Embassy of Georgia to the Islamic Republic of Iran

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  • Ambassador’s Welcome Speech
  • Consular Portal

e-Visa Portal

  • Fight Against Trafficking
  • Reintegration Programs
  • Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Islamic Republic of Pakistan

e-VISA portal

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has launched e-Visa portal allowing short-term visitors to get a visa in effortless way.

Prospective travelers have a possibility to obtain the short-term visa without visiting Georgian Embassy or Consular Office, following three simple steps: applying, making online payment and printing out ready e-Visa.

Applying for a visa through this portal has lots of advantages. No need to make an appointment or present original documents to the Embassy or Consular Office.

An e-Visa can be obtained easily anywhere with an internet connection and it grants the same right to enter Georgian territory as ordinary sticker-visa in the passport.

All you need is internet connection, credit or debit card and scanned copies of your documents.

You must be able to present all the required documents at Georgian state border

  • Travel Document/Passport
  • Document proving purpose of travel
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Document proving sufficient financial means

Tips & how to travel to Georgia in 2024

By Joan Torres 23 Comments Last updated on December 29, 2023

visit Georgia

Georgia is the ultimate European travel destination. 

This Caucasian country is home to, definitely, the most striking mountains in Europe, composed of massive glaciers, fairy meadows, and 5,000-meter snowed capped peaks; and great, vibrant capital, very Eastern European on the one hand but, on the other, with its unique Caucasian and Georgian identity and filled with the most unimaginable chaos. 

Barely discovered by the average traveler, Georgia is a country with a very strong national character, visible in many aspects, from having their own Christian branch to a unique architectural style, a very elaborate cuisine considered the best in the former Soviet Union and a deeply rooted wine culture. 

I lived and traveled in Georgia for more than 7 months, and it is truly one of those countries which, every time I write about its beautiful things, I can’t avoid falling into nostalgia. 

Georgia is a great country and this guide contains everything you need to know for traveling to Georgia , from how to get a visa to cultural facts, trekking advice, and plenty of travel tips, making it the most detailed Georgia travel blog. 

Georgia travel

In this Georgia travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

  • COVID-19 Travel Restriction
  • Best time to visit Georgia
  • Travel Insurance
  • How to get in
  • 5 Top experiences
  • Is Georgia safe?
  • The people and the culture
  • Non-recognized republics
  • Get off the beaten track
  • Soviet heritage in Georgia
  • Georgian food
  • Transportation in Georgia
  • Accommodation
  • More information

eSIM card for browsing when traveling in Georgia

With Holafly , you can now get an electronic SIM card for Georgia from home with just 2 clicks.

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😷 COVID-19 Travel restrictions for Georgia

As of June 15th 2022, Citizens of any foreign countries, traveling to Georgia via any route, are no longer obliged to present either Covid-vaccination certificate or PCR-examination negative result

For more information, visit the Georgia official governmental site.

Travel Insurance for Georgia with COVID-19 coverage

IATI Insurance  is one of the few providers that offers full Coronavirus coverage, not only when it comes to treatment, but also cancellations costs in case you tested positive before departure.

Readers of Against the Compass can get an exclusive 5% discount .

🪪 Visa for traveling to Georgia

Free one-year visa.

Georgia has one of the greatest visa regimes in the world, as you can get a 1-year FREE visa upon arrival in the country. 

You can live in Georgia for the rest of your life

The best part is that this 1 year gets automatically renewed once you leave and re-enter the country, even if you cross the Armenian border and come back after one minute. This means that you can stay in Georgia forever. 

Which nationalities?

Here you can see the list of the countries (94) which are eligible for the 1-year travel visa, which includes all Western Nationalities, Latin America, and all high GDP Asian nationalities. 

By the way, apparently, EU citizens can enter the country without a passport, with just their national ID but, just in case, I recommend you bring both. 

Other nationalities can get an online visa

Then, some countries like India, China or Egypt , among many others, can apply for an e-visa through this portal . 

Remember to read my Tbilisi travel guide

Georgia travel guide

⛅ Best time to visit Georgia

First of all, you should know that Tbilisi can be visited all year long as, in winter, it never gets too cold plus you won’t find tourists. Summer is particularly hot in Tbilisi but it is the best season to enjoy the rest of the country. 

  • Visit Georgia in winter – Georgia has a few ski resorts, Gudauri being the most popular one, around 3 hours away from Tbilisi. Obviously, their ski resorts are not as great as the ones in Europe, but they are all right and for people living in Dubai and other warm areas, Georgia might be the best nearby ski destination.
  • Visit Georgia in spring – Beautiful landscapes and many sunny days but it might be too early to go trekking in the Georgian Caucasus . 
  • Visit Georgia in summer – The best time for trekking in the high Caucasus and visiting the coastal area. 
  • Visit Georgia in autumn – Mid-September is the harvest season, so for wine lovers, this is the best time to visit Kakheti region . 

I personally think that September would be the ideal month to travel to Georgia because the trekking season is not over yet, it is harvest season, the weather in Tbilisi is great and the big crowds have already gone. 

best time to visit Georgia

🚑 Insurance for traveling to Georgia

Georgia is a trekking destination, so get travel insurance that covers adventure destinations and activities.

For this, I strongly recommend IATI Insurance :

  • It covers adventure activities, including trekking in high-altitudes
  • Full COVID-19 Coverage
  • Multi-country coverage and up to 1-year trips
  • Covers senior citizens too.
  • 5% discount for being a readers of this blog

Travel to Georgia country

🛫 How to get to Georgia

How to travel to georgia by air.

  • Via Tbilisi – Tbilisi has many connections with Europe, some Asian destinations and Dubai and other Middle Eastern cities. 
  • Via Kutaisi – There is a low-cost airport, with many Wizzair flights coming from several European cities, so it would also be a great chance to visit Kutaisi .

How to travel to Georgia by land

  • Russia – Officially, only one border with Russia is open, which is the one in Kazbegi . Then, you have the South Ossetian border, which can’t be used for entering/exiting Georgia, and the border with Abkhazia, which can be used for exiting but not entering. For more information, read my travel guide to Abkhazia . 
  • Azerbaijan – There are two official borders, one closer to Tbilisi, which can be crossed by train, and the other one in the Kakheti region . Both are friendly and very easy to cross. Read my Azerbaijan itinerary for more information. 
  • Armenia – There are three borders to choose from, depending on where you want to go. 
  • Turkey – The are two very friendly borders, the easiest being the coastal one, which takes you straight to Batumi. 
  • Ukraine – You can travel to Georgia by ferry from Odesa in Ukraine. There are two companies offering this service, Ukrferry , and Ferrysped , and detailed schedules may be found on their websites. A ticket costs around 100USD. Read my travel guide to Ukraine

Read: Everything you must know for visiting Iran

Visit Georgia country

📚 The best books on Georgia

These are just my favorite 2 books. For more options, check the best 15 books on Georgia

Georgia Diary: A Chronicle of War and Political Chaos in the Post-Soviet Caucasus – Thomas Goltz

In this insightful book, Thomas Goltz tells all the struggles Georgia went through after the independence from the Soviet Union, ranging from separatists conflicts (Abkhazia), the war of neighboring Chechenya, corruption, crime, and endless politicals problems.

travel to georgia from iran

Bread And Ashes: A Walk Through the Mountains of Georgia – Tony Anderson

If you ever traveled to Georgia and had to read one single book on the country, I would definitely recommend this one.

The author Tony Anderson traveled across the Georgian High Caucasus in 1998, on foot, through Tusheti, Khevsureti, Racha and Svaneti. In his journey, he discovered something that I have always been saying in all my articles, which is that despite belonging to the Soviet Union and basically, being the crossroads of the world, this part of Georgia managed to keep their culture and ancient traditions intact.

This book is great not only to also understand Georgian’s national identity but also to learn about the Caucasian ethnicity and culture.

travel to georgia from iran

🛖 5 Top experiences in Georgia

1 – explore the capital, tbilisi.

Whether you come for sightseeing, partying or to live your life as a digital nomad, Tbilisi is a great capital to spend a couple of days in.

travel to georgia from iran

2 – Discover the Communist Heritage of Georgia

From abandoned factories to masterpieces of Soviet Modernism, Communist buildings and functioning infrastructure, as a former Soviet Union country, Georgia has the largest Communist heritage I have ever seen.

Check this Soviet modernist building:

travel to georgia from iran

3 – Wander around unspoiled Mountain villages of Tusheti

One of the remotest mountain regions in Georgia, only accessible by a 4×4 through a 3,000-meter pass, and where you find some of the most unspoiled mountain villages in the country.

Tusheti

4 – Visit Kakheti during harvest season

Georgia was the first country ever to produce wine and Kakheti is the region where most wine is produced, so I recommend you go there during harvest season and visit small, random wineries to see how wine is made most traditionally.

Read my Kakheti travel guide

travel to georgia from iran

5 – Visit the Muslim villages of Adjara

Georgia was never fully under Ottoman rule, just a small part of it one occupied part being the mountains that stretch from the coast along the Turkish border, and that is the reason why most people living there are Muslims.

That area is named Adjara, and its tiny villages are home to absolutely hospitable people and aluminum-made mosques.

adjara mountains

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Georgia?

Get travel insurance for trekking in Georgia I strongly recommend IATI Insurance as it provides coverage for a very big bunch of adventure activities. Get an exclusive 5% discount if purchasing via this link

There is not much to say here other than Georgia is very safe to visit, as it enjoys some of the lowest crime rates ever. 

In fact, I used to work in different cafés around Tbilisi every day and I was very surprised that the Georgians would always leave their laptops and belongings on the table and go outside for a couple of minutes, something I would never do in Spain or in pretty much any European city.

Traveling to Georgia is safe, really, including for solo women. 

Are you traveling to Central Asia? Check my travel guide to Central Asia

Travel to Georgia Republic

🕌 The people, the culture and the country

The country.

Georgia is a country located in the Caucasus region that used to be part of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991. It is located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, which made it particularly appealing and convenient to occupy for several empires, from the Mongols to the Ottomans, the Persians and, of course, the Russians, both the Russian Empire and the USSR.

Georgia is a country with many layers of history, absolutely fascinating, yet, and, surprisingly, they have been able to maintain their strong culture and character, very different from anywhere else you may have been to. 

Read: What to do in Iran for 1 month

Georgia travel blog

Is it part of Europe or not?

From a geographical point of view, the country is literally, right in between Asia and Europe, in Eurasia, so some people may argue when it comes to allocating it.

To be honest, I don’t really care where it sits because I personally think that its culture is more important than its geographic location and, in my opinion, Georgia has many similarities to Eastern Europe, more than even Turkey, which is geographically closer; and it barely shares any similarity with its Central Asian cousins and it is extremely different from any country in the Middle East . 

why visit Georgia

Moreover, as a Spaniard, I will even tell you that they have many similarities with South Europeans, especially Greeks and Spaniards, not only in the way we look like but also, in the way we eat, drink and sit around the table.

Actually, some studies confirm that Georgians have common ancestry with Basque people, a separate nation within Spain. 

So yes, I think that Georgia is part of Europe. 

Georgia and Russia

Heads-up. Georgians don’t like Russians, for many reasons, but mainly due to the Georgian-Russian war in 2008 . I don’t really want to enter into politics but, basically, Georgia went to war with South Ossetia, a region that wanted to separate from Georgia and had the support of Russia, which ended up into a military invasion of Georgia with Russian tanks. 

It is, of course, much more complicated than that, but this is what most Georgians will tell you and, if you meet some Georgians, you are likely to hear them complaining about Russians all the time. 

This topic is kind of controversial because Georgia largely depends on Russian tourism, and they can actually travel to Georgia visa-free, but Georgians need to go through a very tedious process to enter Russia. 

My country is 20% occupied by Russia If you stay in the country for long enough, you are going to hear this sentence quite often, directly from Georgians or even written on blackboards from the most progressive bars. This 20% refers to South Ossetia and the Republic of Abkhazia .    

Georgia is where traditional and European values collapse

Tbilisi is one of those capitals which, on the one hand, is home to a very traditional and super religious, conservative society which still lives in the last century and, on the other hand, a large young population, very open-minded in all senses and with very strong European values. 

Georgia travel budget

From not hiding their homosexuality to fighting for gender equality, the young crowd is really demanding change.

They would like to be at the level of any EU country, to be part of it even, but, unfortunately, they are in conflict with the large, utterly conservative branch, who are supported by the powerful Church and, as a result, many of their demonstrations end up with violence. 

Really, when I was living there in 2018, I witnessed quite a few extremely violent episodes. 

The language 

Georgians speak Georgian , a language whose origins are a bit uncertain plus it is similar to nothing you ever listened to. They also have their own alphabet, pretty beautiful in my opinion. 

How to communicate with the locals

In Tbilisi, most young people speak good English but outside of Tbilisi not that much. Unlike in most former Soviet countries, in Georgia, they stopped teaching Russian at school right after their independence, which means that people who were born after 1991 don’t speak Russian at all, and some of the older generation who do don’t really like to speak it for the above-mentioned reasons. 

85% of Georgians belong to a Christian branch named Georgian Orthodox, one of the world’s most ancient Churches, founded in the 1st Century and the main reason why Georgians have been able to preserve their national identity despite all the invasions. 

traveling in Georgia country

Georgia is the most religious Christian country I have ever been to, a country where you are going to see a lot of young people crossing themselves every time they pass a Church. 

By the way, visiting the endless Georgian Orthodox churches and monasteries is one of the highlights, as they tend to be built in epic locations, plus they have their own architectural style. 

Furthermore, 10% are Muslims, mainly living in Adjara, a region bordering Turkey, as that area used to be part of the Ottoman Empire. 

Read: What to do in Azerbaijan in 3 weeks

travel to Georgia the country

The unrecognized republics within Georgia

In this Georgia travel guide, I think it is a good idea to mention some independent, yet, non-recognized, countries you may not have heard of. 

Basically, an unrecognized republic is a country that has got its independence, but, nobody in the international community recognizes it, which means that the UN doesn’t acknowledge its existence. 

There are many ghost countries around the world and in Georgia, you find two: Abkhazia and South Ossetia. 

Those countries declared themselves independent from Georgia, which led to a bloody war and, since nobody recognized them, they weren’t able to be part of the international banking system and their borders were closed, so today, they are economically backed up by Russia, in exchange for recognition, influence and military presence. 

travel to georgia from iran

However, entering these enclaves feels like being in a totally different country, as they have a border, require separate visas, have a distinct culture and Georgia has absolutely zero power and influence over them. 

  • Abkhazia – You can easily visit it from Georgia and all you need is an e-visa which takes one week to process. For more information, read: How to travel to Abkhazia . 
  • South Ossetia – Not accessible from Georgia: you can only enter from Russia and you may need to have a double-entry Russian visa. 

Read my articles to other unrecognized countries:

  • Transnistria

travel to georgia from iran

🧭 Getting off the beaten track when you go backpacking in Georgia

Georgia is an emerging tourist destination but I think that, in a couple of years, it will enter the mass tourism destination stage. 

In fact, some parts of Georgia, like Kazbegi or Mestia are already quite commercialized, which means that taxi rip-offs are common and the locals don’t care about anything but the money you have in your pocket. 

travel to Georgia

It is a pity because Georgians are known for their humble hospitality and it seems that this commercialization came too quickly.

Nevertheless, don’t be disappointed because most of the country has been barely visited by tourists and there are many pure regions, pretty raw, where the locals will bless you with their hospitality. These are the best off the beaten track places to go backpacking in Georgia:

  • The mountains of Adjara (bordering Turkey)
  • Some villages of Kakheti

travel to georgia from iran

Soviet Heritage in Georgia

Like I said before, the Georgia-Russia relationship is kind of controversial because, on one side, they want to erase any Russian influence from their culture but, on the other side, here you find a shit load of Soviet Heritage, much more than in its neighbor Azerbaijan , a Soviet Country that decided to eliminate most Soviet buildings, yet, they have good relations with mother Russia. 

Some Soviet relics you may find:

  • Soviet Modernism – Soviet Modernism was an artistic movement that flourished during the last decades of the USSR and mainly consisted of buildings with particularly weird shapes. Well, in Tbilisi you find traces of this movement everywhere. 
  • Concrete Soviet buildings – Outside of the Old City, most of the buildings are from the Communist era, especially in the suburbs, where everything remains untouched. 
  • Abandoned factories – There are loads of abandoned Soviet factories all over the country, my favorite being the one in Zestaponi. 
  • Mining towns – Chiatura used to be one of the most important centers for the mining industry in the Soviet Union (Stalin himself used to live here) and the town hasn’t changed much since then.

Here you can learn more about Soviet countries in Europe

travel guide Georgia country

🏔️ Trekking in Georgia

Georgia is the ultimate trekking destination, home to some of the highest mountains in Europe, with its highest peak being Shkhara , located at 5,193 meters. 

A few things you should know about trekking in Georgia:

  • Most of the high mountains are located in the north of the country, at the heart of the Greater Caucasus. 
  • If you are planning to trek in high altitudes, summer is the ideal season but the end of spring and beginning of autumn should be good as well.
  • The Greater Caucasus is no joke, as it offers some really challenging treks and the weather is highly unpredictable. If you don’t have much experience, don’t go alone, or try doing one of the busy, popular treks.
  • Except in some parts of Svaneti and Tusheti, you won’t find any guesthouses along the way, so you must bring proper mountain equipment. 
  • From epic glaciers to mind-blowing snow-capped peaks, the mountains of Georgia are a real wonder, so enjoy. 

For more information, including my personal tips + a packing list, read my trekking guide to Georgia .

If you really want to know about all the hiking trails in Georgia, I recommend you check this website: Caucasus Trekking – It contains very detailed guides to pretty much any trek in Georgia. 

traveling to georgia

🍷 Wine in Georgia (and chacha )

Wine is part of Georgian’s identity and, therefore, the highlight of traveling to Georgia and it truly deserves a single section in this Georgia travel guide. 

Archaeological evidence shows that they have been producing wine for nearly 8,000 years, making them one of the oldest countries in the world , if not the oldest, to ever produce wine. 

Traditionally, they used to make wine in something called qvevri , which are some clay vessels which are placed on the floor of a room called marani . This used to be the traditional way and, like most traditions in Georgia, many wineries still use it. 

where to go in Georgia

In rural areas and smaller towns, it seems that everybody produces their own wine at home and, if you are staying in a traditional guest house, it is not uncommon that your host will probably offer you some for breakfast, no kidding. 

It also happened to us that random people stopped us in the middle of the street to just greet us and give a few litters of wine, for free. 

The fact is that Georgian wine is everywhere, and you are going to find good wine and bad wine but the most important is that for just a few €, you can find some good stuff. 

If you want to really witness the wine culture in Georgia, you must visit Georgia in September, during the harvest season, when all Kakheti is filled with Soviet trucks extra loaded with grapes and all the small wineries are in their production stages. 

travel to georgia from iran

By the way, Georgia produces a large variety of grapes but the most common ones would be Saperavi for red wine and Rkatsiteli for white wine. 

What about chacha ?

When Georgians don’t drink wine, they drink chacha, a really strong liquor usually made from grape which can easily contain up to 60-70% of alcohol.

You will be surprised to know that some guest houses also offer you chacha for breakfast. 

We also got offered chacha by many taxi drivers, bus drivers and just random people we bumped into. 

Moldova has a very similar wine culture. Read my Moldova travel guide

travel to georgia from iran

🍲 Georgian cuisine: what are you like to eat when visiting Georgia

The food is another of the highlights of visiting Georgia. 

In fact, Georgian cuisine is the cuisine of reference in the Soviet Union, to the extent that the best local restaurants in Ukraine and Russia are Georgian restaurants. 

Their food, however, tends to be heavy but they offer a large variety of dishes and, unlike all the developing countries I have been to, in Tbilisi you already find quite a few restaurants serving high local cuisine.

Cheese, walnuts and meat, loads of meat, are usually the core of any of their meals but they also have many vegetarian options, especially eggplant dishes. 

Some of the dishes you are likely to taste are:

Churchkhela

Churchkhela is not really a dish but a traditional candle-shaped candy, and I am putting it on the top of the list because you find it everywhere.

Basically, it consists of walnuts and almonds dipped into a super thick, and extremely hot, grape juice, which they need to hang for a couple of hours to dry out.

Don’t buy it in touristic areas, as they charge 4 or 5 times the actual price. The local price is 2-3GEL per unit. 

Churchkhela Georgia

The local dumplings, typically stuffed with meat. You may also find them stuffed with cheese and other ingredients but those are aimed at tourists.

By the way, the local way to eat them is biting one a tiny bit to suck all the meat broth and then eating it as if it was an apple. 

Khachapuri Adjaluri

Khachapuri is, basically baked bread with melted cheese, but they have many variations and adjaluri is boat-shaped khachapuri with loads of melted cheese, butter and an egg floating over on top of it.

Khachapuri Adjaluri

Badridzhani Nigvsit

Grilled eggplants with walnut paste. Perhaps, my favorite. 

Chicken in walnut sauce. This dish tends to be expensive and not available on most menus but I strongly recommend you order it, at least once. 

Food in Georgia

Bean stew, usually served with cornbread and pickles. 

Gobi is a special starter dish containing several vegetarian snacks such as phkali , which are spinach balls with walnut paste. 

The local grilled sausage.

Gobi Georgia

💻 Internet and connectivity in Georgia

Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi is great throughout the country. In the mountains, the signal is bad, of course, but you can still connect to pretty much anywhere, even in Tusheti. 

