• 6. 2000 USD Cash (not the Forex Card) per family
• 7. Accommodation confirmation from all the hotels you are planning to stay at.
• 8. Return flight tickets
• 9. Detailed itinerary ( if you have any itinerary received from any travel agency, it’s always helpful)

Georgia immigration: Our personal experience 

Although a paid service for a faster immigration process was available to the citizens of some countries, India was not on that list. It took almost 45 minutes for our turn to come. We were asked to show the hotel bookings and medical insurance apart from the USA visa on our passports. The lady at the immigration counter casually asked my husband if he knew the place whose picture was on the front page of our itinerary ! When he guessed it was Tbilisi , she corrected him, the place is Sighnaghi, “the city of love, and told us that she belonged to that place. Thankfully, the process was pretty simple and quick for us. 

A comprehensive travel & health insurance is Mandatory.

You need a comprehensive travel &  health insurance to travel to Georgia. The insurance should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the country, with a minimum coverage amount of 30,000 GEL.

How many days do I need to explore Georgia?

You can comfortably explore the whole of Georgia in 10 -12 days. However, you must plan for at least 15 -20 days if you want to take it slow and gain an in-depth insight. Personally, I would love to slow travel to soak in the beauty and rich history of this beautiful country, but due to time constraints and weather concerns, we had to limit our trip to 6 Days. 

It was our first trip to a winter destination, and we were apprehensive about spending time in extreme cold. However, we definitely fell short of time.

So if you want to experience the best of Georgia, do plan for 10-12 days. 

Best time to visit Georgia 

Georgia is an all-year-round destination, and each season here has its own charm. Based on your interest, you can decide which time of the year you wish to travel. 

• May to June and September to October – Wine and harvest season, perfect for wine lovers.
• June to August – Peak tourist season, with warm weather and lively festivals.
• December-February-  Perfect for Snow activities and Christmas vibes.  

Playing in the snow was my son’s long-awaited list, so we decided to visit Georgia during winter. It was our first experience of travelling to a winter destination. Witnessing the snow from so close felt magical. We enjoyed the winter activities like snow jet ski, skiing, and playing in the snow. My son also took skiing classes at the Gudauri Skiing resort. Apart from snow, we also loved the festive vibes and Christmas markets in Tbilisi.

To survive and enjoy winter travel in Georgia, you need the right winter clothing. Check out my winter packing guide for more details. 

What’s the currency in Georgia? Are forex cards readily accepted? 

The currency of Georgia is called Lari (GEL) 

1 Lari = INR 33 (approx.)

I would recommend carrying a combination of cash and a Forex card. Although the Forex card was acceptable at most places, especially in Tbilisi, outside Tbilisi, we had to pay cash at many places as the card facility was not available. 

Which language is commonly spoken in Georgia? 

Georgian is the official language. Given their Soviet Union past, Georgians (especially elderly generations) also speak Russian. 

However, most tour guides, drivers, Hotel staff, shopkeepers, etc. can communicate in English (even if it’s broken English). We faced little difficulty in communicating our thoughts to our driver, but with Google Translate, most situations were managed. 

Two important Georgian words that help in breaking the ice with locals, and you must know are “Gamarjoba”, which means Hello & “Madloba”, which means Thank you. 

Essential Apps for Travelling in Georgia 

Apart from Google Translate and offline maps. Bolt is one app that you need in Georgia for booking taxis and for food delivery. We ordered food from an Indian restaurant through Bolt, which was delivered to our hotel room within 30-45 minutes. 

What to eat in Georgia (Especially for vegetarians like me)

Something I loved about Georgia was the variety of vegetarian dishes. I love trying Local cuisine in different countries, but usually, options are limited for vegetarians. But in Georgia, we could try many delicious local vegetarian dishes. 

