Packing list for Georgia, travel insurance for Georgia, and taking your belongings

What to take to Georgia: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents: a passport that is valid throughout your stay, and, depending on your nationality, at least six months of validity. Possibly also a visa, so check the requirements that apply to your nationality.
• Money: Georgian lari (GEL). Cash withdrawals are easy in cities and tourist areas.
• Clothing: layers are ideal. Georgia has a wide variety of regions, from warm beaches to high mountains. Bring swimwear for the sea and sulfur baths, and a covering scarf for religious sites.
• Shoes: sturdy hiking boots if you plan to visit Svaneti, Kazbegi or Tusheti, and flip-flops or sandals for the beaches.
• Toiletries and personal care: high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
• Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack and a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone, camera, documents and other items that need to stay dry.
• Insects and animals: a good insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and a tick remover.
• Outdoor essentials: a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a cap or hat, a daypack and a headlamp.
• Nature and hiking: an offline hiking map or downloaded routes.
• Medication and travel first aid: personal medication, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers and oral rehydration salts (ORS) in a small first-aid kit.
• Technology and equipment: an international travel adapter for type C and F sockets.

To consider:

• A warm hat and gloves, even outside winter if you plan to venture high into the mountains.
• Extra space in your luggage for wine, as Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world.
• Small gifts in case you are invited to someone's home.
• A water filter or water purification tablets, hiking poles and a power bank if you plan to go on multi-day hikes.

Are there dangerous insects in Georgia?

Are there mosquitoes in Georgia?

• Yes, mosquitoes are found in Georgia, particularly in the warmer lowlands, around rivers and along the Black Sea coast.
• Although Georgia has a history of malaria, it is not currently considered a major problem for travellers. However, Asian tiger mosquitoes are spreading in the region, so future risks cannot be ruled out.
• Lightweight, long clothing and insect repellent can help prevent bites. A product containing DEET or picaridin is particularly useful if you spend extended periods outdoors.
• Read more about mosquitoes.
• Read more about the use of DEET, as well as other ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sand flies in Georgia?

• Yes, sand flies occur in Georgia. Their bites can be irritating, and some sand flies can transmit leishmaniasis.
• It is therefore sensible to take precautions during the warmer months. Long clothing and insect repellent can help prevent bites and also protect you against other biting insects and ticks.
• Read more about sand flies.
• Read more about protection against sand flies and sand fleas.

Are there ticks in Georgia?

• Yes, ticks are also found in Georgia and can transmit various diseases. A tick remover is therefore useful, especially if you plan to do a lot of hiking or camping.
• Read more about ticks.
• Read more about protection against ticks and leeches.

Are DEET or other insect repellents available in Georgia?

• Insect repellents are available from pharmacies and shops, particularly in Tbilisi and other larger towns and cities.
• If you plan to hike or camp in remote mountain areas, it is sensible to buy your insect repellent in Tbilisi or another larger town before heading into the mountains.
• If you expect to spend a lot of time outdoors, choose a product that protects against both ticks and mosquitoes. Products containing DEET or picaridin are suitable options.

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Georgia, or bring it with you to Georgia?

• Georgia has relatively unusual cannabis laws. Personal use in private settings has been partly decriminalized, but selling, importing and many other forms of possession and use remain punishable by law.
• Penalties depend on the specific offense. For travellers, the simplest rule is to avoid using cannabis locally and leave it at home. Do not bring cannabis across the border.