SIM Card – Magticom is the mobile company I was using and I remember that for just a few €, you can get loads of GB every month. The best is that you can top-up your phone online. Check their website for the latest deals. 

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Georgia

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Georgia . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Georgia

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Georgia. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money in Georgia – Georgia travel budget

In Georgia, they use the Georgian Lari (GEL) and, approximately:

1 USD = 2.64 GEL

They call the small currency Tetris.

Credit cards and ATMs

In Tbilisi, you can pay by credit card pretty much anywhere and ATMs abound, all of them accepting international credit cards. You will need cash for taxis and the traditional shops. Outside of Tbilisi, do bring cash. 

Exchanging money

Exchanging money is easy and € and USD are accepted everywhere. 

How much does it cost to travel in Georgia? 

The good news is that Georgia is really, really cheap. 

How much does food cost in Georgia?

  • A meal in budget, local eateries – Around 7-10GEL
  • A meal in higher quality restaurants – Around 15-25GEL
  • A meal in top-end restaurants – From 50-60GEL
  • Cappuccino – 4-5GEL
  • Local beer – 2-3GEL
  • A glass of local wine – 2-4GEL
  • A glass of good quality wine – 8-11GEL

How much does transportation cost in Georgia?

  • Taxis within Tbilisi – 3-5GEL
  • Bus/metro ride – 0.50GEL
  • Marshrutka to Mtskheta – 1GEL
  • Marshrutka to Kazbegi – 10GEL
  • Train to Batumi – 50GEL

How much does accommodation cost in Georgia?

  • Budget Hostels – From 15GEL
  • Double room in a budget guest house – From 40-50GEL
  • Double room in a mid-range hotel – From 80GEL

Backpacking Budget for Georgia: from 25-30€ a day

trips in Georgia

🛺 Transportation – How to go backpacking Georgia

How to move around tbilisi:.

  • Taxi – If you want to get the cheapest rates (and avoid bargaining), download Yandex or Taxify. Most rides cost around 3-5GEL. 
  • Metro – There are two metro lines. A single metro ride costs 0.50GEL, but you need to first buy a metro card for 2GEL. 
  • Bus – It works with the same metro card and Google Maps tells you the bus number of your route. 
  • Yellow mini-vans – You will also see some yellow mini-vans roaming around Tbilisi. They are private and one single ticket costs 0.80GEL. However, they are more difficult to use because the signs are in the Georgian alphabet. 

How to move around Georgia:

Marshrutka – Marshrutkas are the tiny mini-vans used to move around the country. They go pretty much anywhere, are the cheapest way to move around and leave once they are full. However, the drivers are literally crazy, seriously, some of the craziest I have ever met, and note that I have been traveling in places known for their crazy driving like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan . 

Train – There is a train line that goes all the way to Zugdidi, Batumi and also to Armenia and Azerbaijan. You can book your train tickets at the train station itself but I used to buy them online through this website . Do book them in advance, especially in summer because they run out pretty quickly. 

Renting a car – When my parents came to visit us in Georgia, we traveled around Georgia for a week by car. It is very convenient and, if you drive carefully, you should be all right. We used a local company named parent.ge , which is significantly cheaper than most international branches. The owner of this company was our landlord, Dato. He is a cool guy. 

Here you can find more information on renting a car in Georgia .

🏨 Accommodation in Georgia

In Georgia, you find a wide range of accommodation throughout the country:

Hostels – In Tbilisi, you can find a shit load of hostels.

Guest Houses – Budget, lovely guesthouses also abound all over Georgia. 

Hotels – From 5-star hotels in Tbilisi to the mountain lodges in Kazbegi, the hotel options are endless. 

Homestays – In Svaneti and Tusheti, homestays are the way to go. 

❗ More information for traveling to Georgia

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Georgia destination

  • Travel Guide to Kakheti
  • Travel Guide to Kazbegi
  • Tbilisi Travel Guide
  • Georgia Itinerary
  • Best Books on Georgia
  • Trekking Guide to Georgia

Facebook Groups – Expats in Tbilisi and Georgian Wanderers are some great Facebook Groups where you can ask questions. 

Travel guides to former Soviet countries

  • Belarus Travel Guide
  • Ukraine Travel Guide
  • Travel Guide to Moldova
  • Azerbaijan Travel Guide
  • Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
  • Travel Guide to Tajikistan
  • Uzbekistan Travel Guide
  • Kazakhstan Travel Guide

traveling in Georgia

23 comments

Georgia is a beautiful country and you also described it more beautifully and worthy. Nice photos with good content.

Nice post! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Joan, Thanks for sharing. Very informative content and quite different from other travel blogs especially the Russian buildings. BTW, I will be travelling from Tbilisi to Chiatura on June 23, do you have any idea how much does it cost by shared taxi (We are a group of 3 adults) so that I have some ideas on it rather than being ripped off. Actually I did ask for private transfer, it quotes 270 GEL, seem quite expensive for me. Hope you can give me some advice on this as you have been in Tbilisi for quite a time. Thanks in advance for your help! Cheers!

Hi Paulina, I don’t know if there are shared taxis going to Chiatura but, from Didube station, you can take the marshrutka that goes to Kutaisi, which costs 15GEl if I am not mistaken, drop off in Zestaponi and from there, take a second marshrutka to Chiatura.

Joan, as always a very informative and comprehensive post – thanks a lot!

But to be honest I have never thought of Georgia as “barely discovered by the average traveler”. Quite the contrary to be honest. By average you mean western European tourists? Because it is (and has been for quite some years) one of key tourism destination for eastern Europe and Russia… Gone are the days when Georgia was an unknown country. Last time I visited (in 2016 and off season) only to find that it is quite prepared for mass tourism and even then (January) there were quite a lot of tourists not only in Tbilisi, but also in Kutaisi and, of course, Singhnaghi. Very different to how it was, let’s say 10 years ago. I will be back again in few days and I wonder or rather I am a bit afraid, how things have changed in these 3 years and how is Georgia during high season. Even now, without Russian tourists.

I will check the tarmac road in Kazbegi 😉 Hope it will decrease a bit the taxi mafia… Cheers!

very interestingly written and informative content. Different and unique from other blogs same like Georgia. Thanks for sharing your experience in so detail , it was very helpful

Really fantastic blog! My wife and I are in the early stages of planning a 6 week trip to Georgia,Azerbaijan and possibly Armenia and I’m delighted to read that there is a border crossing between Sighnaghi and Azerbaijan,as we’d like to travel the High Caucasus on our way to Baku before catching the train back to Tbilisi. Can you confirm that there is definitely no border crossing from Agstafa into Armenia as without that,I think we may have to give Armenia a miss this time. Will now get your Georgia guide! Thanks,Peter

Hey Peter, thanks for your kind message! No border crossing between Armenia & Azerbaijan, 100%, unfortunately.

Hi Joan, My buddy and I are looking at visiting for a 3 day weekend from Frankfurt (COVID travel pending of course). We saw some pretty nice looking tours on Trip Advisor to Vardzia-Rabati-borjomi-back to Tbilsi, and another to Kazbegi. Both tours are 10 to 14 hours. Do you have any suggested tours. Due to COVID we had to announce our vacation time a lot earlier from work so we figured we would try to get a taste of Georgia, and then return next year if it is as it seems, beautiful.

Hi Aaron, I don’t know about any specific tours, other than the one recommended in the articles from GetYourGuide, sorry

Nicely informative narrative but of course impossible to evaluate for what may have been left out for a first time tourist that could be of interest. Well, that’s the adventure aspect in travel, isn’t it. Like, hooking up, female sexual mores, clubbing, etc. Also missing was any mention of medical, dentistry, and hospital services in the nation. All in all a good, readable word on Georgia. Thanks.

Hi Joan, I am planning to visit Georgia and other neighbouring countries such as Mongolia post-COVID 19, in 2022. Thank you so much for a very informative blog and beautiful photos of Georgia. I will need a visa as I am a Papua New Guinean. I reckon the closest place to get a Georgian visa will be Australia our neighbour to the south. I am not a trekker but love walks and want to find out if Tbilisi has lakes in the city or near the city. I am interested in buying your book so will check out Amazon. Would love a copy of your book ‘Against the Compass’ – it sounds exciting and different.

Thanks, Mari, I wish you all the best with your visa, and let me know if you need anything

Hey Joan! Incredible post. I’m fully vaccinated (yayyy) and planning a trip to Georgia this spring – so soon. I can’t wait to buy your book and learn more. I’m curious, have you heard anything about the country actually being open? I know that I can travel there with vaccine proof but I’m curious what it will be like once I arrive.

Hi Kylee! I think Georgia is now requiring a mandatory quarantine, but they kept it changing every now and then, and not sure how it works with people who are vaccinated. Did you check on IATA?

Hi Joan, I just came across your account of living in Georgia, I enjoyed the read and have subscribed!

I’m a solo female traveller from Canada and I have a specific question I’d like to ask you about the South Ossetia region. I’d like to visit the Gudauri Ski Area, and from what I can tell this area “seems” to fall within the South Ossetia region. I say “seems’ because I’m finding a lot of different information. From what I can understand the border is not static and is always fluctuating. My government’s travel website says that this region is not recommended for travel, and as such my insurance would not cover me if I have an incident in this region. So I’m just trying to find out from someone who’s been there what their take on it is, is the ski resort in this region and is it a generally safe place to visit? It looks like a chill place with new hotels opening up. And a great place to spend a few days playing in the snow! (I heard about the chair lift incident in 2018, but hopefully they’ve worked out this issues)

I hope that you are able to help me out, any information you can provide would be great.

Hi Leslie, thanks for your message! Gudauri is near South Ossetia but it doesn’t belong to the region. It’s a very safe touristic area, however, and as you well said, there are many hotels.

South Ossetia on the other hand is a breakaway territory today only accessible from Russia. I would not say it’s dangerous but you cannot access from Georgia anyways and even from Russia is tricky.

Thank you for the quick reply! I will continue to plan my ski trip and I can’t wait to get out there!

> Really, when I was living there in 2018, I witnessed quite a few extremely violent episodes.

Sad to say, but things are getting only worse. Orthodox priests were just yesterday beating journalists and gays while police was just watching and enjoying the show. The ruling mafia and extremist Georgian Orthodox church are promoting violence, intolerance and racism against sexual minorities, Russians and everyone who threatens their Jihadist values and way of life. And high level of nationalism is boosting xenophobia.

We are planning a lengthy European trip from early spring to late autumn in ’25 or ’26 , I am planning buying or renting a camper van for ease of travel, the trip includes Western Turkey. How easy is it to drive along the Black Sea coast and enter Georgia by private vehicle, any insurance problems ? Could the return trip be via Russia and/or Ukraine, is there a vehicle ferry from Georgia to the Ukraine ? PS, I have driven to India via Turkey in the past, so I am aware of many potential problems for the traveler. Thank you, David

Hi David, driving along the route is super easy, no hassle at all, but I am not sure about travel insurance. That’s something you’ll need to figure out. Via Russia is also OMK, as long as you have a visa. No VOA available.

Hi David, Thanks for sharing! We were considering Georgia for travel in 2022, however with the eastern europe conflict, is this something you think would make Georgia unsafe for travel in 2022?

What a fantastic resource for discovering Georgia in 2023! This article gives such a clear impression of this lovely nation, from its breath taking surroundings to its distinct culture and welcoming people. Every phrase shows the author’s obvious passion for Georgia, which makes me want to go on my own adventure there. The helpful advice on visas, travel insurance, and the ideal times to visit is of the utmost value. Additionally, the inhabitants’ emphasis on safety and friendliness is quite touching. It is excellent to emphasise Georgia’s extensive history, diverse language, and, of course, its renowned wine culture. This page serves as a travel guide as well as an open invitation to first-hand experience Georgia’s charm. I’m grateful to you for sharing this amazing story, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it myself!

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  • Georgia Visa Exemption

Georgian visa for Iranian citizens

Visa requirements:, georgia tourist visa requirements:.

  • Holding Iranian passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of the intended stay in Georgia.
  • Proof of onward travel (departure) from Georgia.

If you are looking for Georgia visa information, such as available types of visas, or how to apply from Iran, we recommend you visit or contact the embassy or consulate of Georgia nearest your place of residence.

  • Tehran : The Embassy of Georgia in Tehran, Iran (Working hours: Open now. Close in 7 hours 22 minutes )

Visa application requirements

Tourism Statistics Chart

The line chart shows the number of visitors from Iran traveling to Georgia from 2008 to 2018.

References: UNWTO.org , World Bank and multiple sources. (This data is for informational purposes only. Please see our disclaimer page for more information.)

Georgia & Iran comparison

Georgia's area is approximately 69,490 km2 (26,830 sq mi), while the area of Iran is approximately 1,628,550 km2 (628,786 sq mi). This means Iran is 23.44 times bigger than Georgia.

As of February 2024, Georgia's population is ~4.0 million people - 84,401,733 fewer people than the population of Iran.

We have highlighted Georgia & Iran’s relative positions on world's map for your reference.

Frequently asked questions, answered

How many visitors from iran travel to georgia in one year.

The number of visitors from Iran visiting Georgia in 2018 was approximately 339,462.

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  • Tbilisi to Tehran: 1430.02 km (888.57 mi)
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This page was last updated on: February 2024

Wander-Lush

How to Visit Georgia the Country in 2024: The Ultimate Georgia Travel Guide

  • The Caucasus

Everything you need to know to visit Georgia in 2024, including up-to-date city and regional guides, insider tips, and a wealth of resources collected from my Georgia travel blog.

Last updated: January 2024

If Georgia (the country) features on your travel wish list, then I have good news for you: There has never been a better time to visit Georgia!

This small but mighty nation in the South Caucasus strikes an almost perfect balance between convenience and a sense of adventure. You can get around Georgia with relative ease while still feeling (at times) like you’re well and truly off the beaten path and experiencing something few other travellers before you have.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time travelling Georgia and living in Tbilisi, it’s that everyone has their own experience of Georgia. Many people (myself included) fall in love and end up moving here.

I love Georgia to bits, but I also have a realistic understanding of the ups and downs involved with travelling here. Since I started writing my Georgia travel blog back in 2017, I’ve always tried to paint a full and honest picture.

This Georgia Travel Guide brings together all my knowledge and experience. I cover everything from transport logistics, safety and budgeting to cultural etiquette and responsible travel tips.

Please note: This page contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more .

Visiting Georgia in 2024

Georgia is open to tourists . There are no longer any special restrictions or entry requirements for Georgia.

This Ministry of Foreign Affairs page is updated regularly to reflect any developments and should be your first point of reference for official advice.

If you have questions about Georgia, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me directly. If you’d like some feedback on your Georgia itinerary or you need assistance planning your trip, please see my Itinerary Planning Page .

Georgia travel blogs

All my 100+ Georgia travel blogs, stories and guides, organised by theme/geography. Each link opens in a new tab so you can bookmark the pages you want to come back to later.

Featured Georgia guides

Resistance, a white stone sculpture located in Avlabari neighbourhood, Tbilisi, with a blue apartment building behind it.

What’s New in Georgia in 2024: New Openings, Trending Destinations & Travel Predictions

Gandagana parade, a traditional festival in Batumi, Georgia.

2024 Georgia Calendar: Festivals, Holidays & Milestones to Plan Your Trip Around

Your essential guide to the Kazbegi to Gergeti Trinity Church hike in Georgia. Includes a route map, video, and must-read tips.

The Ultimate Georgia Itinerary for 2024: How to Spend 1-4 Weeks in Georgia

Carpets and historic architecture, the best things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia.

52 Unique Things to Do in Tbilisi: The Ultimate Guide

Popular destinations.

Mosaics on the front of Chreli-Abano royal bathhouse in Tbilisi.

  • Unique things to do in Tbilisi
  • Best restaurants in Tbilisi
  • Best bars in Tbilisi
  • Where to stay in Tbilisi
  • Detailed guide to visiting the Tbilisi Sulfur Baths
  • Where to see live folk music & dance in Tbilisi
  • How to visit the Chronicles of Georgia monument

A cute cafe in Kutaisi, Georgia.

  • Kutaisi city guide & 3-day itinerary
  • Hidden gems in Kutaisi
  • Where to stay in Kutaisi
  • Best restaurants in Kutaisi
  • How to travel between Kutaisi and Tbilisi
  • Chiatura day trip
  • Tskaltubo day trip
  • Canyons & caves day trip
  • Vani Sulfur Pool day trip
  • Tskhrajvari day trip
  • See all Kutaisi Guides →

Ali and Nino statue in Batumi, Georgia.

  • Batumi city guide
  • How to get to Batumi from Tbilisi
  • How to get to Batumi from Kutaisi
  • Batumi Botanical Garden
  • Batumi street art guide
  • Staying at Kartuli, Batumi’s best hotel
  • See all Batumi Guides →

A glass of wine in Kakheti, Georgia.

Kakheti Wine Region

  • Detailed Kakheti Wine Region guide & itinerary
  • How to get to Kakheti from Tbilisi
  • Best Kakheti day tours from Tbilisi
  • Telavi city guide
  • Best hotels & wine chateaux in Kakheti
  • Where to celebrate the Rtveli wine harvest in Kakheti
  • Visiting Vashlovani National Park
  • Guide to Big Shiraki, abandoned Soviet airbase
  • Things to do in Dedoplistskaro
  • See all Kakheti Guides →

Aerial view of Gergeti Trinity Church against a backdrop of mountains - a must-see when you visit Kazbegi, Georgia.

  • Detailed Kazbegi travel guide
  • How to get to Kazbegi from Tbilisi
  • Where to stay in Kazbegi
  • Gergeti Trinity Church Hike
  • Where to stop on the Georgian Military Highway
  • Visit the the Giant Head Sculptures in Sno village

Stone towers in Svaneti, one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Caucasus.

Caucasus mountains

  • Kazbegi, Svaneti & Tusheti regions compared
  • How to get to Mestia (Svaneti)
  • Guide to Tusheti, Georgia’s most remote mountain region
  • How to get to Tusheti
  • Guide to Racha, Georgia’s alternative mountain region
  • Where to go skiing in Georgia
  • How to get to Gudauri from Tbilisi

Explore Georgia by region

David Gareja Cave Monastery in Georgia.

Eastern Georgia

  • Mtskheta day trip guide
  • What to expect from the Stalin Museum in Gori
  • Gori city guide
  • Uplistsikhe Cave City
  • David Gareja Cave Monastery
  • Homestays & Kist culture in Pankisi Valley
  • Nazy’s Guest House

Fall colours at an alpine lake in Georgia's Javakheti Protected Areas.

Southern Georgia

  • Complete guide to Borjomi
  • Vardzia Cave City
  • Rabati Castle
  • Akhaltsikhe city guide
  • How to get to Vardzia
  • Guide to Abastumani
  • Guide to Meskheti region
  • Guide to Tsalka & Javakheti
  • Shaori Fortress hike
  • Guide to Kvemo Kartli region
  • Didgori Battle Memorial
  • How to get to Bakuriani from Tbilisi

A Soviet-era mosaic in Guria, Western Georgia.

Western Georgia

  • Zugdidi city guide
  • Guide to Ozurgeti & Guria, Georgia’s tea region
  • Things to do in Zestafoni
  • Guide to visiting Martvili Canyon
  • Guide to visiting Sairme
  • Guide to visiting Sachkhere
  • Guide to visiting Kobuleti
  • Guide to visiting Poti
  • Kolkheti National Park
  • Nokalakevi Fortress & hot springs
  • Machakhela Protected Areas
  • Glamping Tago in Upper Adjara
  • Sarpi & the Turkish border
  • Guide to the Gonio Cross hike

Plan your trip to Georgia

Here are a few of my favourite resources for travel planning in Georgia.

GoTrip Georgia private transfers icon.

Georgia travel resources

My best Georgia travel tips and trip planning resources.

Where to go in Georgia

  • 40+ places to visit in Georgia
  • 15 best day trips from Tbilisi
  • 10 best day trips from Batumi
  • 6 best day trips from Kazbegi
  • 7 best day trips from Borjomi

Itinerary ideas

  • Georgia itinerary for 1-4 weeks
  • Adventurous Georgia road trip itinerary
  • Georgia Azerbaijan itinerary
  • Caucasus itinerary

Seasonal guides

  • Best time to visit Georgia: month-by-month comparison
  • Where to go in Georgia in spring
  • Where to go in Georgia in autumn
  • Where to go in Georgia in winter
  • Tbilisi in summer
  • Tbilisi in autumn
  • Tbilisi in winter
  • Tbilisi in spring
  • Where to see wildflowers in Georgia
  • Snow in Tbilisi
  • Christmas & New Year in Tbilisi
  • Orthodox Easter in Georgia
  • Kutaisi in winter

Essential travel tips

  • 23 travel tips for Georgia
  • Georgia safety advice

Responsible travel in Georgia

  • Georgia travel budget tips
  • Georgia packing list
  • Where to buy a SIM card
  • Where to store luggage in Tbilisi

Getting around

  • How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city
  • How to get from Kutaisi airport to the city centre
  • How to get from Batumi airport to the city centre
  • Tips for using taxis in Tbilisi
  • Using GoTrip for budget-friendly transfers around Georgia
  • Beginner’s guide to using marshrutka vans in Georgia
  • Tips for hiring a car & driving in Georgia
  • How to use the trains in Georgia

Special accommodations

  • Best guesthouses in Georgia
  • Best nature cabins in Georgia
  • Glamping tents in Georgia
  • Best boutique hotels in Tbilisi
  • Best hostels in Tbilisi
  • Fabrika Tbilisi
  • Karma Hostel Martvili
  • Lost Ridge Inn Sighnaghi
  • Radisson Tsinandali (Kakheti)
  • Tskaltubo Spa Resort

Georgian food

  • 50 best restaurants in Tbilisi – the ultimate Tbilisi foodie guide!
  • Top 10 Khinkali restaurants in Tbilisi →
  • Where to eat breakfast in Tbilisi
  • Bets cafes & coffee in Tbilisi
  • Tbilisi restaurant etiquette
  • Traditional Georgian desserts
  • Traditional Georgian drinks
  • Vegetarian Georgian dishes
  • Meskhetian regional cuisine

Georgian wine

  • Tbilisi wine guide – best bars, shops & degustations
  • Best wineries in Kakheti
  • Best wineries in Imereti
  • Visiting Baia’s Wine near Kutaisi

Nature & outdoors

  • Hiking in Tbilisi
  • Best national parks in Georgia
  • Hot springs in Georgia

Handicrafts & culture

  • Best Georgian souvenirs & Tbilisi shopping guide
  • Georgian designers & labels
  • Live music & folk dance in Tbilisi
  • Lelo Burti festival in Guria
  • Textile lover’s guide to Georgia & the Caucasus
  • Visit carpet & felt-makers in Kakheti region
  • Visit a clay Qvevri workshop in Imereti
  • Visit a pottery studio in Zugdidi

Georgia Travel Guide

This comprehensive travel guide will show you how to plan a trip to Georgia from start to finish. Structured around commonly asked questions, it offers stacks of practical tips and advice – including plenty of insider information you won’t find in any guidebook.

