Georgia
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.