Some of the most popular vegetarian dishes that you must try in Georgia are Pkhali (minced vegetables with ground walnuts), Nigvziani badrijani (eggplant with walnuts) , Ajapsandali (a mixed vegetable stew), Lobio (stew made from kidney beans), Vegetarian khinkali with mushroom, potato or cheese (dumplings), Khachapuri (Cheese bread), Chebureki (deep-fried bread), Lobiani (beans filled fried bread)

If you visit Georgia during winter, you will find mulled wine and CHA CHA (local drink) stalls everywhere. I highly recommend giving them a try. 

Best way to commute in Georgia 

Most of the destinations in Georgia are 2-3 hours away from Tbilisi or Batumi. The best way to travel and explore these places is either by hiring a taxi or a self-drive car if you are comfortable. In Georgia, some cars have steering on the right, whereas some have it on the left, which can be confusing.  

When in Tbilisi, you must try their metro train, just for the experience, if not anything else. It feels like you are teleported back in time. I had never seen or experienced such a long and fast escalator before, and it took us little time to get adjusted to the speed and depth of it. 

Wine originated in Georgia: Bring home some.

Georgia is believed to be the Birthplace of Wine. The history of wine-making in Georgia dates back 8000 years. 

So if you like wine, Georgia is the best place to shop for some good wines. 

Top choices include Saperavi (dry red), Rkatsiteli and Kisi (amber/orange wines), and semi-sweet classics like Kindzmarauli or Khvanchkara. 

Must-Visit Places in Georgia

Georgia is a diverse country that offers something for everyone. From breathtaking mountains to heritage monuments, Adventure activities to rich culture, from vibrant beaches to gourmet cuisine, Georgia perfectly blends Modern with ancient, nature with history & culture. Some of the main tourist attractions in Georgia are – 

1. Tbilisi

The capital of Georgia and also the Soul of it. A city that perfectly blends modern vibes with ancient charm. From modern eateries, markets, buildings, to ancient churches, forts and bridges, Tbilisi has a lot to explore.

2. Gudauri

A perfect destination for winter sports, Gudauri is a skiing enthusiast’s paradise. The snow-clad slopes of Gudauri offer a perfect setup for not just skiing but also other winter activities like snow-jet ski, sledging, snowboarding, etc.

3. Batumi

A lively city situated on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, Batumi offers a mix of beaches, casinos and adventure activities.

4. Kutaisi

The second-largest city in Georgia, Kutaisi, is a blend of history and natural beauty.

5. Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

A quaint village nestled amidst majestic mountains, Kazbegi is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. Gergeti Trinity Church is the main attraction in Kazbegi. A breathtaking Church situated at an elevation with Mount Kazbek in the backdrop.

6. Kakheti

Kakheti is Georgia’s wine region. With a history of wine-making that dates back 8000 years, Kakheti is also known as the ‘ Cradle of Wine’ and is a must-visit for vine lovers.

7. Sighnaghi

Popularly known as the “City of Love”, Sighnaghi is a quaint & dreamy hilltop town. With its cobbled streets, small shops and ancient houses, Sighnaghi feels straight out of a fairytale book.

8. Mtskheta

Georgia’s oldest town and a UNESCO World Heritage, Mtskheta, is known as the birthplace of Christianity in Georgia. Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are the most important and sacred places to explore here.

9. Borjomi

A resort town known for its natural springs rich in minerals. Borjomi offers rich biodiversity, hiking trails and natural beauty.

10. Mestia

Situated in the Svaneti region, Mestia offer natural beauty along with a rich heritage.

11. Uplistsikhe

An ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia. Considered one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia, Uplistsikhe’s history dates back to the Late Bronze Age.

12. Ushguli

The scenic community of five medieval villages, Ushguli, is one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe.

Conclusion 

Georgia offers an old-world charm and captivating natural beauty. With just 6 hours away from India, it is one of the best places to explore in 2026 without burning a hole in your pocket. After experiencing the beauty of Georgia during winter, I can’t wait to visit again during summer or autumn to explore more of this breathtaking country. 

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