This guide is long and in-depth, so get ready! If you make it all the way to the end I promise you’ll come out the other side feeling more than fully prepared for your trip.

If you don’t have time to read everything or you’re already part-way through your planning, feel free to skip ahead using the links below.

Table of contents

Use these itineraries to start planning your adventure:.

Georgia itinerary cover.

Where is the country of Georgia? Is Georgia in Europe or Asia?

Georgia is located in the South Caucasus or Trans-Caucasus region between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus mountains. It borders Russia to the north, Turkey to the south-west, Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the south-east, and the Black Sea to the west.

That’s the easy part. The second question, ‘Is Georgia in Europe, or is Georgia in Asia?’, is a little more complicated. The response you get depends on who you ask. Georgia is technically part of the Asian continent but to me, it feels more like Europe than Asia. For the most part anyway.

Georgia’s connection to Western Europe goes back to Hellenistic and Roman influences. After the fall of Constantinople, Georgia was seen as ‘the last outpost’ of the Christian world. Today, the country’s gaze is fixed even more resolutely westward, and Georgia aspires to join NATO and the EU. One of my favourite anecdotes on this topic is when Georgian politician Zurab Zhvania famously uttered, “I am Georgian, therefore I am European” when addressing the European Council in 1999.

Georgia is a crossroads country and has always toed the line. As one historian explained it to me, Georgians were humble and knew they needed to understand both worlds in order to thrive. Shota Rustaveli, the country’s literary hero, was well versed in both Christian literature and Sufi mysticism, for example. On a broader level, these forces combined to produce a unique worldview that influenced everything from Georgian poetry to the electric architecture in Tbilisi Old Town.

As an outpost on the Silk Road trading route , it benefited from centuries of cross-pollination – of religions, cultures, traditions and foods. Georgia took this heady broth of influences and added a pinch of something else to make it its own. The language, cuisine, architecture and spiritual traditions are distinctly, unmistakably Georgian.

One of the joys of getting to know Georgia is grappling with these beautiful contradictions and complexities. Not quite Asia, not quite Europe, Georgia doesn’t fit neatly into either category but rather makes its own rules.

Interesting facts about Georgia

  • The country’s official name is Georgia, but to locals it’s known by its Georgian name, Sakartvelo .
  • By area, the country of Georgia is almost half the size of the US state of Georgia . With a population approaching 4 million (more than a quarter of whom live in Tbilisi), Georgia has less than half the number of people than the state.
  • Georgia was the second state to adopt Christianity as its official religion (the first was neighbouring Armenia). Today the country is predominantly Orthodox Christian and the church plays a very important role in modern society.
  • Present-day Georgia was one of the first places where hominins settled out of Africa . In 2000, archaeologists discovered the earliest well-dated hominin fossils in Eurasia – at least 1.8 million years old – at Dmanisi in Kvemo Kartli region.
  • Georgia is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites : Gelati Monastery, the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta, Upper Svaneti, and its newest listing, the Colchic Forests and Wetlands. Bagrati Cathedral was removed from the register in 2012 (when you visit, you’ll see why).
  • Georgia is home to Europe’s highest continuously inhabited village , Bochorna (2,345 metres above sea level) in Tusheti region. Just one man, Doctor Irakli Khvedaguridze, lives there through the winter.
  • Georgia is part of the Trans-Caucasus, which is considered one of the most linguistically diverse areas in the world . Not only do Georgia’s mountains offer spectacular views and hiking, they also hold beautiful cultures, customs and cuisines.
  • There are more than 250 varieties of artisanal cheeses in Georgia , most of them native to the mountain regions and pastoral areas of Imereti and Adjara.
  • Georgia earned the nickname ‘the Cradle of wine’ after archaeologists unearthed the earliest evidence of a winemaking tradition in southern Georgia (grape seeds and residue that are 8,000 years old).
  • Georgia has a national holiday for self-care. Bedoba, celebrated every year on January 2, is a ‘day of luck’ that sets the tone for the year to come. It’s a time to do your favourite things – like drink wine and eat cheese!

Why visit Georgia?

Georgia is intriguing – but you don’t fork out for a plane ticket just because a country has an unusual location or it’s the star of trivia night.

Tourism in Georgia has been on the rise in a big way lately, so much so that it’s hard to pick up a travel magazine or scroll through a ‘top destinations’ list without seeing mention of it. The Caucasus region is having a moment, and Georgia is the centrefold.

What is it that draws so many people to visit Georgia? And more importantly, what is it that makes so many people come back again and again? Here are just some of the things that make Georgia special.

They spoke of Georgians as supermen, as great drinkers, great dancers, great musicians, great workers and lovers. And they spoke of the country in the Caucasus and around the Black Sea as a kind of second heaven. John Steinbeck
  • The landscapes. In Soviet times, it was said that citizens who lived virtuous lives would be rewarded with an eternity not in heaven, but in Georgia. Even if you’ve never laced up a pair of hiking boots in your life there are countless ways to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty, from bathing in open-air hot springs to sleeping in village homestays.
  • The cities. Beginning with Tbilisi, a city that bristles with creative energy and bubbles with history (quite literally – there’s hot springs right in the centre of town). Every city has its own character. I love them all.
  • The food. Beyond the usual suspects Khinkali and Khachapuri , Georgian cuisine is a parallel universe of flavours and textures you likely haven’t ever encountered before. From regional cuisines such as Megrelian and Rachan to hearty mountain fare and Tbilisi chefs who put their modern spin on the classics, this country is nothing if not a tastebud pleaser.
  • The wine. Georgia’s natural wine renaissance has put it on the international map. Qvevri wines made in shapely clay vessels, including full-bodied Saperavi and skin contact amber (or orange) wines, are the most well-known. I can’t think of another place where wine is so deeply intertwined with history and tradition.
  • The legendary hospitality. Georgians are known for treating their guests like kings and queens and in my experience, people really are as generous as they’re made out to be. It’s not at all hard to connect with people on a meaningful level. You will never be lonely in Georgia.
  • The history. Fair to say Georgian history is lesser-known outside the region. Every castle, monastery, fortress and cave city offers a hands-on history lesson. I find the myths and legends particularly fascinating.
  • The Soviet throwbacks. Architecture buffs and urbexers alike are drawn to Georgia because of the Soviet connection. If you’re a fan of Brutalist architecture, abandoned buildings and Soviet-era mosaics, you will love Georgia.
  • That other thing I can never put my finger on. There’s an atmosphere, an aura about Georgia that makes it unlike any other country I’ve been to. Part of it, I think, has to do with the country’s turbulent past and ongoing struggles, and the way people have held onto their identity and independence so fiercely through it all. It’s hard to describe, but I hope you understand what I mean after you’ve been around it yourself.

Incredible cuisine, an ancient wine culture, unparalleled mountain landscapes, fascinating cities, old-fashioned hospitality – Georgia has it all and then some.

Georgia highlights: Video

At the start of 2022, I made this short film to celebrate my 2-year Georgia anniversary. It showcases some of my most memorable travel experiences to date.

When is the best time to visit Georgia?

Overall best time to visit Georgia: Late spring or autumn.

The weather in Georgia varies quite dramatically depending on where you go, but the country’s climate is quite mild overall. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Georgia is in either late spring (late April to early June) or autumn (mid September to late October) . These months promise milder temperatures, ideal conditions for outdoor activities and hiking, and a range of cultural festivals and religious celebrations .

Georgia in summer

Good for: Beaches & summer festivals.

Summer (especially July and August) is Georgia’s peak season and by far the busiest time of year for tourism. Resorts along the Black Sea Coast operate at full capacity, and Georgia’s major cities swell to double or triple their off-season size.

Prices for accommodation and tours increase in-line with demand, and it can be more difficult to buy train tickets, for example, as domestic tourism also peaks.

The summer months are most suitable for mountain hiking and lounging on Georgia’s beaches . However, the stifling hot weather in Tbilisi especially (but also in Kutaisi and Batumi) means it’s not the most pleasant time of year to visit the cities.

One major advantage of travelling in summer is that mountain roads (including the Abano pass to Tusheti) are all but guaranteed to be open.

  • Read next: How to beat the summer heat in Tbilisi .

Georgia in autumn

Good for: Wine & culture.

Georgia’s high season typically extends to September, but crowds start to dissipate as soon as the weather starts to cool off. The autumn months (September to early November) are a great time to visit Georgia, especially if you’re interested in wine.

The annual grape harvest ( Rtveli ) takes place in September/early October. This is traditionally a time of feasting, festivities and fun, especially in Eastern Georgia’s Kakheti region, the main grape-growing hub. Tbilisoba , Georgia’s biggest cultural festival , takes place in Tbilisi every October.

  • Read next: Where to go for the Rtveli wine harvest .

Milder temperatures, scarce rainfall and colourful fall foliage make autumn a great time for hiking and outdoor activities, too.

  • Read next: Where to go in Georgia in autumn for fall colours & festivals .
  • The best things to do in Tbilisi in autumn .

Georgia in winter

Good for: Quieter cities, Christmas festivities & winter sports.

Tbilisi in December or January is relatively mild compared to other cities in the region; but winters are extremely harsh in Georgia’s mountainous areas. Some remote villages are completely closed off. The Black Sea coast and Batumi empty out over winter, although most businesses remain open.

Aside from the parched landscape and air pollution (a growing problem in Tbilisi), winter can be a very nice time to travel in Georgia, especially in December when blue-sky days are common.

  • Read next: The best things to do in Tbilisi in winter .

Orthodox Christmas and New Year celebrations (both of which fall roughly a week after their Roman calendar counterparts) give the streets of Tbilisi a festive atmosphere. Georgia’s ski season normally starts in late December and runs through to late April. Resorts in Gudauri and Bakuriani are busy throughout January and February.

Georgia in spring

Good for: Hiking, food & festivals.

Spring, especially late April and May, is one of my favourite times to be in Georgia. Winter usually lingers until Orthodox Easter (mid-April). After that, temperatures warm up, wildflowers and cherry blossoms come into bloom, and conditions are perfect for mountain hiking.

Spring wine, spring produce, and spring celebrations, including the New Wine Festival in Tbilisi, help Georgia thaw out from the cold. Crowds are much sparser than in summer, with the exception of the Nowruz holiday (usually mid-March), which usually sees an influx of visitors from Iran and Azerbaijan.

The downside of travelling in spring is that you may have to contend with heavy rainfall , as May is the wettest month of the year in Tbilisi.

  • Read next: The best things to do in Tbilisi in spring .

Visa requirements for Georgia

This section provides a broad overview only. For up-to-date visa information or specific advice about your circumstances, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia website .

One year visa-free

Georgia has an extremely generous visa exemption policy. Currently, passport holders from 98 countries (including the EU, Australia, the US and the UK) are permitted to stay in Georgia for up to a year without a visa.

Better still, under the waiver scheme you’re allowed to work (keep in mind that you automatically become a tax resident of Georgia after 183 days in-country), start a business, open a bank account, apply for temporary residency, and even buy property.

Because this is a visa exemption , the visa-free period can easily be ‘reactivated’ by crossing the border and re-entering on a new stamp. This may change in the future but for the time being, if you have the right passport and are prepared to travel once a year, you can legally stay in Georgia for as long as you like.

E-visa & Georgia visa on arrival   

Passport holders from an additional 65-plus countries are eligible for either a 30 or 90-day tourist e-visa, which you can get online before you arrive.

  • Click here to check if you need a visa for Georgia and to apply for an expedited e-visa through my partners at iVisa.

Other requirements to enter Georgia

To enter Georgia, you might also be required to have the following:

  • A passport that’s valid for the intended duration of your stay (or for 3+ months if you’re entering on a visa)
  • Proof of insurance for the duration of your stay
  • Proof of onward travel (i.e. a return airfare)

Anecdotally (and in my personal experience), those travelling under the visa exemption are rarely asked to present proof of onward travel or travel insurance at Georgian immigration.

If you are travelling on a tourist visa, I strongly recommend you follow the requirements to a T.

Travel insurance for Georgia

Overall, Georgia is an incredibly safe place for tourists, but I definitely recommend taking out a travel insurance policy before you arrive . This is particularly important if you plan on going to the mountains to hike or ski.

Travellers are sometimes required to show proof of travel insurance when boarding a flight to Georgia or at immigration upon arrival.

Standard travel insurance policies cover all of Georgia except Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If you plan on traveling to Abkhazia (entry to South Ossetia is not currently permitted from the Georgian side), then it’s highly recommended to take out a specialised insurance policy that will cover you for emergencies. Note that there are no consular support services in Abkhazia.

  • Inquire about a policy with Hey Mondo , my preferred provider for single and multi-trip travel insurance (get 5% off when you book using my link).

How to get to Georgia

Flying to georgia.

Georgia has three international airports in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi. There are direct flights to Georgia from 40 cities in Western and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Budget carrier Wizz Air operates direct flights to Kutaisi from cities in Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and elsewhere in Europe. Most schedules are limited to 2-3 flights per week. Batumi Airport hosts flights from Turkey and Belarus.

Tbilisi International Airport, Georgia’s main hub, is serviced by Qatar Airways (via Doha ), Turkish Airways (via Istanbul ), FlyDubai, Lufthansa (via Munich), AirAsia X (via Bangkok), and the national carrier, Georgian Airways (via Western Europe, Israel and Ukraine).

How to get from Tbilisi Airport to the city

There are several options for travelling into the city from the airport: City bus 337, taxi or private transfer. I recommend you avoid taking an airport taxi unless you’re booking it through an app.

  • For a full breakdown of the different options, see my Tbilisi Airport Guide .

How to get from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi

If your flight arrives in Kutaisi and you want to head straight to Tbilisi, you have several options for getting to the capital directly from the airport. There are two budget-friendly coach services plus private transfers available. Travel time to Tbilisi is approximately 3.5-4 hours.

  • For a full breakdown of the different options, see my Kutaisi Airport Guide .

Trains to Georgia

Rail is a convenient way to travel between the three Trans-Caucasus countries. There are overnight sleeper services between Tbilisi and Batumi (summer months only), Armenia and Azerbaijan.

  • Read my guide to travelling between Tbilisi and Yerevan by train .
  • Read my guide to travelling between Tbilisi and Baku by train .

Entering Georgia by Road

Georgia’s land borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Russia are all open for international tourists. Generally speaking, crossing into Georgia overland is a simple and straightforward process.

You can enter Georgian overland using marshrutka vans, private taxis, or by self-driving (if you’re brining in your own vehicle, pre-purchase compulsory insurance here ). Some border points cannot be passed by foot or on bicycle.

From Armenia

There are three checkpoints along the southern Georgia-northern Armenia border.

The two most convenient crossings for travellers are at Bagratashen–Sadakhlo (for travelling from Yerevan to Tbilisi) and at Bavra–Ninotsminda (for travelling from Gyumri or Yerevan to Akhaltsikhe).

From Turkey

The main checkpoint on the Georgia-Turkey border is at Hopa–Sarpi , 20km south of Batumi. This is the most convenient option for reaching Georgia from Turkey’s Black Sea coast (Trabzon).

A second checkpoint at Posof–Vale may be more convenient if you’re coming from central Eastern Turkey (Kars); however there is no formal cross-border transport so this journey must be done with taxis and local buses. The first city on the Georgian side of the border is Akhaltsikhe.

From Azerbaijan

There are two checkpoints along the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. Balakan–Lagodekhi is used for travelling from Sheki to Kakheti or Tbilisi via Qax. There are direct vans between Qax and Tbilisi.

A second checkpoint at Red Bridge–Sixli south-east of Tbilisi is convenient for entering Georgia from Ganja. From Baku , you can take either route.

From Russia

There is only one land border crossing between Russia and Georgia at Verkhny Lars–Kazbegi in the mountains north of Tbilisi. There are daily direct vans from Vladikavkaz to Tbilisi, travelling via the spectacular Georgian Military Highway .

Is Georgia a safe country to visit?

Georgia is an overwhelmingly safe destination for tourists of all types. Tourists are very rarely targeted by petty crime, and tourist scams are rare. There are certain things to be aware of, most notably road safety and in rural areas, shepherd dogs.

As long as you exercise common sense and caution, are mindful of your belongings, show discretion when interacting with people and take precautionary steps when hiking, then you will have no problems in Georgia. If you’re a solo female traveller, try to pair up with others when hiking or visiting rural areas.

Something that people often ask me about in regards to safety is political instability. You might remember that Georgia went through its Rose Revolution in 2003. Be mindful that border disputes and conflict around breakaway and occupied territories are still bubbling away. Protests often occur in Tbilisi in response to various political decisions and social issues. These are almost always peaceful but things can escalate, so I still recommend avoiding them whenever possible and finding a different way to show your support.

  • See my safety tips for Georgia .

Is Tbilisi safe?

Tbilisi is consistently named among the safest cities in the world. The same rules mentioned above apply in the capital – crime is rare, and tourists are hardly ever targeted. There are a few common scams to be wary of, and a couple of other things you should watch out for:

  • Use an app to book taxis
  • When purchasing food on the street or at markets, always ask the price first
  • Avoid exchanging money at the airport; use an ATM to withdraw GEL instead
  • Never go into a bar that isn’t marked on Google Maps

Road safety in Georgia

Road safety is my biggest personal concern in Georgia. I hold my breath every time I get into a taxi in Tbilisi, and it takes me a long time to work up the nerve to get into a marshrutka.

I’ve had a few bad experiences on the roads and I know for a fact that I’m not alone. I don’t say this to spook you, but rather to make you aware that road safety is something you should be on your guard about.

Although the highways are improving year by year, some rural roads – especially in the mountains – are still quite dangerous. The more worrying thing though is the driving style, which borders on reckless. Here are a few general tips to manage your risk:

  • Limit very long journeys by breaking up the trip (e.g. by spending a night in Zugdidi between Tbilisi and Mestia)
  • Avoid travelling on the road after dark
  • Never get into a vehicle if you suspect the driver has been drinking
  • Avoid cheap day tours – they often cut corners on road safety
  • Use GoTrip transfers for mountain roads rather than marshrutka vans
  • Get intimate with the road rules and driving style before you hire a car

Dogs in Georgia

Georgia has a huge population of street dogs – according to some estimates, there are 50,000 living in Tbilisi alone. City dogs are generally very placid and friendly towards people, but they can be territorial and aggressive towards each other. You’ll notice that many dogs are tagged with a coloured plastic marker on their ear. This indicates that they have been vaccinated and neutered.

If you’re an animal lover, it can be distressing to see so many dogs on the street in the cities and at tourist sites. Most dogs are cared for by the community crowd-sourced style (you’ll even see kennels and water bowls set up from time to time). Unfortunately, not all dogs are in the best shape. If you encounter a dog that needs urgent care, Dog Organization Georgia might be able to assist. You can also contact them about volunteer dog walking opportunities at their no-kill shelter near Lisi Lake.

Shepherd dogs are a different kettle of fish. If you’re hiking in remote areas or even just visiting rural villages, you need to be on the lookout for dogs. They can be extremely aggressive when trying to protect their flocks. Try to give dogs (and flocks of sheep/herds of cattle) a very wide berth. If you encounter an aggressive dog, stand your ground and call out for help – oftentimes there will be a shepherd in the area who can call the dog off.

Solo female travel in Georgia

Georgia is generally safe for solo female travellers provided you exercise common sense and caution. Never hike alone, even in the hills around Tbilisi. Always sit in the back when using taxis. Always lock the door to your room at night, especially when staying at guesthouses in rural areas. Avoid accommodations with shared courtyards as they offer very little privacy from the neighbours.

What is the currency in Georgia?

The official currency in Georgia is the lari, abbreviated to GEL (₾). Along with banknotes Georgia also uses coins called tetri. 100 tetri = 1 lari.

  • Banknotes in circulation in Georgia are: 5, 10, 20, 50 & 100 lari.
  • Coins in circulation are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 tetri, plus 1 & 2 lari.

Even though prices are sometimes displayed in USD or Euros, lari is the only legal method of payment in Georgia and the only currency you need to carry with you. (This excludes Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which use the Russian ruble.)

Exchange rates fluctuate dramatically, and the GEL always increases in value over the summer months then dips back in winter. I recommend checking the official rates before you travel on the National Bank of Georgia website .

At the time of writing:

  • $1 USD = 2.72 GEL
  • €1 Euro = 2.82 GEL
  • £1 British Pound = 3.24 GEL
  • $1 Australian Dollar = 1.82 GEL
  • $1 Canadian Dollar = 2.04 GEL

Fun fact: Georgia has its own system for measuring inflation. The ‘Khachapuri index’ is based on the cost of flour, milk, eggs and cheese – the basic ingredients to make a Khachapuri.

Cash or card?

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, shops and hotels in all cities across Georgia. In Tbilisi, market vendors, taxi drivers and some smaller venues will only take cash payment. Some guesthouses only take cash, even in Tbilisi.

In rural areas, cash is still king. Most towns have an ATM but if you’re going remote, it’s a good idea to carry enough cash on you to cover your expenses just in case.

Most people have no issue with accepting creased or even torn banknotes, so don’t stress about keeping your lari pristine.

Using ATMs in Georgia

ATMs are ubiquitous in Georgia and can be found in every city, town and in some larger villages. You won’t have any trouble finding an ATM in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Kazbegi, Mestia or Borjomi. If you’re travelling to rural areas, I highly recommend carrying cash as access to ATMs isn’t always guaranteed.

My go-to ATMs in Georgia are TBC, Bank of Georgia, Cartu Bank, VTB and Basisbank . All of these brands accept Visa and Mastercard, while AMEX users should stick to Bank of Georgia. Most ATMs have a withdrawal limit of 400-500 GEL and charge a 3-5 GEL transaction fee (this is always displayed on the screen). Cartu Bank and Basisbank have higher withdrawal limits (up to 2000 GEL). Additional fees may be added by your home bank.

It’s possible to withdraw US dollars and Euros from some ATMs in Georgia, but this comes with additional fees.

Top tip: Don’t mistake a paybox for an ATM. Payboxes (ATM-like freestanding boxes that are a bit slimmer and can be found on just about every corner in Tbilisi) are used for paying utility bills, topping up your transport card and other services. They do not dispense cash.

Exchanging money in Georgia

For ease, I recommend you avoid exchanging currency in Georgia and just stick to withdrawing GEL from an ATM. If you need to change cash, avoid doing so at the airport or in the Old Town (the rates are notoriously bad). Rico Credit is a reliable company with exchange desks throughout Tbilisi and Georgia.

How much does it cost to travel in Georgia?

Georgia is known for being a very affordable travel destination and that reputation is well deserved in my experience. Is Georgia cheap? Yes, but I prefer to say it’s ‘value for money’.

Having said that, prices have increased dramatically in the past 6-12 months due to rising inflation, the increased value of the lari and various global events. The cost of fuel (and thus transport) has gone up noticeably, with fares increasing by 20-30% across the board. Restaurant and accommodation prices are up, too.

On balance, Georgia remains an extremely budget-friendly destination. With the exception of Batumi during summer high season and Gudauri ski resort in winter, prices are relatively consistent around the country. Some ‘touristic’ places such as Mestia, Kazbegi and Borjomi can be a touch more expensive. Kutaisi is a bit more affordable than Tbilisi.

Average costs for Tbilisi

To give you an idea of how much things cost in Georgia, here are some example costs for Tbilisi:

  • Mid-range hotel room: 30-50 USD/night
  • Transport card: 2 GEL (one-time cost)
  • Single metro/bus fare: 1 GEL
  • Taxi ride across town: 3-12 GEL
  • Bakery snack: 2-5 GEL
  • Meal at a mid-range restaurant: 20-30 GEL/person
  • Glass of wine: 5 GEL
  • Museum ticket: 3-15 GEL

Average budget for one week in Georgia

Budget traveller: ~ 600 GEL (210 USD) per week

Backpacking in Georgia is incredibly affordable. If you stay in hostel accommodation, use public transport in the cities, eat local (Khachapuri is your friend), stick to free activities and use marshrutka vans to travel from place to place, you can easily get by on a (mid-length) shoestring.

Mid-range traveller: ~1000 GEL (350 USD) per week

I fall into this category. This budget should cover you for staying at guesthouses or mid-range hotels, trying all the foods at both budget and higher-priced restaurants, grabbing a coffee each morning and a wine each night, using a combination of public transport and taxis in cities, not skimping on tickets or guides for certain attractions, and using a mix of marshrutka vans and GoTrip transfers to get around.

High-end traveller: ~1700+ GEL (595+ USD) per week

This includes staying at beautiful boutique accommodations, eating at higher-priced restaurants, using taxis and private transfers to travel around, and taking guided tours and private day trips.

  • See my detailed break-down of costs in Georgia and top money saving tips .

Should you tip in Georgia?

Tipping is not part of the culture in Georgia and is not considered mandatory by any means. However, tipping has become expected in most service industries, especially in the bigger cities.

Some service providers, especially taxi drivers, refuse to accept tips. The common sense principle that you should only tip if you’re pleased with the service applies.

Knowing that wages are extremely low in Georgia, I almost always tip (unless the service was remarkably poor or the driver was unusually reckless). If you choose to tip, you can use this as a general guide:

  • Restaurants, cafes & bars: 10%
  • Food delivery drivers: 1-2 GEL
  • Taxis: 1-3 GEL when using an app or round-up to the nearest GEL if paying in cash
  • Tour guides & drivers: 10-20%
  • Free walking tour guides: 20-30 GEL (depending on the length of the tour and the number of participants)
  • Hotel staff: Tipping not expected

Top tip: You’ll notice that many restaurants and cafes in Georgia add a 10% service charge onto your bill (on top of the 18% VAT). This service fee doesn’t go to the server, so if you want to be sure they receive a gratuity, leave an extra tip and try to hand it to them personally.

Getting online in Georgia

Georgia is miles ahead of a lot other countries when it comes to internet connectivity. All restaurants, cafes, hotels etc. offer a free connection for guests. If you rent an Airbnb or apartment, internet will be included. Buses and trains do not have WIFI, with the exception of the Stadler train that runs between Tbilisi and Batumi.

Internet speeds range from 20-100 Mbps up/down depending on the venue and location. There is also an open public WIFI network in Tbilisi called ‘Tbilisi Loves You’. It’s not terribly fast or reliable, but it can come in handy for emergencies.

In rural areas, coverage can be a bit spotty. In Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) the network is reliable enough for digital nomads to work up there, but in Mestia (Svaneti) it’s often intermittent. In 2022, it was announced that Georgia will be one of the first countries to receive Space X’s Star Link. Woohoo!

If you need a reliable internet connection for work, I highly recommend buying a sim card so you can hotspot your phone if the power goes out.

Buying a sim card in Georgia

Buying and activating a sim is both cheap and straightforward. Even if you’re only visiting Georgia for a couple of days, I still recommend buying a sim so that you can use maps and order taxis.

Magti is my preferred provider for coverage, price and service. Prices start from just 9 GEL/week for unlimited 4G.

  • Read my detailed guide to buying a sim card in Georgia .

Recommended apps for Georgia

Here are the apps I use on a weekly basis:

  • 112 Georgia: Contact emergency services directly & send a GPS location (requires a local sim). Download for Android / Apple .
  • Bolt: For booking taxis. Download for Android / Apple .
  • My Magti: For topping up your mobile balance. Download for Android / Apple .
  • Tbilisi Transport: Official app for public transport in Tbilisi. Download for Android / Apple .
  • Tbilisi Bus Live: Schedules & real-time updates for city buses. Download for Android only .
  • TKT.GE: For buying train and event tickets. Download for Android / Apple .
  • Yandex Translate: Translates written and spoken Georgian. Download for Android / Apple .
  • Wenu: Allows you to place a restaurant/cafe order from your phone (a large number of venues now use QR codes in the place of paper menus). Download for Android / Apple .
  • Wolt: Popular food delivery app. Download for Android / Apple .
  • Yr.no: The most reliable app for weather forecasts. Download for Android / Apple .
  • Wikiloc: Offline trail maps for popular hikes. Download for Android / Apple .
  • Biliki: Hiking trails & tourist info. Download for Android / Apple .
  • Scroll: Electric scooter hire. Download for Android / Apple .

Do people in Georgia speak English?

After Georgian – which is of course Georgia’s official language – the two most commonly spoken foreign languages are Russian and English. While older people know Russian, I’ve found that younger Georgians are most likely to speak English as their second language.

If you’re sticking to popular destinations such as Tbilisi, Batumi, Kazbegi, Svaneti, etc. then you will have no problem getting by with just English. If you’re going rural, it can be helpful to know a bit of Russian or Georgian, but it’s not at all essential.

At the very least you should try to learn a couple of key Georgian phrases. People really appreciate it when you show interest in the language – it’s a sign of respect and trust me, it will earn you brownie points.

The Georgian alphabet is pretty easy to master as well, and being able to read bus signs and menus will improve your confidence.

Useful Georgian phrases

  • Gamarjoba: Hello
  • Naxvamdis: Goodbye
  • Madloba: Thank you
  • Madloba didi: Thank you very much (big thanks)
  • Me ar vici: I don’t understand
  • Bodishi: Excuse me (sorry)
  • Gemrieli: Delicious
  • Gaumarjos!: Cheers!

Resources for learning Georgian

  • Learn to Write Georgian Alphabet : This paid mobile app teaches you the characters and how to write them. This is what I used to learn the alphabet.
  • Learn the Georgian Alphabet : This free website teaches through repetition and is extremely helpful.
  • Hoda Georgia : This YouTube series takes you through basic vocabulary and conversational Georgian. Just a couple of episodes will give you almost everything you need as a tourist.
  • Georgian Peace Corps: Online modules and a free PDF workbook. It’s worth downloading if you’re serious about learning grammar. ( This website has reproduced the guide and added some very questionable cover art!)
  • Beginner’s Georgian : One of the books I’m using to learn Georgian.

Etiquette in Georgia

Although quite conservative in many ways, Georgia is still a relatively laid-back country. That is to say there aren’t a lot of unspoken rules to abide by or social faux-pas to make (at least for foreigners).

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • Always greet your neighbours. If you’re staying in an apartment block or your accommodation has a shared courtyard, remember to say hello. It’s considered impolite if you don’t
  • Don’t be perturbed by stony expressions. I always say ‘thank you’ to the shop attendant and the bus driver – but this is quite uncommon in Georgia. You may be met with a baffled look, but often it turns into a smile. I usually just laugh it off.
  • Give up your seat for the elderly/pregnant. Standard practice when using public transport.
  • Don’t bin leftover bread. Bread is sacred and shouldn’t be tossed in the bin. Put it in a plastic bag and tie it to the outside of the bin instead.
  • Don’t haggle outside of markets. Respectful haggling is normal at markets but not at shops, restaurants etc.
  • Don’t worry about finishing your meal. Over-ordering at restaurants is common. No one will judge you if you leave some food on your plate – but please do be mindful of food waste.
  • Be sensitive when discussing politics. It’s generally not a problem to talk politics, but it’s not recommended to raise the subject first with a friend or at all if you’re talking to a stranger.

Drinking culture in Georgia

Even having lived in rice-wine-fueled Vietnam and Cambodia, I still think the drinking culture in Georgia is something else. Wine is the beverage of choice for most people, and things are usually quite civil when wine is involved. But if you’re staying in guesthouses or eating out, you will soon be acquainted with wine’s wicked cousin, Chacha .

Chacha is a highly potent (up to 80% proof) liquor made from grape pomace, the byproduct of wine-making. It’s served in shot glasses and thrown back fast. There are ‘artisanal’ fruit and spiced Chachas that are slightly more palatable but for the most part, it’s like drinking ethanol. Wherever there is wine, there is usually also Chacha. You’ve been warned.

If you’re at a guesthouse or on a tour and your host offers you alcohol, it can be very hard to say no. This is especially true for men (women can sometimes get away with it). Once you start drinking, your glass will never sit empty again. Sometimes a meal will spontaneously erupt into Supra (feast) with toasting, in which case it’s impolite not to down whatever’s put in front of you.

The only successful method I’ve heard of for getting out of drinking is to say you’ve just had a rabies vaccination.

On a serious note, never get into a car with a driver who’s been drinking. If you find yourself in a situation where excessive drinking is making you feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to give a friendly but firm ‘no’.

Visiting monasteries & churches in Georgia

The Orthodox Church is revered in Georgia and plays an important role in modern society. When visiting churches, monasteries and the like, visitors are expected to adhere to the same dress and behavior code as locals.

Dress code for visiting Orthodox sites in Georgia:

  • Women: Covered hair; covered shoulders; covered knees. In some cases a long skirt is required rather than pants.
  • Men: Covered knees; covered shoulders; uncovered head.

Most venues supply apron skirts and headscarves that you can borrow, but some more remote churches and monasteries don’t. I always recommend dressing conservatively and carrying a lightweight cotton scarf with you.

Responsible travel is incredibly important in Georgia, especially in regards to the natural environment. Like every country, Georgia faces a host of social issues that are exacerbated by unsustainable tourism. I think it’s important to understand these and be mindful of what’s going on behind the scenes.

  • See this guide for responsible tourism tips for Georgia plus a list of social enterprises and ecotourism projects around the country.

What to pack for Georgia

I recommend travelling as light as possible when you come to Georgia, simply because having a lot of luggage can be a pain when you’re trying to get around. Generally speaking, the dress code errs slightly on the conservative side, especially outside the major cities.

Packing essentials include a lightweight scarf (for monasteries), bathers (for the sulfur baths) good walking shoes , and a reusable water bottle (Georgia is known for its mineral waters and tap water is safe to drink in 90% of towns and cities). Pack your Wine Wings so you can safely transport a bottle or two of Georgian vino home!

There are certain prescription medications you can’t buy or carry into Georgia, so be sure to read up if this applies to you.

Trekking gear, camping supplies and winter sports equipment can all be hired when you arrive.

  • See my full all-seasons packing list for Georgia .
  • Here’s where to store luggage in Tbilisi .

Power adaptor for Georgia

Georgia has a mix of type C (Euro plug) and type F (Schuko plug) sockets. Plugs C, E and F all work in Georgia. Note that the standard voltage in Georgia is 200 V and some electronics from the US – including some hair dryers – will not work here. Incidentally, all accommodations provide a hair dryer so there’s no need to bring your own.

For ease, I prefer to travel with a universal power adaptor. This is the one I currently use .

Transportation in Georgia

Georgia is compact and pretty straightforward to navigate around using a mix of public transportation and private cars for more complex journeys.

City buses & metro

All cities and some towns in Georgia have a bus network. Tbilisi also has an underground metro. For the most part, public transportation in Georgia is user-friendly and extremely affordable.

In the cities, you’ll be using a mix of coach buses and microbuses ( marshrutky – more on those in a moment). In Tbilisi, use the official TTC app to check the main bus routes – you can’t always trust Google Maps.

Fares vary from city to city: In Tbilisi a single fare costs 1 GEL, in Batumi it’s 30 tetri, and in Kutaisi it’s 40 tetri. When you arrive in Tbilisi, buy a rechargeable MetroMoney Card or a new blue Travel Card for 2 GEL.

You can also use a chipped international bank card in Tbilisi, but the fares are roughly 50% higher.

  • See my full guide to using public transport in Tbilisi .

Like in most big cities, taxis in Tbilisi have a reputation for overcharging tourists. I try to avoid taxis whenever possible, especially when travelling to the city from the airport or the train station.

Instead, you should use a ride booking app, which works for taxis and private cars. There are several to choose from – my preferred service is Bolt (reasonable fares, reliable drivers, clean cars, and a no-smoking policy).

In small towns and rural areas, taxis are the only way to get around. Shared taxis where you pay per seat are very common for longer journeys.

  • See my tips for using taxis in Tbilisi .
  • If you’re interested in ride sharing, try Let’s Go (the group works in Georgian).

GoTrip Georgia

GoTrip Georgia is a terrific local service for organising intercity transfers and full-day driving itineraries with a private car and driver. It’s essentially a long-distance Uber.

Drivers are vetted and reviewed, and you can make unlimited stops on your route. Fares (up to 40% cheaper than regular taxis) are set in advance so you never have to worry about negotiating.

  • Click here to visit the GoTrip website and start planning your route.
  • Read my first-hand review of GoTrip.ge .

Marshrutka minivans

Every trip to Georgia involves at least a couple of marshrutka rides. 

Marshrutka vans are fixed-route minivans found throughout the former USSR countries . In Georgia, marshrutka routes connect all major cities, towns and villages. They can be a bit cramped and uncomfortable, and there’s not much room for luggage, but they are a very affordable way to get from A to B.

  • Read my complete guide to using marshrutka vans in Georgia , with fares and timetables.
  • See my detailed guide to Tbilisi’s main bus depot, Didube Station , with maps and a video tour.

Georgia has an extensive railway network that was mostly developed during Soviet times (in 1932, the first electric trains in the USSR were tested in the Surami pass in central Georgia).

There are several different types of train running today, and not all of them are ideal for travellers. The main rail route, Tbilisi to Batumi, uses high-speed Stadler trains , connecting the two cities in around 6 hours. The rest of Georgia’s trains are older locomotives , which can be uncomfortable and a bit slow. Especially notorious are the ‘electric trains’ used on several routes including Tbilisi to Borjomi and Kutaisi to Sachkhere.

Georgia has one ‘scenic railway’, the Kukushka ‘Cuckoo’ train from Borjomi to Bakuriani. Unfortunately it was suspended in 2020 and remains inactive for the foreseeable future.

  • Check train schedules on the Georgian Railway website .
  • Buy your train tickets online through TKT.ge or 12GoAsia .

Driving in Georgia

If you’re an experienced and confident driver, hiring a car is a great way to get around Georgia. Most agents don’t require you to present an international driver’s permit to rent a car in Georgia – you can drive on your home license (provided it meets the requirements) for up to one year. Rates are much lower if you go through a local agent.

I recommend using Local Rent (formerly MyRentACar) to find a good deal.

  • For insider tips about road conditions, driving style and road safety, check out my complete guide to driving in Georgia .
  • And for more inspiration, check out my adventurous Georgia road trip itinerary .

Follow the Roads Department on Facebook to check for road closures and updates on driving conditions. They also have a hotline: +995 322 313 076.

Tours in Georgia

Both city tours and day tours are extremely affordable in Georgia, making this a great way to pack more into your trip if you’re on a short timeline. I’ve done dozens of tours in Georgia and am always impressed with the quality of service and the knowledge of local guides.

I personally use Get Your Guide and Viator to book tours and organised day trips. These aggregator websites both have a lot to choose from, offer payment security and a generous refund policy. Always read the reviews and do your research before you settle on an itinerary (you can find the company name on the tour page).

My favourite local tour companies in Georgia include:

  • Friendly.ge – for day trips from Tbilisi (use the code wanderlush to get 10% off your booking)
  • Eat This! Tours – for wine tours from Tbilisi (use the code lush to get 5% off your booking)
  • Budget Georgia – for day trips and transfers from Kutaisi

If you’re spending a bit longer in Tbilisi, consider joining a day trip organised by Weekend Travelers Georgia . This Facebook group is geared towards long-term travellers and expats and organises hiking and culture-focused trips to offbeat locations.

  • Browse all Georgia tours on Get Your Guide .
  • See my list of recommended walking tours in Tbilisi .

Accommodation in Georgia

Georgia has a wide variety of accommodations suitable for every budget and comfort level. In the cities, hotels, boutique hostels and guesthouses are the most popular options. Airbnb has become ubiquitous in Tbilisi and is great for longer stays.

In smaller towns and rural areas, family-run guesthouses are usually the best option. As well as private or shared sleeping quarters, most offer full board (hello, amazing home-cooking), and can organise tours and transport on your behalf.

  • Browse Georgia accommodations on Booking.com , my preferred booking platform.
  • See my curated list of Georgia’s best guesthouses .

Eating & drinking in Georgia

Georgia is a foodie’s paradise. If you live to eat or just eat to live, exploring Georgia’s food scene will no doubt be a highlight of your trip. There’s a good chance one of the things that first piqued your interest in Georgia was the country’s food scene and the legend of the Supra (Georgian feast).

Georgian cuisine is all kinds of yummy, especially indulgent, carb and dairy-heavy comfort foods from the mountains. The fresh produce is unrivalled (Georgia has the best tomatoes on planet earth), while a liberal use of spices and aromatics ensures everything is tasty as can be. Much of the food is naturally vegetarian-friendly .

Georgia’s culinary strengths are threefold: A topography and climate where literally almost anything grows year-round (from kiwis to potatoes), flavours and spices from all four corners, plus a slew of regional cuisines that are all totally distinct.

  • See an extended list of my favourite Georgian restaurants in Tbilisi .
  • See a shortlist of my favourite restaurants in Kutaisi .
  • Download my free PDF guide: ‘Where to Find the Best Khinkali in Tbilisi’ .
  • Read my guide to visiting Kakheti Wine Region , including my favourite wineries and wine-tasting tips.
  • Read my Tbilisi Wine Guide to find the best wine bars, wine tastings and wine shops in the city.
  • Learn how to visit the award-winning Baia’s Wine from Kutaisi.

Here is just a small sample of the dishes and drinks I suggest you wrap your mouth around stat:

5 must-try Georgian dishes

  • Khinkali: Georgia’s one and only ‘soup dumplings’ come in a glorious array of flavour combinations, from simple beef and cumin to mushroom and aged cheese.
  • Khachapuri: Most people are familiar with Imeretian Khachapuri (a simple round bread layered with cheese) and Adjaruli Khachapuri (the boat-shaped bread served with butter and an egg). There are dozens more regional varieties to try.
  • Kharcho with Elarji: This rich beef stew made with walnuts and spices is one of my favourite meals. Always order a side of Elarji (cheesy cornmeal) or Ghomi sticks (fried cornmeal batons).
  • Lobio: Stewed kidney beans in a clay pot. Simple, flavourful and soul-confirming.
  • Shkmeruli: Chicken cooked in a creamy garlic sauce. The amount of garlic used will blow your head off, in a good way.

5 not-so-typical Georgian dishes

  • Chvishtari: Cheesy cornmeal formed into a patty and deep-fried. It’s crispy and oozy and stringy and amazing.
  • Borano: Melted cheese smothered in melted butter. Need I say more.
  • Gebjalia: A Megrelian dish of cheese ‘rolls’ served in a cheesy yogurt sauce with mint. I hope you like cheese!
  • Apkhazura: ‘Meatballs’ of beef or pork and pomegranate, wrapped in caul fat.
  • Tatara / Pelamushi: A dessert made with grape juice – like a soft version of Churchkhela.

5 must-try Georgian wines

Georgia has more than 500 documented endemic grape varieties (many now extinct) and well over 10,000 wineries of various sizes. Kakheti is the main wine region, but vines are cultivated almost everywhere – including in smaller wine regions in Lower Racha, Upper Adjara, Guria, Kartli and beyond.

You may already be familiar with Saperavi and amber wine. Here are 5 more Georgian grapes to add to your hit list:

  • Kisi: A young and vibrant wine with aromas of ‘pear, marigold and walnut’. Light and refreshing (and perfect for day drinking!).
  • Krakhuna: Full-bodied, aged amber wine with a deep straw-like gold colour and a higher alcohol content.
  • Khvanchkara: This famous semi-sweet wine from Lower Racha is often treacle-thick and berry-sweet. Apparently this was Stalin’s wine of choice – but don’t let that put you off.
  • Otskhanuri Sapere: Native to Imereti, this wine has a brilliant ruby red colour and coarse texture, with high tannins and acidity.
  • Shavkapito: Grown in Kartli region, these grapes make a variety of different wines depending on where they’re grown. I love the sparkling pink Shavkapito myself.

If you want to learn more about Georgian wine, I highly recommend the Wines of Georgia website .

Vegetarian & vegan in Georgia

A surprisingly large number of Georgians fast several times throughout the year for religious holidays (devout Orthodox Christians fast every week on Wednesdays and Fridays). Because of this, the vast majority of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and grocery stores with ready-made meals offer a ‘fasting menu’ or Samarkhvo in Georgian, with items that are free from animal products and oils. Note that some fasting meals still contain honey.

If you don’t eat meat, you’ll be chuffed to know that many Georgian dishes are vegetarian-friendly by nature – Ajapsandali , mushroom Khinkali, Pkhali and eggplant rolls, to name just a few.

Vegans will find eating out in Georgia a bit trickier. There are plenty of veg and vegan-friendly specialty restaurants around ( see listings here on Happy Cow ), some of them serving Georgian dishes and others focusing on international cuisine. Most guesthouses will happily cater to special dietary needs as long as you give them some warning.

Mealtimes & eating out

Most people in Georgia eat late – lunch at around 2-3pm and supper at around 9-10pm in summer is common. There is virtually no breakfast or brunch culture in Georgia, although some early morning cafes have started to pop up in Tbilisi. Most restaurants are open from midday until late (without a break) and serve food all day.

  • See my mega list of the best breakfasts, brunches & buffets in Tbilisi .

Georgian food is always served family style in the centre of the table. Sharing is the norm. Smoking is banned in restaurants. English-language menus are widespread. Service is staggered, and plates often come out in an awkward order. Portion sizes are consistently generous at most restaurants, and over-ordering is common.

Georgian handicrafts & souvenirs

Georgia’s vibrant heritage craft scene was one of the first things that drew me to visit the country. There are dozens of artisans and makers working to preserve and modernise traditional techniques such as felting, pottery and wax-resist printing. If you’re interested in learning more, the Georgian Heritage Crafts Association is a great place to start.

On top of that, Georgia has an incredible edible artisan scene! Every time I fly out of Georgia it’s always with a bag full of spices.

  • Read my guide to the best Georgian designers & independent labels .
  • See my Tbilisi souvenir shopping guide & map .

Save some room in your luggage for these classic Georgian souvenirs:

  • Lurji Supra: Georgia’s famous ‘blue tablecloths’ are printed with traditional medallions depicting fish, cutlery and other food-related figures. The best Lurji Supra are hand-printed on cotton.
  • Cloisonne enamel jewellery: This traditional technique is hugely popular in Georgia, with many jewellers crafting delicate brooches, necklaces and rings from colourful enamel.
  • Clay pottery: It’s a bit tricker to take home, but a piece of Georgian pottery is a wonderful souvenir – whether it’s a simple clay Ketsi dish or an ornately painted wine jug.
  • Knitted slippers: Popular for wearing indoors during winter, you’ll see these slippers in an array of colours and designs sold all over Georgia.
  • Adjika & Georgian spices: Dry Adjika, marigold, Svanetian salt and blue fenugreek are just a few of my favourites. I particularly like the Waime! brand.
  • Churchkhela & dried fruits: If you’re allowed to take fruit products home with you, pick up some Churchkhela , Tklapi fruit leather, jams and preserves (pine cone jam is very unique), and maybe even a bottle of Tkemali sour plum sauce.

Top 10 things to do in Georgia

Wondering what to do in Georgia apart from eat, drink and shop? I’m not exaggerating when I say this country has something for every interest, travel taste and budget (see my itinerary suggestions below for more).

There’s so much on offer, it’s extremely difficult to narrow it down into a shortlist. If you asked me to choose just 10 must-dos in Georgia, here’s what I would pick…

  • Go for a scrub-down at the Tbilisi sulfur baths
  • Drink wine from the Qvevri in Kakheti
  • Drive on the epic Georgian Military Highway
  • Hike from Kazbegi to Gergeti Trinity Church
  • Visit a medieval cave monastery
  • Go inside a tower house in UNESCO-listed Ushguli
  • Swim on a black sand beach
  • Visit the semi-abandoned spa town of Tskaltubo
  • Stay at a family guesthouse in a small village
  • Ride on Stalin’s Rope Roads in Chiatura
  • Don’t forget to grab a copy of my free ebook: ‘365 Things to Do in Georgia’ .

Just as there are hundreds of things to do, there are dozens and dozens of beautiful places to visit in Georgia. You’d be hard-pressed to find a country so diverse in its landscapes and cultures. Where else in the world can you wake up in the mountains, drive through a primordial forest then be on a black sand magnetic beach by dinner time!?

Below is a brief overview of some of the key cities and areas to see in Georgia.

  • View the full list: 42 best places to visit in Georgia this year .

Georgia’s capital city, cultural and culinary hub, Tbilisi needs no introduction. This is the gateway to the regions, the main transport centre, and the best place to start and end your Georgia itinerary.

Aside from being a city of convenience, Tbilisi is a very special place – the anchorpoint for Georgian spirituality and culture that has kept the country moored through centuries of political turmoil and social unrest.

You could easily spend a week or more exploring the city at a slow pace , peeling back the layers of history and influence as you tread the cobbled streets of the Old Town. I recommend setting aside at least 2 full days to do Tbilisi justice, more if you want to incorporate a few easy day trips .

Kutaisi doesn’t feature on every traveller’s itinerary – or if it does, it’s only as an arrival/departure point. Yet Georgia’s third-largest city and main hub in the west has its own particular charms.

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and the nation’s former cultural capital, Kutaisi has a lot to offer visitors in the way of history. Gelati Monastery , one of Georgia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is located on the outskirts of the city, part of a cluster of beautiful churches and monasteries.

Wine bars and restaurants serving up Imeretian cuisine, a wonderful central market, and a leafy city centre makes Kutaisi a very pleasant place to lay down your suitcase for a couple of days. It’s also a great departure point for delving into lush Imereti region – known for its waterfalls, canyons and caves – and for visiting Soviet-nostalgia destinations including Tskaltubo and Chiatura .

The biggest city on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, Batumi is notorious for its outlandish architecture , bars and casinos. This is primarily a resort city that comes alive in the summer months. But there’s another side to Batumi beyond the beach and boulevard.

The capital of Georgia’s autonomous Adjara region , a distinct part of the country with its own dialect, cuisine and set of traditions, Batumi is brimming with fascinating history, good food and great wine , street art and more – provided you know where to look.

Not to mention that Batumi is home to the country’s most impressive botanical garden and is the access point for some of Georgia’s best national parks , including the pristine Machakhela Protected Areas .

Eastern Georgia (KakhetI)

Georgia’s Kakheti region stretches from the Greater Caucasus in the north to the Azerbaijan border in the south, taking in the country’s entire eastern wing. The former Kingdom of Kakheti, this is where you’ll find some of Georgia’s most iconic medieval monasteries and impressive mountaintop churches.

Kakheti is grape country ; the first known evidence of winemaking was uncovered in archaeological dig sites nearby and today, this is by far the most productive wine region. The Alazani river valley is the heart of Georgia’s contemporary wine-making industry, running north-south and incorporating dozens of villages and chateaux along with the walled town of Sighnaghi and the city of Telavi . The only thing that outnumbers churches is vineyards, many of which can be toured and taste-tested on Wine Route.

Beyond the vineyards, diverse Kakheti also holds the remote Tusheti National Park to the north and the semi-desert Vashlovani Nature Reserve to the south. David Gareja Cave Monastery , the Udabno ‘rainbow hills’ and Pankisi Valley , home of the Georgian-Chechen Kist community, are among the many other places to see in Kakheti.

Gergeti Trinity Church set against the snow-capped Greater Caucasus and Mount Kazbegi is Georgia’s pinup landscape, the symbol for tourism in the country. If Georgia is synonymous with one thing, it’s the mountains that have impressed their influence on everything, from the languages to the food.

Georgia has two main mountain ranges: the Greater Caucasus to the north and the Lesser Caucasus to the south. Kazbegi and Svaneti are the most popular mountain destinations, while lesser-visited Tusheti and Racha offer a more rugged experience.

Central & Southern Georgia

Far-southern Georgia is one of the most visually impressive and culturally diverse parts of the country. Yet it’s also among the least-visited. With the exception of Borjomi and Bakuriani and the cave city of Vardzia , relatively few people spend time here.

Samtskhe-Javakheti region in the country’s deep south is often referred to as ‘the Georgian Arctic’ because of its harsh climate. This is a high-altitude volcanic landscape of craters and gem-like lakes and the perfect place for cycling and birdwatching. Closer to Tbilisi, visitors can learn about scarcely documented German heritage in the towns of Asureti and Bolnisi .

Central Georgia’s Shida Kartli region is home to the city of Gori , famous for the Stalin Museum but with a lot more to offer beyond dark tourism. Uplistsikhe , another of Georgia’s famed cave cities, is located in Shida Kartli, close to Gori.

A complete contrast to the semi-desert east, humid and overgrown Western Georgia is the green heart of the country. With Zugdidi as its capital, Samegrelo region is layered with history – including an unexpected connection to the French aristocracy. It’s also the birthplace of my favourite regional Georgian cuisine.

Western Georgia features magnificent mountain backdrops to the north (Svaneti) and south, with fertile tea and hazelnut country sandwiched in between. One of the best things to do Western Georgia is drive Guria’s Tea Route . The green corridor leads all the way to the Black Sea coast and the resort towns of Batumi, Kobuleti and Shekvetili, then beyond to Abkhazia. South of Batumi, you’ll find ancient Roman ruins and hiking trails in Gonio , swimming beaches at Kvariati , and the iconic border checkpoint building at Sarpi . To the north, there is historic Tsikhisdziri and Poti , Georgia’s ‘Little Paris’ on the Black Sea.

Festivals & cultural events in Georgia

The Georgian calendar is packed with religious feast days, Orthodox celebrations, ‘day of’ village festivals, and plenty of events that celebrate food and wine. Here are just a few of the major calendar events you might like to plan your trip around. Find a full list of festivals and celebrations here .

Note that dates for most of these events change year to year and sometimes aren’t finalised until a week or two in advance.

  • December/January: Orthodox Christmas/New Year – Biggest celebrations on December 31, Bedoba on January 2, the Alilo Parade on Orthodox Christmas Day, and Epiphany in mid-January.
  • April: Orthodox Easter – Special liturgies & family celebrations preceded by 40 days of fasting.
  • May: New Wine Festival – Unsealing the previous years’ Qvevris.
  • May 26: Independence Day – Markets, fireworks and parades for Georgia’s national day.
  • Summer: Tushetoba – Tusheti’s folk fest spotlights Tush culture, cuisine and horsemanship.
  • Summer: Bakhmaro Horse Race – This tradition takes place on Bakhmaro mountain in Guria.
  • Summer: Black Sea Jazz Festival & GEM Fest – two of many summer music festivals that take place every year on the Black Sea Coast.
  • September/October: Rtveli – Georgia’s annual wine harvest.  
  • October: Tbilisoba – This city festival celebrates all things Tbilisi.
  • October 14: Svetitskhovloba – Mtskheta’s festival day with celebrations and events at UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Georgia trip ideas for different travellers

Most first-time travellers to Georgia choose to focus on Tbilisi, the wine region and the mountains. I’ve covered my recommended general itineraries for Georgia in this post .

If you have a bit more time to play with – or indeed if it’s your second or third time visiting – then you might consider these alternative trip ideas tailored to different interests.

Georgia for foodies

The destinations should be top of your list for a food-focused voyage around Georgia.

  • Samegrelo: My favourite regional cuisine in Georgia belongs to Samegrelo region. Zugididi is a great place to taste regional dishes including Kharcho and Elarji , Gebjalia and of course Adjika . See my restaurant recommendations in this city guide .
  • Upper Adjara: The highland villages of Adjara region are home to a distinct, dairy and fat-heavy cuisine. As well as Khachapuri Adjaruli , try Sinori (flaky pie) and Borano (cheese with melted butter).
  • Pankisi Valley: Kist (Chechen-Georgian) cuisine is totally unique. Nazy’s Guest House in the village of Jokolo offers home-cooked meals, cooking classes and other unique tourism experiences .
  • Racha: This mountainous region is the home of such beloved delicacies as Rachan cured ham and Shkmeruli garlic chicken.

Georgia for wine lovers

If getting a taste for Georgia’s wine culture is your main priority, consider visiting these popular and lesser-known wine regions.

  • Kakheti Wine Region: There are hundreds of wineries worth visiting in Kakheti , you could easily spend your entire trip roving around the main wine region. I recommend hiring a car and driver for the day to take you around ( GoTrip is a great option) or for a more in-depth experience, touring with a sommelier-guide .
  • Imereti: Also be sure to visit the wineries outside Kutaisi , including Baia’s Wine. The harvesting and wine-making techniques are much the same but the grapes are totally different.
  • Shrosha: This small village in Western Georgia is where clay Qvevris are made .
  • Racha-Lechkhumi: Two more thriving wine regions in the north-west. Racha is known for Khvanchkara wine, which you can sample at guesthouses and small cellars around Ambrolauri.

Georgia for hikers

There are plenty of trekking opportunities in Georgia for various fitness levels. Here are a few of the most popular destinations for day and multi-day hikes.

  • Svaneti: Choose from the popular 3-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli or alternative routes around Mestia, Mazeri and to Tobavarchkhili lakes.
  • Truso Valley: This hiking mecca near Kazbegi features the beautiful Zakagori Fortress .
  • Sno Valley/Juta: More trails and the scenic Chaukhi Pass on the opposite side of the valley to Truso.
  • Lagodekhi National Park: Don’t miss the 3-day Black Rock Lake hike to the border with Azerbaijan and Russia.
  • Borjomi National Park: Pristine forests and well-maintained trails in the Lesser Caucasus.
  • For more information about hiking in Georgia, check out Caucasus Trekking .

Soviet Georgia

If you’re interested in all things former USSR, these places are a blast from the Soviet past.

  • Brutal Tours (Tbilisi): Walking tours of Tbilisi that cover the city’s most prominent Socialist buildings and monuments.
  • Gori: The (in)famous Stalin Museum in Gori is a must-visit for anyone who’s interested in Soviet history. To go deeper, book a Soviet Tour of Gori with my friend Zhana and let her show you around her home city in a retro Lada.
  • Chiatura: This city in Imereti, north-east of Kutaisi, is famed for its network of cable cars known as ‘Stalin’s Ropeways’ . Perfect for urbexers.
  • Tskaltubo: This semi-abandoned resort town is home to dozens of bathhouses and Soviet-era sanatoria , including Stalin’s private bath and suite .
  • Samegrelo & Guria: If you’re interested in Soviet-era mosaics, these two regions of Western Georgia are must-sees. Dozens of mosaics adorn bus stops, old factories and schools. This map is a great resource for finding them.

Alternative Georgia

Here’s where to get off the beaten track in Georgia.

  • Racha: Georgia’s alternative mountain region is popular with locals but rarely visited by foreigners. Don’t miss Oni (home to a stunning synagogue) or Shovi (home to ‘Stalin’s Dacha’).
  • Pankisi Valley: Learn about Kist and Chechen traditions, observe a traditional Sufi Zikr ceremony, and go horseback riding into the Tushetian foothills.
  • Vashlovani National Park: Mud volcanoes, rock formations and off-roading.
  • Upper Adjara: The highlands back from Batumi are beyond picturesque.
  • Guria: Drive Georgia’s Tea Route to discover Soviet-era plantations and small-scale farmers reviving the industry.
  • Javakheti Plateau: Volcanic lakes and birdwatching in the ‘Georgian Arctic’.

Georgia for families

Children are worshipped in Georgia and travelling with your little one is a sure-fire way to make fast friends. Georgia is a very family friendly destination overall with no shortage of activities to keep kids of all ages occupied.

  • Uplistsikhe & Vardzia: Georgia’s two most popular medieval cave cities.
  • Okatse & Martvili canyons: A popular day trip from Kutaisi . For a less-touristy alternative, try nearby Balda canyon.
  • Rabati Fortress: This restored Disneyland-like castle in Akhaltsikhe is a lot of fun to explore.
  • Nokalakevi: For the open-air archaeological museum and sulfur pools.
  • Bakuriani: Kids will love the Kukushka scenic railroad from Borjomi to Bakuriani.
  • Shekvetili: Clean swimming beaches on the northern end of the Black Sea coast.

Pre-trip reading & viewing

If you want to learn a bit more about the history, culture and cuisine before you arrive in Georgia then I highly recommend checking out a few of these books, films and TV shows.

Books about Georgia

The Caucasus: An Introduction by Thomas de Waal. An essential introduction to culture, politics and religion in the Caucasus region.

Edge of Empires by Donald Rayfield. A comprehensive look at Georgia’s history through the lens of various invasions and conflicts.

A Little War That Shook the World by Ronald Asmus. Examines the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia.

Georgia: In the Mountains of Poetry by Peter Nasmyth. An all-encompassing introduction to contemporary Georgian history, culture and politics based on the firsthand experiences of an expat.

The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischvili. An award-winning novel described as Georgia’s War and Peace .

Ali and Nino by Kurban Said. By far my favourite book set in the region, this fictional classic is partially set in Tbilisi and Baku.

For the Love of Wine by Alice Feiring. An informative, easy-to-read travelogue-style introduction to the natural wine scene in Georgia.

Georgia: A Guide to the Cradle of Wine by Miquel Hudin & Daria Kholodilina. The ideal field guide for exploring the world of Georgian wine.

Tasting Georgia by Carla Capalbo. Recipes and food stories collected from Georgia.

Films & TV shows set in Georgia

  • And Then We Danced . This hit movie, partially filmed in Tbilisi, caused a bit of a stir in Georgia when it was released. The Kartuli dance showcased in the movie is phenomenal.
  • In Bloom . A coming-of-age film set in post-USSR Tbilisi.
  • Hostages . Tells the story of seven young Georgians who attempted to flee the Soviet Union by hijacking an airliner.
  • The Loneliest Planet . This 2011 movie was filmed in Georgia and focuses on a couple who trek across the Greater Caucasus mountains.
  • Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown . See Bourdain’s visit to Georgia in Episode 5 of Season 7.
  • Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure . Parts of this travel documentary series were filmed in Georgia and Azerbaijan.
  • From Russia to Iran: Crossing Wild Frontier . Explorer Levison Wood crosses the Greater Caucasus on foot in this BBC series.
  • Last Woman on Earth With Sara Pascoe . Georgia features in Episode 2 of Season 1.

Travelling to Armenia or Azerbaijan from Georgia

Many people choose to bundle at least two of the three South Caucasus nations into one trip. You’ll find that both Armenia and Azerbaijan are a contrast to Georgia – and yet the three nations also have a lot in common.

The easiest and safest way to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan (Armenia) or Baku (Azerbaijan) is by rail. You can find everything you need to know about using the overnight sleeper trains in my guides:

  • Tbilisi to Yerevan sleeper train .
  • Tbilisi to Baku sleeper train .

Another option is to travel by marshrutka to Northern Armenia via Southern Georgia’s Javakheti region, or to Sheki in Azerbaijan via Kakheti. See here for more bus travel tips for Azerbaijan.

Remember that the land border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed, so you’ll need to travel back through Georgia if you want to visit both countries. There are no restrictions on visiting Azerbaijan after Armenia or vice versa as long as you haven’t been to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).

Check out my country guides for more travel tips:

  • Travel Guide for Armenia .
  • Travel Guide for Azerbaijan .

Questions, comments or feedback? Feel free to leave me a comment or reach out via email. I hope this guide proves helpful when planning your visit to Georgia!

Save my Georgia Travel Guide on pinterest for later:

A beautiful mountain landscape in the country of Georgia.

HEY PERSIA

Traveling from Georgia to Iran: A Travel Guide

Iran, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural treasures, has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers worldwide, including those coming from neighboring countries like Georgia. However, traveling from Georgia to Iran involves careful planning, visa requirements, transportation options, and an understanding of cultural norms. This guide provides essential information for Georgian travelers interested in exploring Iran’s beauty and heritage. Stay with Hey Persia to learn more.

Visa Requirements for Traveling from Georgia to Iran

Georgian tourists planning to visit Iran are required to obtain a tourist visa before their trip. The visa application process typically includes the following steps:

1. Contact the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi or the nearest Iranian diplomatic mission to inquire about visa requirements and obtain the necessary application forms.

2. Complete the visa application form and provide all required documentation, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and an invitation letter from an Iranian host or a tour operator.

3. Pay the visa application fee as required by the Iranian authorities.

4. Submit the visa application to the Iranian diplomatic mission in Georgia.

5. Wait for the visa approval, which can take several weeks. Once approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport.

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Iran offers Visa on Arrival (VoA) facilities for travelers from certain countries, including Georgia. However, it’s essential to check whether your intended arrival point in Iran offers VoA services. Even with VoA, it’s advisable to have the necessary documentation, including an invitation letter and pre-arranged accommodations.

Visa Requirements for Traveling from Georgia to Iran

Cultural Sensitivity to know for Traveling from Georgia to Iran

Iran has a conservative dress code, particularly for women. Female tourists are required to cover their hair with a headscarf (hijab) and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs. Men should also dress modestly. It’s essential to respect local customs and adhere to the dress code in public places.

Social Etiquette

Iranians are known for their warm hospitality and politeness. Greeting locals with a smile and showing respect for their customs and traditions will go a long way in creating positive interactions during your trip. It’s customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.

Currency and Payment used for Traveling from Georgia to Iran

The official currency of Iran is the Iranian Rial (IRR). However, in daily transactions, Iranians commonly use the Toman, which is equivalent to 10 Rials. Currency exchange services are widely available in major cities, and you can exchange Georgian Lari (GEL) for Iranian Rials at exchange offices, banks, and even some hotels.

Travel to Iran: Iran in the Past

Travel to Iran: Iran in Past

Travel to Iran: Lut Desert Exploration

Travel to Iran: Lut Desert Exploration

Travel to Iran: Climbing Damavand

Travel to Iran: Climbing Damavand

Cash and cards.

While credit and debit cards are becoming more accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to more remote regions. International cards might not be accepted everywhere, so having cash on hand is essential for daily expenses.

Must-Visit Attractions and travel insurance

Iran boasts a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, including the ancient city of Persepolis, the stunning mosques of Isfahan, and the Golestan Palace in Tehran. Don’t miss the chance to explore these historical gems, which offer a glimpse into Iran’s rich heritage.

Natural Wonders

Iran’s diverse landscapes offer opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the lush forests around Rudkhan Castle, hike the picturesque Alamut Valley, or visit the mesmerizing Lut Desert, home to unique geological formations.

Culinary Delights

Iranian cuisine is a treat for the senses. Savor dishes like kebabs, biryani, and traditional stews like ghormeh sabzi and fesenjan. Don’t forget to try the aromatic saffron ice cream and sip on Persian tea in a traditional teahouse.

Cultural Sensitivity to know for Traveling from Georgia to Iran

Transportation

Iran has a well-developed transportation network that includes buses, trains, and domestic flights. The intercity bus system is extensive and affordable, making it a convenient way to travel between cities. Trains offer a comfortable option for longer journeys, and domestic flights are available for those covering vast distances.

The official language of Iran is Persian (Farsi). While many Iranians speak English to some extent, it’s helpful to learn a few basic Persian phrases or carry a translation app to facilitate communication, especially in more remote areas.

Traveling from Georgia to Iran offers a wonderful experience

Traveling from Georgia to Iran offers a unique opportunity to explore a land rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. By understanding visa requirements, respecting local customs, and embracing the unique attractions Iran has to offer, Georgian travelers can embark on a memorable journey through this captivating country. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, savoring Persian cuisine, or admiring stunning landscapes, Iran has something to offer every traveler with a sense of adventure and a curiosity about its unique culture and heritage.

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Intellinews

China grants visa-free travel to Georgians

By Tornike Mandaria in Tbilisi

China has introduced visa-free travel for citizens of Georgia, allowing them to stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on February 26.

This follows a series of moves to deepen relations between EU and Nato hopeful Georgia and China, after the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement in July 2023.

Kobakhidze welcomed the move, saying it will bolster Sino-Georgian relations.

'This is another important news and practical result of the strategic partnership signed between Georgia and China last year,' he said.

Trade between Georgia and China from January to November 2023 exceeded $1.5 billion.

Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili said visa-free travel will lead to an increase in direct flights and boost benefits for the tourism sector.

'We have been talking to different airlines about having more direct flights to different cities in China. Only in this way can we generate a real, significant amount in the tourism sector,' Davitashvili said.

Georgia already granted visa-free travel for Chinese citizens on September 11, 2023.

Despite Georgia's aspirations to join Nato and its status as a strategic partner of the US, the country has been actively seeking to strengthen not only economic but also political ties with China.

Following his first official visit to Brussels, newly appointed PM Kobakhidze met with the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, where they discussed enhancing friendly relations and future cooperation prospects at a 'strategic partnership level'.

The prime minister recently spoke of “weaknesses” in Georgia's relationship with the United States, noting a lack of high-level visits, direct flights, and visa-free travel for Georgians.

Kobakhidze’s government's foreign policy agenda underlines the importance of the Middle Corridor, a trade route that connects Asia and Europe bypassing Russia, with Georgia having free trade agreements with both the EU and China.

Analysts suggest that Beijing is eyeing the construction of Georgia’s first deep-sea port in Anaklia on the Black Sea, with a Chinese-Singaporean consortium among the two potential private partnership bidders.

China grants visa-free travel to Georgians

Caution October 19, 2023

Worldwide caution, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory January 11, 2024

Iran - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to add the Terrorism Risk Indicator and risk of surrogacy tourism.

Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens . Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions .  

Country Summary: U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran have been kidnapped, arrested, and detained on spurious charges.

Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual national U.S.-Iranian nationals--including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities routinely delay consular access to detained U.S. nationals and consistently deny consular access to dual U.S.-Iranian nationals.

Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Iran.

Companies offering surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran and the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.  

Due to the risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Iran, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Iran.

If you are currently in Iran:   

  • Consider the risks involved in possessing dual  U.S. Iranian nationality .
  • Review your personal security plan and visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider.
  • Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter/X .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Embassies and Consulates

Embassy of Switzerland – Foreign Interests Section

Pasdaran, Shahid Mousavi St. (Golestan 5 th) Corner of Paydarfard St., No. 55, Pasdaran Avenue Tehran, Iran Telephone: (98) (21) 2254-2178 and (98) (21) 2256-5273 Emergency Telephone: (41) (58) 465-3333 Fax: (98) (21) 2258-0432 Email:   [email protected] Website: www.eda.admin.ch/tehranfi Virtual Embassy Tehran

All consular services require prior appointments which can be made by phone. The Foreign Interests Section can be reached by phone Sunday through Thursday between 7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The Foreign Interests Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications. The Foreign Interests Section provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens in Tehran including:

  • Registering U.S. citizens;
  • Responding to inquiries concerning the welfare and whereabouts of U.S. citizens in Iran;
  • Rendering assistance in times of distress or physical danger;
  • Providing U.S. citizens with passport and Social Security card applications and other citizenship forms for processing at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland;
  • Performing notarial services;
  • Taking provisional custody of the personal effects of deceased U.S. citizens; and
  • Providing Social Security Administration assistance to retired U.S. citizens residing in Iran.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Iran for information on U.S.-Iran relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Before traveling to Iran, please consider the current Travel Advisory .

The Travel Advisory for Iran is Level 4, Do Not Travel. The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions. 

Iranian authorities continue to wrongfully detain and imprison U.S. citizens, particularly U.S.-Iranian dual nationals, on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities have also prevented the departure of U.S. citizens from Iran. U.S. citizens of Iranian origin should consider the risk of being targeted by authorities before planning travel to Iran. Iranian authorities routinely deny dual nationals access to the Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran because they consider dual nationals to be solely Iranian citizens.

U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran. However, U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must enter and exit Iran on Iranian passports. As indicated above, the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. Iranian authorities may consider some U.S. citizens – even those without Iranian passports who do not consider themselves to be Iranian – to be Iranian nationals.  

U.S. government employees, including contractors, are strictly prohibited from traveling to Iran without prior authorization from the Department of State.

U.S.-Iranian dual nationals should obtain, in their Iranian passports, the necessary visas for the countries they will transit on their return trip to the United States so that if the U.S. passports are confiscated in Iran, they may depart Iran with their Iranian passports. These individuals can then apply for new U.S. passports in the country they are transiting.  

U.S. citizens residing in Iran on permanent resident visas must obtain an exit permit each time they depart Iran, regardless of the period of stay. All Iranian passport holders are required to pay an exit tax. More specific information on Iranian passport and exit permit requirements may be obtained from the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

The Iranian civil code states that women who marry Iranian men acquire Iranian nationality. If the marriage takes place in Iran, the woman’s U.S. passport may be confiscated by Iranian authorities. A woman must have the consent of her husband to leave Iran or, in his absence, consent from another suitable authority. The Foreign Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran can provide only limited assistance if a U.S. citizen woman married to an Iranian man encounters difficulty in leaving Iran. In addition, if marriage to an Iranian citizen is not officially recognized by the Iranian government, the couple will be committing the crime of adultery if they travel together, the maximum penalty for which is death.

Please contact the Swiss Embassy or appropriate Iranian authorities for special circumstances cases involving divorce and custody rights in Iran.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Iran. If you intend to reside in Iran, you must submit to a blood test, which may include an HIV test, in order to apply for a residency permit. Permits will be refused if the HIV test is positive.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

As noted in the Travel Advisory for Iran, U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran face a significant threat of kidnapping or arrest and detention on spurious charges.

U.S. citizens who travel to Iran despite the Travel Advisory should exercise caution throughout the country, but especially in the southeastern region where foreigners have been victims of criminal gangs. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to areas within 100 kilometers of the border with Afghanistan, near the Iraq border, and generally anywhere east of the line from Bam and Bandar Abbas toward the Pakistani border.

Terrorism: In Iran, there is potential for death or injury because of terrorist attacks. Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran. ISIS and affiliated groups have claimed responsibility for bombings and other attacks in Iran. The threat of terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury to bystanders. Additionally, Iran is a designated state-sponsor of terrorism.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Foreigners occasionally become victims of petty street crime, including robberies and bag-snatchings, in Iran. There have been reports of robberies by police impersonators, usually in civilian clothing. Insist on seeing the officer’s identity card and request the presence of a uniformed officer/marked patrol car. Travelers should take the following precautions:

  • Do not surrender any documents or cash;
  • Make a copy of your U.S. passport (biographical data page and the page with your Iranian visa) and keep it separate from your original passport;
  • Do not carry large amounts of hard currency while on the streets;
  • Keep important documents such as passports and valuables in hotel safes or other secure locations;
  • Take pre-booked taxis, which are safer than those hailed from the street;
  • Check with your hotel or tour guide for information on local scams; and
  • Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, purchasing them may also violate local law.

Demonstrations occur sporadically. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Past demonstrations have turned violent.

  • As demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
  • Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Iranian security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, computers, fax machines, and other electronics may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. The Iranian authorities may also confiscate cell phones, computers, and other devices. U.S. citizens should consider not taking electronic devices to Iran or deleting personal information from them beforehand.

Disaster Preparedness: Iran is prone to earthquakes, many of them severe. To learn more about the seismic regions of Iran, including the most recent earthquakes, please visit the U.S. Geological Survey website .

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police by dialing 110 and contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section at (98) (21) 2254-2178. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Iran is: 115 for ambulance service, 125 for fire, and 110 for police. English speakers, however, are generally unavailable.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department of State, through the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section, can:

  • Replace a stolen or lost passport;
  • Help you find appropriate medical care;
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
  • Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
  • Provide a list of local attorneys;
  • Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States; and 
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section for assistance. U.S. citizens should note that the Foreign Interests Section may be able to provide limited assistance only and that Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Long prison terms and solitary confinement are common as are punishments including execution, amputation, flogging, blinding, stoning, and fines. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Examples of local laws that you may be unfamiliar with include:

  • Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution;
  • Drinking, possession of alcoholic beverages, and drugs are illegal. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iran are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Iran executes many people each year on drug-related charges. Penalties for the possession, use, or smuggling of alcoholic beverages may include fines, jail time, or flogging;
  • Men and women must adhere to the government-sanctioned dress code; this includes covered hair, arms, and legs for women. The government considers the failure to adhere to its dress code and public displays of affection to be crimes;
  • Relations between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, as are adultery and sex outside of marriage, which are punishable by the death penalty;
  • Data storage devices (e.g. DVDs, SD cards) depicting sexual relations and magazines showing unveiled women are forbidden;
  • Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited and could result in serious criminal charges, including espionage, which carries the death penalty;
  • Importation of pork products is banned; and
  • Insulting the government or Muslim faith is strictly forbidden, including on social media. Such violations of Iranian law may result in imprisonment.

Carry a copy of your U.S. passport (biodata page and page with Iranian visa) and some other form of identification with you at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available.

If you are arrested while in Iran, request that the police and prison officials notify the Foreign Interests Section at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran immediately to ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances. Under Iranian law, detainees may also request legal representation, although the authorities sometimes fail to allow timely access to attorneys. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal: The Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algerian Accords. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims Program administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The Iranian government has allegedly been targeting award-holders who travel to Iran. Some former claimants have reported being questioned by Iranian authorities upon their entry into Iran as to the status of payment of their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money. The Iranian government has also reportedly threatened to prevent U.S. claimants who visit Iran from departing the country until they repay their award.

Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who also possess Iranian citizenship are subject to laws that impose special obligations on citizens of Iran, such as military service or taxes. Iranian-citizen males aged 18-34 are required to perform military service, unless exempt. Young men who have turned 17 years of age will not be allowed to leave Iran without completing their military service.

Money: Non-Iranian credit cards and bank cards cannot be used in Iran. You will not be able to access U.S. or foreign bank accounts using ATMs in Iran. You can exchange U.S. dollars for rials, either at banks or with certified money changers. There is no Western Union or similar institution, and bank transfers are not possible. Due to economic sanctions on Iran, U.S. financial institutions have been known to block or freeze accounts accessed via the Internet from Iran.

Communication: Pre-paid overseas calling cards are available at most newsagents. The Internet is widely used in Iran. There are Internet cafes in most hotels; however, usage may be monitored. The Iranian government blocks access to many social media sites.

Sanctions: U.S. government economic sanctions prohibit most economic activity between U.S. citizens and Iran. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has posted to its website frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide guidance on U.S. sanctions related to Iran. For further information, consult OFAC’s Iran sanctions resource page or contact OFAC’s Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490 or obtain information via fax at 202-622-0077.

For information concerning licensing of imports or exports, contact OFAC’s Licensing Division at by phone at 202-622-2480 or fax at 202-622-1657.

Faith-Based Travelers: Freedom of religion, belief, or non-belief is not protected in Iran. See the following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Same-sex relationships in Iran are criminalized and are punishable by death, flogging, or a lesser punishment. LGBTQI+ individuals are often subject to violence and the law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics or recognize LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, or families.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Iran prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities and access to services. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Women in Iran lack certain basic rights such as the freedom to choose their style of dress and restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly. Gender-based violence is more common in Iran than the U.S., especially in rural areas, and reports of this violence in recent years have steadily increased. “Honor killings” or other harmful practices involving mostly women killed by their male relatives in the name of preserving the family’s “honor” are known to occur. There are also reports of fathers or relatives forcing their female family members to enter a marriage against their will. Domestic violence remains a taboo subject in Iran, and Iranian law does not prohibit domestic violence. Hijab enforcement in Iran is becoming stricter. The Government has deployed Hijab enforcers in public to ensure compliance. Hijab defiance has led to assault, arrest and even death. 

For emergency services in Iran, dial 115.

Ambulance services are

  • Widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards;
  • Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment; and 
  • Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.  

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Iran.

Basic medical care and medicine are available in the principal cities but may not be available in rural areas in Iran. Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards and sometimes lack medicine and supplies.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy 

  • Companies offering surrogacy services, an unregulated industry, are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran. Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens at risk.
  • If you are considering traveling to Iran to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad webpage . Carefully consider the length of time needed to obtain a newborn’s required civil documents to avoid any unintended overstay of your visa.

Air Quality

  • Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Iran particularly in Ahvaz, Tehran, and Zabol. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
  • Infants, children, and teens;
  • People over 65 years of age;
  • People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
  • People with heart disease or diabetes; and
  • People who work or are active outdoors.

Water Scarcity: Iran has a water scarcity issue throughout the country, largely impacting rural communities. Iran is prone to significant droughts in the hot summer months. In cities outside of Tehran, water may be harder to obtain given the availability in those regions and larger water reserves servicing the capital. Tap water in Iran is relatively safe, however it is recommended to consume bottled water, which is regularly available. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   While in Iran, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Travelers in possession of International Driver’s Permits may drive in Iran, though the Foreign Interests Section in Iran does not recommend that tourists do so. Iran has a very high rate of traffic accidents, the second highest cause of mortality in the country. Drivers throughout Iran tend to ignore traffic lights, traffic signs, and lane markers. Urban streets are not well lit; it is therefore particularly dangerous to drive at night. Sidewalks in urban areas exist only on main roads and are usually obstructed by parked cars. In residential areas, few sidewalks exist. Drivers almost never yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, do not leave the scene; wait until the police arrive to file a report.

Traffic Laws: Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks, both in cities and on highways, often manned by young, inexperienced officers who are suspicious of foreigners. Carry identification with you and avoid getting into disputes.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Iran, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Iran should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport  website, and the  NGA broadcast warnings website.

Port Security: The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Iranian ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Iran. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Iran should exercise increased caution.

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Iran . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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US and UK hit Iranian deputy commander and Houthi member with sanctions

FILE - The Treasury Department is seen near sunset in Washington, Jan. 18, 2023. The U.S. sanctioned a deputy commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps., a Houthi militant member, firms registered in Hong Kong and the Marshall Islands and two ships, including one that transported $100 million in Iranian commodities to China. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick, File)

FILE - The Treasury Department is seen near sunset in Washington, Jan. 18, 2023. The U.S. sanctioned a deputy commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps., a Houthi militant member, firms registered in Hong Kong and the Marshall Islands and two ships, including one that transported $100 million in Iranian commodities to China. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick, File)

Staff headshot of Fatima Hussein at the Associated Press bureau in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and U.K. sanctioned a deputy commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a Houthi militant member, Tuesday. The U.S. additionally sanctioned firms registered in Hong Kong and the Marshall Islands, along with two ships, including one that transported $100 million in Iranian commodities to China.

Iranian official Mohammad Reza Falahzadeh, and Houthi group member Ibrahim al-Nashiri were hit with the U.S. and U.K. sanctions Tuesday.

Hong Kong-registered Kohana Co. Ltd. and Marshall Islands-registered Iridescent Co. Ltd. — which own the Panama-flagged Kohana — were also designated for U.S. sanctions. The U.S. says the Kohana has shipped over $100 million in Iranian commodities to businesses in China on behalf of Iran’s Ministry of Defense.

Additionally, the U.S. and U.K. sanctioned Hong Kong-based Cap Tees Shipping Co. Ltd., which owns the Artura, accused of transporting Iranian commodities for the network of previously sanctioned Houthi and Iranian financial facilitator Sa’id al-Jamal . Treasury says the Artura obfuscated its identity by using the name of a different vessel, Sanan II, to complete some of its shipments.

Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, third from left, first row, poses for a group photo with other West African leaders, prior to the start of the ECOWAS meeting, in Abuja, Nigeria, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. Heads of state across West Africa were met on Saturday to discuss the region's existential challenges with a renewed plea on junta-led nations to rescind their decision to quit the regional bloc and a plan to review of sanctions it imposed to reverse the coup in Niger. (AP Photo/Gbemiga Olamikan)

U.S. State Department spokesman Matt Miller said the U.S. and its allies “remain committed to countering terrorist financing and will continue to use all available means to disrupt Houthi attacks on international shipping in the region.”

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said, “The attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis are unacceptable, illegal and a threat to innocent lives and freedom of navigation.”

“As I have made clear to the Iranian Foreign Minister, the regime bears responsibility for these attacks due to the extensive military support it has provided to the Houthis. All those who seek to undermine regional stability should know that the UK, alongside our allies, will not hesitate to act.”

The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans.

Escalation between the U.S., Iran and Houthi militia have increased after a series of maritime attacks in the Mideast linked to the Israel-Hamas war, as multiple vessels have found themselves in the crosshairs of a single Houthi assault for the first time in the conflict.

The White House last week promised to unveil new sanctions on Iran in retaliation for its arms sales that have bolstered Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and threatened a “swift” and “severe” response if Tehran moves forward with selling ballistic missiles to Moscow.

Associated Press reporter Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.

FATIMA HUSSEIN

Why I keep coming back to Georgia’s Golden Isles year after year

After my family's first trip to Georgia’s Golden Isles, I knew I'd be back again. In fact, my husband and I talked endlessly during our stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort about how it would be ideal for a big, extended family vacation. 

That multigenerational family vacation hasn’t come together yet, but since my first visit to these barrier islands off the coast of southern Georgia, my family has made two more trips. While we love traveling to new family vacation spots , this place has lured us back several times, with more trips sure to come. Here's why I keep returning to Georgia’s Golden Isles for my family vacations .

COASTAL TREASURES: 10 best East Coast vacation spots for any time of year  

1. It feels like a vacation

A getaway should be just that – an escape from everyday life. As soon as I start seeing the sweeping marsh views that seem to go on forever in the Golden Isles, my vacation mode kicks in. The four barrier islands that make up the Golden Isles are St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island, and though they're situated midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, they truly feel like a world away. 

SUMMER FUN: 15 best places to go for summer vacation, according to FamilyVacationist’s editors and contributors

Drive over the causeway onto St. Simons Island and you’re soon surrounded by stately moss-draped oak trees and houses that look ripped out of the pages of Southern Living. It’s basically what I picture when I close my eyes and imagine "the South." On Jekyll Island, the historic district immediately transports me back in time, while the windswept beaches beckon no matter the time of year.

2. Georgia's Golden Isles are slow-paced but definitely not boring

My favorite family vacation ideas are one part active exploration, one part chill-out-and-relax. Georgia’s Golden Isles are the perfect place for that combination. Want to bike, kayak, fish, or play golf? You can do that here—there are 24 miles of trails for biking on Jekyll Island alone. But you can also stroll the beach, sit by the firepit at your resort or vacation rental , or curl up on a porch with a good book and your favorite beverage. 

3. There's lots to do on Georgia's Golden Isles, no matter your age or interests

Our daughter was a tween when we first visited Jekyll Island, and activities like visiting the oh-so-cute rehab patients at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and a round of mini-golf down by the beach were big hits.

She’d become a teenager by our next visit, but she wasn’t too jaded to climb the 129 steps to the top of the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum or ride a bike on the sands at East Beach. We spent a morning snapping photos while strolling Brunswick’s historic downtown, an afternoon scouring the shops at St. Simons' Pier Village, and early evenings watching the sun set over the marshes. 

FIND A DEAL: 12 best hotel booking sites for cheap prices

Georgia’s Golden Isles feel tailor-made for a multigenerational family vacation , something we experienced ourselves on our most recent visit with my in-laws. The St. Simons Trolley Tour is a low-impact but highly informative way to explore the island, and the World War II Home Front Museum got a thumbs up from both my Vietnam Vet father-in-law and teenage daughter.

And we wouldn't miss a trip to Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island. Each visit to the haunting spot feels just as special as the first one, and I will never have too many photos of the dramatic gnarled branches lining the beach and water’s edge. (They’ve been a backdrop for at least one holiday card family photo.)

4. The Place Was Made for History Buffs

I’ve loved history ever since I was a kid (thanks to Little House on the Prairie and all the precursors to the Who Was? books), and Georgia’s Golden Isles have an intriguing past. 

Jekyll Island's National Historic Landmark District is what first drew me in and inspired our initial stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort. Originally a winter retreat and "the richest, most inaccessible club in the world" for names like Pulitzer and Vanderbilt, the 240-acre site now includes the resort and more than 30 other historic structures that we've explored both by foot and trolley tour.

NO HIDDEN COSTS: 21 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for Families

"The Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States," says Kathryn Hearn, a spokesperson for the Jekyll Island Authority. "Preserving and allowing people to experience this historic area contributes to the island’s charm, cultural richness, and educational value."

St. Simons Island has plenty of history of its own. Two of my highlights: Fort Frederica National Monument , where archeological remnants and interpretive signage helped us picture the British colony that once stood there; and Christ Church, Frederica, one of the oldest churches in Georgia that’s always ready for a photo op. Plus, if you’re a "Hamilton" fan, you can say you vacationed on the same island Aaron Burr fled to after his notorious duel with Alexander Hamilton.

5. You Can Sleep and Eat Well on Georgia's Golden Isles

We had a memorable stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort several years ago, and I can’t wait to go back to see the recent renovations of the circa-1888 Clubhouse property. Updated guest rooms now have sculptural, upholstered headboards and a style that blends the past and present. The lobby bar gives strong speakeasy vibes.

"Our designers borrowed from the Gatsby era of the early 1900s when American life was a little less buttoned up than the Victorian era of decades earlier," says Kevin Baker, area director of sales and marketing for Jekyll Island Club Resort. "It still feels historic, but with the joyous freedom and expected comforts of a modern vacation retreat."

CAN’T BEAT FREE: 10 best all-inclusive resorts where kids stay free

If you’d rather be by the beach, sister property Jekyll Ocean Club offers modern suite accommodations just steps from the sand. You can also stay beachfront on St. Simons Island at The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort or opt for a luxe getaway at The Cloister on exclusive Sea Island (which is still on my bucket list).

Vacation rentals are also a great option on St. Simons Island. We've rented in the East Beach area for walking distance to the ocean and easy proximity to everywhere else. Rentals range from cozy beach cottages to big multi-bedroom houses, and many of them have pools.

MADE FOR KIDS: 19 best family resorts in the U.S. for all ages

You won't go hungry on the islands, with dining spots that range from elegant to ultra-casual. Kid-friendly restaurants that grownups also love include The Wharf for fresh local seafood, Guy Fieri-approved Southern Soul Barbeque, Porch for hot chicken sandwiches and a great outdoor eating area, and Alton Brown's fave Beachcomber BBQ and Grill.

6. Georgia's Golden Isles are an easy-to-get-to, any-time-of-year vacation destination

We’ve never visited Georgia's Golden Isles during prime summertime beach weather when seasonal attractions like Summer Waves Water Park are open and the sea turtle season is in full swing. But the area’s mild climate makes visiting any time of year appealing, and we’ve spent lots of time outdoors no matter when we traveled. Plus, visiting at other times of the year means the chance to experience events like the Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits Festival in the fall and the Holly Jolly Jekyll holiday celebration that features more than a million lights on display around the island.

ALL INCLUDED: 7 best Florida all-inclusive resorts for families

From where my family lives in Florida, it's an easy drive to Georgia’s Golden Isles for a long weekend or a lengthier trip. The area is about an hour from Jacksonville International Airport and drivable from cities like Savannah, Charleston, Atlanta, and Charlotte. And if you head there yourself, you just might see me wandering among the driftwood or walking along the shore, taking a breather from life as usual.

Why I keep coming back to Georgia’s Golden Isles year after year originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

  • 11 Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
  • 10 Toddler Vacations the Whole Family Will Enjoy
  • 10 Best Family Resorts with Teen Clubs and Activities

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

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Iran – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Travel Advisory  

January 26, 2023  

Iran – Level 4: Do Not Travel  

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information  

Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of  kidnapping  and the  arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens . Exercise increased caution due to  wrongful detentions .  

Country Summary:  U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Iran have been kidnapped, arrested, and detained on spurious charges. The Department has determined that at least one U.S. national is wrongfully detained by the Iranian government.  

Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual national U.S.-Iranian nationals–including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics–on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities routinely delay consular access to detained U.S. nationals and consistently deny consular access to dual U.S.-Iranian nationals.  

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iran.  

Due to the risks of operating civilian aircraft within or in the vicinity of Iran, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .  

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Iran.  

  If you are currently in Iran:  

  • Read the  Department of State’s COVID-19 page  before planning any international travel, and read the  COVID-19 page  for the U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran for country-specific COVID-19 information.      
  • Consider the risks involved in possessing dual  U.S. Iranian nationality .  
  •  Review your personal security plan and visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .  
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.  
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.  
  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.  
  • Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.  
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .  
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.  
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .  

travel to georgia from iran

For nonimmigrant visas, generally, the applicant will make an appointment at a convenient U.S. Embassy or Consulate and pay the application fee. The applicant will have an interview in-person with a consular officer, who will ask questions and review documentation to determine whether the applicant qualifies for a visa. After the interview, and any necessary administrative processing, if the applicant qualifies the U.S. Embassy or Consulate issues a visa.

Applicants for immigrant visas, wishing to reside permanently in the U.S. must first be the beneficiary of a petition filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Petitions are most often based on family relationship or employment but can also be self-generated by investors. After the petition is approved, the State Department’s National Visa Center notifies the beneficiaries to schedule an interview with a consular officer at an embassy or consulate. If the consular officer determines the applicant is qualified, and there are no security concerns, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will issue an immigrant visa.

After reviewing this page, please, find out more about both the immigrant and nonimmigrant visa process at the State Department’s visa main page.

  • View Visa Categories for Immigrants and Nonimmigrants

No. The procedures for processing visa applications may vary, but the same standards under U.S. law and policy apply at each U.S. Embassy and Consulate where one applies for a visa.

Iranians may make appointments and apply for non-immigrant visas at any nonimmigrant visa issuing post. However, if you do not speak English or a language commonly spoken in the country where you plan to apply, you should be aware that the interviewing officers’ lack of familiarity with local conditions in your country may make it more difficult to demonstrate your qualifications for a visa. We have Farsi-speaking consular officers in Dubai, Yerevan, and Ankara, and many Iranian nonimmigrant visa applicants choose to apply at those posts.

Current visa validities are based on reciprocity for Americans traveling to an applicant's home country (example: an Iranian's visa validity to the U.S. is 3 months just as an American traveling to Iran's visa validity is 3 months). Similarly, the visa validity for citizens of Cuba, Sudan, and Syria is based on the type of visa and reciprocity for Americans traveling to those countries. To learn more see the Reciprocity Tables by country.

When you enter the U.S. on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full-time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, F-1 students are allowed an additional 60 days to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.

If you depart the U.S. during the course of your studies with a single-entry visa or an expired visa you will need to be interviewed again by a consular officer and qualify for a new student visa. Generally, continuing students who can show that they are in good standing in their academic programs should be able to qualify for new student visas to return and resume their studies. Continuing students should be prepared to provide evidence of progress in their program, along with evidence on continuing ability to cover tuition and living expenses. You should make an appointment for your interview as early as possible, so any additional processing required can be completed before your next academic term begins.

The IRGC was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in April 2019, and has been involved in violence and terror for decades. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), foreign nationals who provide material support to a terrorist organization or who have certain ties to a terrorist organization as set out in the INA are (a) ineligible for U.S. visas, (b) ineligible for admission to the United States, (c) ineligible for asylum status or to receive other immigration benefits under U.S. law, and (d) are potentially removable from the United States.

On a case-by-case basis, the Department of Homeland Security may, on request from the Department of State, grant a waiver that permits issuance of a nonimmigrant visa to an applicant ineligible due to the designation of the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. No such waiver is available for immigrant visa applications.

Iran must cease its support for terrorism, including by using the IRGC to spread terror and violence across the Middle East and beyond.

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In the absence of diplomatic or consular relations of the United States of America with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, has served as the Protecting Power of the USA in Iran since 21 May 1980. The Swiss Embassy’s Foreign Interests Section provides consular services to U.S. citizens living in or travelling to Iran.

The Swiss Embassy can provide the following services: Reporting the Death of a U.S. Citizen, Passport Services, Report of a Birth Abroad, Local Resources (Notarial Services, Medical Assistance) and Social Security.

Travelmath

The distance from Atlanta, Georgia to Tehran, Iran is:

6,869 miles / 11 054 km flying.

  • How far is Tehran from Atlanta?

Map of distance from Atlanta, GA to Tehran, Iran

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Distance from Atlanta, GA to Tehran, Iran

The total straight line flight distance from Atlanta, GA to Tehran, Iran is 6,869 miles .

This is equivalent to 11 054 kilometers or 5,969 nautical miles .

Your trip begins in Atlanta, Georgia. It ends in Tehran, Iran.

Your flight direction from Atlanta, GA to Tehran, Iran is Northeast (35 degrees from North).

The distance calculator helps you figure out how far it is to get from Atlanta, GA to Tehran, Iran. It does this by computing the straight line flying distance ("as the crow flies") and the driving distance if the route is drivable. It uses all this data to compute the total travel mileage.

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Middle East latest: Israeli soldiers 'stripped and arrested paramedics' evacuating hospital patients, says UN

IDF soldiers stripped and detained paramedics evacuating patients from a hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, according to a UN agency responsible for coordinating humanitarian efforts.

Wednesday 28 February 2024 19:29, UK

  • Israel-Hamas war

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  • Hamas says it launched 40 missiles from Lebanon at Israeli base
  • Israeli soldiers 'stripped and arrested paramedics' evacuating hospital patients, says UN
  • Moscow to host Hamas and Fatah for talks
  • Quarter of Gaza population one step away from famine, UN official says
  • Data and Forensics: UK ship attacked by Houthis drifting unmanned and sinking in Red Sea

Thanks for following along as we brought you live updates on the Israel-Hamas war and wider tensions in the Middle East.

Scroll down for updates on the situation in Gaza, as Qatar says Israel is starving Palestinians and the UN says IDF soldiers "arrested and stripped" paramedics evacuating patients from a hospital.

Hamas also said it had launched 40 missiles at an Israeli base from Lebanon, with the Israeli military retaliating.

Four children have died due to dehydration and malnutrition at a hospital in northern Gaza, the Hamas-led health ministry has said. 

A further seven children at Kamal Adwan hospital are in critical condition, it added. 

The facility announced earlier today that it was halting operations due to a lack of fuel. 

Last month, the World Health Organisation said only seven out of 24 hospitals remained open in northern Gaza. 

It said they were functioning but did not have enough specialised medical staff, supplies, fuel or clean water. 

The IDF claims it has struck a launcher in Lebanon that was used to attack a town in northern Israel.

A building was damaged by rockets fired at the town of Kiryat Shmona, Israeli media has said.

The military says it struck the launcher, though did not specify who had attacked the town, as well as Hezbollah arsenal and military structures in Lebanon.

There were no immediate reports of casualties on either side.

Hezbollah has traded fire with Israel on a near-daily basis since Hamas's 7 October attack triggered the war in Gaza.

The relatively low-intensity exchanges have displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border and raised fears of a wider conflict.

Aid groups have made their first deliveries of food in a month to northern Gaza this week, as the UN warned famine was imminent.

A convoy of 31 trucks entered the area today, following 20 on Monday and Tuesday, the Israeli military office that oversees Palestinian civilian affairs said.

Associated Press footage showed people carrying sacks of flour from the distribution site.

Northern Gaza has largely been cut off and much of it has been levelled since Israeli ground troops launched a ground offensive.

Several hundred thousand Palestinians are believed to remain there, and many have been reduced to eating animal food to survive. 

The UN says 1 in 6 children under two in the north suffer from acute malnutrition and wasting.

Israel has barred entry of food, water, medicine and other supplies from crossing points except for a trickle of aid entering the south from Egypt at the Rafah crossing and Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing.

An Israeli representative at the UN Security Council said there is no limit to the amount of aid that can be sent and the country has gone above and beyond in caring for civilians.

A German warship shot down two drones in the Red Sea yesterday, the defence ministry has said.

Two weapons were used to shoot the drones, identified at separate distances by the navy frigate's radar system.

The German ship, Hessen, was deployed earlier this month as part of an EU mission to intercept Houthis attacks against commercial ships, with France, Greece and Italy set to participate.

"This is... probably the most dangerous deployment of the German navy for many, many years," a German government spokesman said.

The Palestinian foreign minister says he does not expect "miracles" at talks with Hamas in Moscow tomorrow.

Representatives of Fatah, the governing party in the West Bank, and Hamas will meet to discuss the formation of a unified Palestinian government and the rebuilding of Gaza. 

"We hope that there we might be good results in terms of mutual understanding between all factions about the need to support such a technocratic government that will emerge," Riyad al-Maliki said.

"We don't expect miracles to happen in just a simple meeting in Moscow, but I believe that the meeting in Moscow should be followed by other meetings in the region soon."

The talks come as the Palestinian Authority, created approximately 30 years ago as part of the Oslo peace accords, seeks to challenge accusations of ineffectiveness.

The Palestinian prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, has resigned as the president, Mahmoud Abbas, moves to try and ensure the PA maintains its claim to leadership as international pressure grows for a revival of efforts to create a Palestinian state.

The UK government has been criticised for abstaining on motions at the UN calling for a Gaza ceasefire.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn told the Commons "abstentionism is not leadership".

Rishi Sunak said an immediate ceasefire was "not in anyone's interest", calling instead for an "immediate humanitarian pause".

Mr Flynn asked the prime minister if the government would vote in favour of a ceasefire should it come before the UN Security Council again.

Mr Sunak said: "We support the United States' draft resolution that was discussed with colleagues at the United Nations last week, but just calling for an immediate full ceasefire now which collapses back into fighting within days or weeks, and indeed does not release hostages including British hostages, is not in anyone's interest."

Qatar's foreign ministry has alleged Palestinians in Gaza were being deliberately starved.

Any aid allowed into the territory was only a "very small part" of what was needed, but there was no "real pressure" from the international community, said spokesperson Majed al Ansari.

"The deliberate starvation of the Palestinian people cannot be tolerated and the international community must stand against this issue."

His comments came after Human Rights Watch accused the Israeli government of obstructing the provision of aid. Israel has previously said it allows aid into Gaza.

A senior UN official warned at least a quarter of Gaza's population is one step away from famine.

Humanitarian coordinator Ramesh Ramasingham said the territory's population was facing "woefully inadequate humanitarian food assistance".

Yesterday, Michael Fakhri, UN special rapporteur on the right to food, told The Guardian that Israel was "not just targeting civilians, it is trying to damn the future of the Palestinian people by harming their children".

Yemen's Houthis have vowed to continue attacks in the Red Sea until Israel ends its "aggression" in Gaza.

"There will be no halt to any operations that help Palestinian people except when the Israeli aggression on Gaza and the siege stop," said spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam.

Yesterday, a missile landed three nautical miles from a Greek-owned cargo ship off the coast of Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, British maritime security firm Ambrey has said.

A UAE-owned chemical tanker was also about two nautical miles away.

The US and UK together launched two airstrikes over Hodeidah, Mr Abdulsalam said.

Israeli soldiers stripped and detained paramedics evacuating patients from a hospital in Khan Younis, according to a UN agency responsible for coordinating humanitarian efforts.

A pre-approved mission to rescue 24 people from al Amal hospital was blocked by the IDF for seven hours on Sunday, with patients and staff forced to leave the ambulances, said the UN's Humanitarian Country Team.

The IDF stripped all paramedics of their clothes and arrested three of them - members of the Palestine Red Crescent, two of whom remain detained, said HCT.

"This is not an isolated incident. Aid convoys have come under fire and are systematically denied access to people in need," read a statement released by HCT.

"Humanitarian workers have been harassed, intimidated or detained by Israeli forces, and humanitarian infrastructure has been hit."

The Israeli military did not immediately comment, saying it was checking the details of the incident.

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travel to georgia from iran

Why you should travel to Iran as an American (and what to expect)

American travel to Iran

Packed with over 5,000 years of history, Iran is a destination everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime. From the ancient Persian Empire to the Zoroastrians temples, the countless mosques, and even the modern cities like Tehran, there is so much to see that one visit will not be enough.

After traveling to Iran on Intrepid Travel’s 14-day Iran Adventure trip, I shared my experience with many of my friends. Most of them replied with a similar response, “I’d love to go to Iran!”

This is a common response among travelers, yet not many actually plan a trip to the country due to misinformation, lack of information, or fear.

American travel to Iran

Sunrise at Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Esfahan

To encourage you to plan a trip to this wonderful destination, I’ll share with you a few reasons why you should travel to Iran as an American, debunk a few myths, and tell you what to expect there.

No, they don’t hate Americans

Contrary to what you see in the media, Iran is one of the friendliest and culturally-rich countries you’ll ever visit. And no, they do not hate Americans or any other Western nation. That’s just fear-mongering and it is far from reality.

READ MORE: 6 COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL IN IRAN

When I arrived, I debated how open I wanted to be about my nationality. But as soon as I met Nadia, our Intrepid Travel guide, she put to rest any mild concerns I had about sharing openly that I’m American. No one has an issue with it.

American travel to Iran

Intrepid leader, Nadia

MEET NADIA, THE INTREPID LEADER WHO WILL CHALLENGE YOUR PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS ABOUT IRAN

As we traveled the country, countless locals approached me and my other tour companions to chat with us. They were all curious to know about us, our life in our respective countries, and how we were enjoying Iran. On our part, we were just as curious to learn about them, so we fed each other’s curiosities over tea and casual chatting.

One of my favorite random encounters happened just before leaving Iran. I spent my last few hours in the country visiting the Azadi Tower, where I met a few early 20-something local guys. As soon as one of them learned I was American, he expressed with joy how much he’d love to visit the US and shared his vast knowledge of the country. In fact, he was wearing an American flag bandana.

Everywhere you go, you always feel that warm welcome Iranians are known for.

American travel to Iran

Azadi Tower in Tehran

The visa process is extensive, but worth it in the end

Yes, the visa process is more complicated than in many other countries, but it should not be a deterrent to visiting Iran. Due to the current political environment, Americans are having a tougher time to get their tourist visas approved, but still, it is possible to get them. Thankfully, Intrepid Travel helps you get your visa by guiding you every step of the way with their visa application form.

HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VISA SITUATION

Once you get the visa, set foot in the country, and experience everything it has to offer, you’ll see that that the extra process was all worth it.

There’s so much history to be learned and experienced

As the host to one of the oldest civilizations in history, Iran has no lack of ancient ruins and historical sites. Everywhere you go, you’ll be surrounded in hundreds, if not thousands of years of history.

American travel to Iran

Gate of All Nations in Persepolis

From the Elamite Kingdoms, to the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great’s conquest, the Arab invasion, and even the 1979 revolution, each city you visit will show you a piece of the historical puzzle and how they played a part in the development of Iran as we know it, its neighboring countries, and even the rest of the world.

One of my favorite experiences on this trip was spending a night at the Zein-o-din Caravanserai. A caravanserai is an ancient fortress-like facility used by merchants traveling along the silk road around 450 years ago. They would spend the night there to rest, feed their camels, and trade goods before continuing their journey. Today, this one caravanserai is open for us to spend the night right where merchants used to sleep.

BROWSE INTREPID TRAVEL’S RANGE OF TRIPS TO IRAN

You’ll experience a positive culture shock

I think some of the best travel destinations are the ones that teach you something new through experiences, and Iran has no shortage of that. The level of culture shock in the country is significant, but in a positive way. You’ll see how, despite their current economic and political status, Iranians still welcome you with a smile and the warmest hospitality you could hope for.

American travel to Iran

You’ll be welcomed with an abundance of food, too!

You’ll see how women are proud of their trendy fashion, how their carpet artistry is among the finest in the world, how the nomadic culture is still alive, how their local markets are the center of activity, and how families gather at parks and squares to picnic at night until well past midnight (it can get too hot to picnic during the day).

You’ll also see how religion is deeply tied to their society and the many intricate details that make their culture unique. You’ll see all kinds of people, from the most conservative to the most liberal, and the beauty of all of them coexisting in one place.

SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID’S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL TIPS, STORIES, GIVEAWAYS & MORE

It’s good to be ambassadors of our country

As I mentioned previously, locals will talk to you and ask you about life in the US or your country. This is our opportunity to show them who we really are not only as a Western nation but also as humans. There is no better way to learn about a country than by talking firsthand with locals, the people who live and breathe their country every day. They will share with you their proudest moments, their struggles, and their desires.

American travel to Iran

Locals in the vegetable market in Shiraz

Another fear-mongering myth is that Iran is not safe. But again, it is the opposite. Locals aren’t looking to harm, kidnap, or threaten Americans. I never felt in danger, not even when I walked on my own in the city of Esfahan past midnight.

Traveling solo is safe, but as Americans, you will be traveling on a tour (since it is required), so that’s even another safety layer.

TRAVEL STORY: “I’VE CYCLED THROUGH OVER 40 COUNTRIES; HERE’S WHY IRAN STANDS OUT”

There’s no alcohol, pork, and no American/Western chains

For good or for bad, alcohol has been banned in the country since the revolution in 1979. Pork isn’t found either, but this is more because of Islamic customs. American and Western chains are not found in the country due to economic sanctions and the complicated political relationship Iran has had with the Western world for decades now.

American travel to Iran

Esfahan – one of Iran’s many unique and compelling destinations

What you will find, though, are knock-off versions of popular fast foods like McFood, a different KFC, Burger Queen, and so on. It’s fun to see how they reinterpret and adopt the Western culture not only on their food but also on their fashion and entertainment too.

There is so much more to be discovered and experienced in Iran and no post will compare to the beauty of seeing it all firsthand. If you are as intrigued by the country as I was before I went there, I’ll tell you, it will impress you and possibly even surpass your expectations. At least, it surpassed mine.

Ready to visit this incredible destination for yourself? Check out Intrepid’s small group tours in Iran.

Further reading

  • Travel to Iran: a 2019 visa update for US, UK and Canadian citizens
  • Everything you need to know before visiting Iran
  • Why you should visit Iran now, more than ever
  • 5 unique experiences you shouldn’t miss in Iran
  • What to wear in Iran: a packing guide

(All images courtesy of the writer, Norbert, and taken on Intrepid Travel’s Iran Adventure trip.)

Feeling inspired?

travel to georgia from iran

Norbert Figueroa

Norbert Figueroa is an architect from Puerto Rico who hit pause on his career in 2011 to travel the world long-term. So far he’s traveled to over 125 countries in hopes of achieving his goal of visiting all 195 UN-recognized countries. You can follow his adventures at globotreks.com and on Facebook and Instagram @globotreks.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Iran travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: January 9, 2024 09:21 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, iran - avoid all travel.

You should consider leaving by commercial means if you can do so safely. Our ability to provide consular services in Iran is severely limited.

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There is no resident Canadian government office in the country. The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.

Canadians in Iran may be closely watched by Iranian authorities. Seemingly innocuous behaviours, such as the use of cameras in public places, travel beyond well-established tourist attractions or casual interactions with Iranian friends, may be misinterpreted and may lead to investigation.

Demonstrations

Political demonstrations and gatherings may occur.

Large-scale and violent protests took place across Iran in the Fall of 2022 following the strict enforcement of the hijab law by the Iranian authorities. Security forces strongly repressed demonstrators resulting in numerous arrests, injuries and casualties. In some cases, arrested individuals were sentenced to death for charges arising from their participation in the demonstrations.

The situation remains highly volatile and could escalate without notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Security forces could use excessive and lethal force to disperse crowds. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Disruptions to telecommunications services, including mobile internet access, may occur during large-scale demonstrations.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Monitor local and international media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Border areas

Pakistan and afghanistan.

Bandits in border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan are usually involved in drug trafficking and use kidnapping to secure the release of group members from prison.

Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan, is regularly affected by ethnic conflicts and is also a known route for smugglers. Foreign nationals have been the target of kidnappings.

Terrorist attacks may also occur in this province.

If you decide to travel overland to Pakistan and Afghanistan despite this warning:

  • travel only on main roads
  • travel in organized groups
  • avoid travel after dark

The province of Khuzestan borders Iraq. It is regularly affected by ethnic conflicts. Foreign nationals have been the target of kidnappings.

Border with Iraq is usually closed. It can be opened on a case-by-case basis to allow the passage of certain foreigners or to give refugees access to containment camps located on the Iranian side of the border.

Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan

The borders with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are open only to citizens of those countries.

Foreigners travelling in the vicinity of these sensitive borders often attract the attention of local security forces, which can result in short periods of detention.

There is an increased threat of attacks against Western interests and of terrorist attacks in general. The security situation could worsen rapidly and with little warning.

Attacks have targeted:

  • foreign interests
  • Iranian military and government establishments
  • tourist attractions and popular public places
  • nightclubs and entertainment venues
  • public transportation

Further attacks may occur, and terrorists may also target:

  • crowded places
  • places with high pedestrian traffic where foreigners may gather
  • commercial establishments
  • local government offices
  • public transit stations
  • busy streets
  • places of worship

Exercise a high degree of caution at all times.

Kidnapping for ransom can occur, especially in Baluchistan and in the border areas with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Foreign nationals have also been the target of kidnapping.

Use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Violent crime affects both Iranians and foreigners.

Thieves often target four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Plainclothes individuals may pose as police officers and ask to see foreign currency and passports. If you are approached, you should politely decline to cooperate but offer to go to the nearest police station.

  • Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as flashy jewellery
  • Ensure personal belongings, including your passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport’s identification page at all times and leave a photocopy with a relative
  • Don’t surrender any documents or cash
  • Stay in touch with family and friends, especially if you’re travelling alone
  • Avoid walking after dark

Women's safety

Women may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Gender-based violence is common in Iran.

Some Canadian and Canadian-Iranian women have been stranded in Iran or mistreated by an Iranian husband or a male relative. Local authorities consider domestic violence to be a private matter and rarely discuss it in public.

Women and children require the permission of the husband, or an Iranian male head of household, to obtain a passport or travel document. They also require permission to leave the country.

The dress code is strictly enforced in Iran. Women must wear a headscarf and a long jacket that covers the arms and upper legs while in public.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country, and city streets are poorly lit. The highway system is relatively well developed.

Trucks run mostly at night, often without headlights. Motorists are reckless and don’t respect traffic laws. They almost never give way to pedestrians at designated crossing points. Parked cars may obstruct sidewalks on main roads in urban areas. Sidewalks are rare in residential areas.

Expect roadblocks and checkpoints.

  • Avoid travelling at night
  • Consider hiring a personal driver who’s familiar with local conditions
  • If you are involved in an accident, remain at the scene until authorities arrive

Public transportation

Most taxis don’t have meters. Drivers often overcharge foreigners.

  • Only hire official taxis from agencies or hotel-based companies
  • Take pre-booked official taxis, which are safer than those hailed from the street
  • Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter
  • Never enter a cab if it already has one or more passengers
  • Note the licence plate number and name of the driver when you travel
  • Immediately communicate this information to family or friends

Railway transport

Trains are comfortable and punctual, but service is limited and slow.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates both claim sovereignty over the islands in the Gulf and the military patrols the waters. Foreigners navigating Iranian waters have been arrested and detained. In September 2019, Iranian authorities specifically called for the seizure of Canadian assets and vessels.

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, particularly around the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Tunb.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Iranian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Canadians can verify this information with the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

  • Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Iran.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required Pilgrimage visa: required Press visa: required Transit visa: required

Overstaying your visa period may lead to detention, imprisonment and fines. You will be required to remain in Iran until the situation has been resolved.

  • E-Visa Portal – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Iran

Transit pass

If you enter Iran with a transit pass issued by an Iranian embassy or consulate abroad, you may have to obtain an Iranian passport to exit the country.

Regional travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Iran because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 31 August, 2023
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 31 August, 2023

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.
  • Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
  • Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   Limited malaria transmission may occur in this destination, but risk to travellers is very low.    Antimalarial medication is not recommended for most travellers. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
  • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

  • visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
  • visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

  • In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Cases of locally-acquired   Middle East respiratory syndrome  (MERS) have been reported in this country.

MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Some people infected with MERS-CoV experience no symptoms, while others may experience mild flu-like or more severe pneumonia-like symptoms. About one-third of reported cases have result ed in death.

Eat and drink safely ,   and   avoid close contact with animals, especially camels. If you must visit a farm or market, make sure you practise good hygiene and  wash your hands  before and after contact with animals.

There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect against MERS.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Air quality

Air pollution can be severe in major cities. It may affect people suffering from respiratory ailments. 

During periods of high pollution:

  • consult your doctor before traveling to see if the situation could affect you
  • limit your activities outdoors
  • monitor local media
  • follow the instructions of local authorities

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Iran is under international and Canadian sanctions . While these sanctions don’t prohibit travel to Iran, they could be relevant to your travel.

Legal system

The Iranian legal system differs from the one in Canada.

You may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials if you are suspected of or witness to offences.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs and alcohol are severe. Convicted offenders can expect severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Iran is an Islamic theocratic republic. A conservative interpretation of Islamic practices and beliefs is closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations.

Islamic law is strictly enforced. Breach of public morality, non-compliance with dress-code and making disparaging remarks about Islam, the clergy and religious symbols, including on social networks, are considered serious offences. They are punished severely.

Former Muslims who have converted to other religions have been subject to arrest and prosecution.

  • Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times
  • Be aware of your actions and behaviour

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

Dress and behaviour

Iranian customs, laws and regulations reflect the conservative interpretation of traditional and Islamic practices and beliefs adhered to by the Iranian authorities.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

  • dress conservatively
  • behave discreetly
  • respect religious and social traditions

Shorts are considered inappropriate attire for both men and women.

Women should carry a headscarf to cover their head at all times while travelling in Iran.

There are reports indicating that the police are using surveillance cameras to identify and monitor women who don’t wear the hijab in public places, as required by Iranian law. Employers and owners of businesses such as stores, restaurants, cafés and shopping malls face closure and prosecution if they don’t enforce the hijab law.

If you promote unveiling while you are in Iran, you could face criminal charges.

Women who fail to comply with the law may face:

  • arrest and detention
  • jail sentences
  • restricted access to public institutions such as hospitals, schools, airports and other social services .
  • restricted access to mobile phones and Internet

Intimate and extramarital relations

Public displays of affection between two people of the opposite sex, especially between a non-Muslim man and a Muslim woman, is not well socially accepted.

If you engage in extramarital relationships, you may be subject to severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Canadian women who register their marriage with the Iranian authorities automatically become Iranian citizens. They are treated as such by Iranian law.

Marriage between an Iranian and a foreigner is subject to the rules of conduct and Islamic laws. As such, an Iranian husband may prevent his wife and children from leaving Iran, even if they are of foreign nationality.

Marriage Overseas

Iranian and Canadian family law systems are significantly different.

Iran doesn’t automatically recognize the orders of Canadian courts in matters of family law.

A Canadian divorce certificate is not automatically recognized in Iran.

You must get the Canadian divorce certificate authenticated by a Canadian Embassy prior to have it sanctioned by an Iranian Court for it to be recognized under Iranian law.

If an Iranian court doesn’t sanction your divorce, and you return to Iran as a woman, your ex-husband may request the Iranian authorities to confiscate your passport. As a husband, authorities may not allow you to leave Iran if you have not paid the dowry to your wife after divorce.

Children custody

Iran isn’t a signatory to The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

Children of a male Iranian national, including Canadian-Iranian citizens, are in the sole custody of their father. They require their father’s permission to leave Iran.

To avoid any difficulties in Iran, consult a Canadian and an Iranian lawyer before travelling. If you're involved in local legal proceedings such as divorce or custody, seek legal advice regarding your rights and responsibilities.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Iran.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Iran by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Iran to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

  • International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
  • Travelling with children
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Iranian law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between persons of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

If you are convicted, you could face corporal punishment, imprisonment or the death penalty.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Iran doesn’t legally recognize dual citizenship.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Iran, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

If you're a Canadian-Iranian citizen, you must enter and exit Iran using your Iranian passport. You may also not be able to leave Iran unless you meet certain conditions.

Canadians, particularly dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, are at risk of:

  • being arbitrarily questioned, arrested or detained
  • having their passport confiscated

Canadian-Iranian dual citizens should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Iran.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service

Military service is mandatory for male Iranian citizens aged 18 to 34, unless exempt. This also applies to dual Canadian-Iranian citizens, even those born in Canada.

If you are a Canadian-Iranian citizen older than 17 years, and planning to visit Iran, check your military service obligation prior to your travel. You may not be allowed to leave Iran without first having completed your military service.

Communications and political activities

Communications are closely scrutinized by local authorities. You may face severe consequences if you discuss, share or publish information on the political situation or criticize the regime in place, including on social media.

Photography

It is prohibited to photograph (including with drones);

  • government buildings
  • security forces, military and police installations and vehicles
  • public buildings, including airports, ports, bridges, embassies and power plants

Such sites are not always well identified. In doubt, seek permission, or refrain from taking the photo.

Always ask permission before taking photographs of local residents.

All luggage may be subject to search upon arrival and departure.

Customs officials may screen your electronic device.

Prohibited items

Possession of prohibited items is forbidden and may result in detention and or imprisonment. Such items include:

  • Magazines and DVDs with sexual or explicit content
  • Satellite dishes
  • Western CDs and film

Pork Products

It’s prohibited to import and consume pork-based products.

The workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency in Iran is the Iranian rial (IRR).

The economy is exclusively cash-based. Credit cards aren’t accepted in Iran. ATMs exist only for local banking, for the use of Iranians. Due to international sanctions, it’s not possible to transfer funds to Iran using commercial banking system or money transfer company.

  • Bring sufficient cash, preferably in U.S. dollars or euros
  • Note that U.S. banknotes used must be in crisp condition

Seismic activity

Iran is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes occur.

Severe weather

Dust storms.

The weather is very dry and hot from May to October. Dust storms and sand storms may occur during the summer months.

Sand-laden winds can blow at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. Poor visibility can also affect flights. These storms can also cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal in some individuals.

If a dust storm is occurring:

  • stay indoors
  • keep windows closed
  • be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
  • monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to March. During the rainy season, flooding, including flash flooding, can occur.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable, due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings and infrastructure may be damaged.

  • Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
  • Stay away from flooded areas
  • Monitor local news and weather reports
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 110
  • medical assistance: 115
  • firefighters: 125 / 123

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Iran. The Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara has consular responsibility for Iran.

Azerbaijan, Georgia. Offering consular services to Canadians in Iran.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Traveling to Georgia from Iran in 2024: Passport, Visa Requirements

    Iranian citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Georgia in 2024. Iranian passport holders can stay in Georgia for a short period of time (for 45 days). Please, read all the information below to make your trip easy and safe. Don't rely on information from only one source. Please, with at least one more source listed in the link.

  2. Georgia visa for Iranian citizens in 2024

    Iranian citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Georgia. Georgia Visa free is free for Iranian citizens. With this tourist visa stay is usually short with a period of 45 days and visa expires in 1 year. Applicant is required to be present when applying for Georgia visa free. A total of 3 documents are required for applying Georgia visa free. You can find Georgia visa exemptions.

  3. Georgia Travel Advisory

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Georgia. If you decide to travel to Georgia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Georgia.

  4. Georgia International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  5. Iran to Georgia

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  8. e-Visa Portal

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  9. Cheap flights from Iran to Georgia from $191

    The cheapest flight deals from Iran to Georgia. Tbilisi.$191 per passenger.Departing Sun, Feb 25, returning Thu, Feb 29.Round-trip flight with Aerus and Qeshm Air.Outbound direct flight with Aerus departing from Imam Khomeini International on Sun, Feb 25, arriving in Tbilisi.Inbound direct flight with Qeshm Air departing from Tbilisi on Thu ...

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    The cheapest flight deals from Iran to Georgia. Tbilisi.P11,265 per passenger.Departing Sun, 25 Feb, returning Mon, 4 Mar.Return flight with Aerus and Qeshm Air.Outbound direct flight with Aerus departs from Imam Khomeini International on Sun, 25 Feb, arriving in Tbilisi.Inbound direct flight with Qeshm Air departs from Tbilisi on Mon, 4 Mar ...

  11. Tips & how to travel to Georgia in 2024

    Georgia is the ultimate European travel destination. This Caucasian country is home to, definitely, the most striking mountains in Europe, composed of massive glaciers, fairy meadows, and 5,000-meter snowed capped peaks; and great, vibrant capital, very Eastern European on the one hand but, on the other, with its unique Caucasian and Georgian identity and filled with the most unimaginable chaos.

  12. Georgia visa requirements for Iranian citizens

    Georgia Iran Difference; Population (est 2024) 3,958,849: 88,360,582: 84.4 million fewer people live in Georgia than Iran: Number of diplomatic missions abroad (est) 48: 61: Georgia has 13 fewer diplomatic representations abroad compared with Iran. Travel freedom (2024) 75: 12: Georgia passport holders can visit 63 more countries and ...

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    The cheapest flight deals from Iran to Georgia. Tbilisi. £158 per passenger.Departing Sun, 7 Jan, returning Sun, 14 Jan.Return flight with Aerus.Outbound direct flight with Aerus departs from Imam Khomeini International on Sun, 7 Jan, arriving in Tbilisi.Inbound direct flight with Aerus departs from Tbilisi on Sun, 14 Jan, arriving in Imam ...

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  15. Visit Georgia the Country in 2024: Georgia Travel Guide

    Visiting Georgia in 2024. Georgia is open to tourists. There are no longer any special restrictions or entry requirements for Georgia. This Ministry of Foreign Affairs page is updated regularly to reflect any developments and should be your first point of reference for official advice.

  16. Traveling from Georgia to Iran: A Travel Guide

    Traveling from Georgia to Iran offers a unique opportunity to explore a land rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

  17. China grants visa-free travel to Georgians

    China has introduced visa-free travel for citizens of Georgia, allowing them to stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on February 26.

  18. Iran visa requirements for Georgian citizens

    Do Georgian citizens need a visa for Iran? Georgian citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Iran in 2024. Georgian passport holders can stay in Iran for a short period of time (for 45 days). Please, read all the information below to make your trip easy and safe.

  19. Iran → Tbilisi

    Rome2Rio makes travelling from Iran to Tbilisi easy. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Iran to Tbilisi right here.

  20. Iran International Travel Information

    Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday ...

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    FILE - The Treasury Department is seen near sunset in Washington, Jan. 18, 2023. The U.S. sanctioned a deputy commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps., a Houthi militant member, firms registered in Hong Kong and the Marshall Islands and two ships, including one that transported $100 million in Iranian commodities to China.

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  23. Travel Advisory: Iran

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  24. Distance from Atlanta, GA to Tehran, Iran

    The total straight line flight distance from Atlanta, GA to Tehran, Iran is 6,869 miles. This is equivalent to 11 054 kilometers or 5,969 nautical miles. Your trip begins in Atlanta, Georgia. It ends in Tehran, Iran. Your flight direction from Atlanta, GA to Tehran, Iran is Northeast (35 degrees from North).

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  27. Travel advice and advisories for Iran

    Iran - AVOID ALL TRAVEL. Avoid all travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation, the regional threat of terrorism and the possibility of arbitrary detention. You should consider leaving by commercial means if you can do so safely. Our ability to provide consular services in Iran is severely limited.