Do you need a visa for Georgia in 2026? +
No. French and most EU citizens enjoy a 365-day visa-free stay, one of the world's most generous policies. No online application or arrival paperwork. Just a passport valid 6 months beyond return date. Free entry stamp at Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi airports, or at land borders.
How many days do you need in Georgia? +
Minimum 7 days for Tbilisi + Kazbegi + Kakheti. 10 days is the balanced format adding Kutaisi or Borjomi. 14 days allows Svaneti (Mestia, Ushguli) or the Black Sea coast (Batumi). 21 days for a complete Georgia + Armenia combo via the Sadakhlo land border.
When to go to Georgia? +
May-June and September-October are the optimal windows: mild temperatures, open passes, Kakheti harvest in September. July-August: very hot in Tbilisi (35 °C) and crowded at Kazbegi. December-March: skiing in Gudauri and Bakuriani, but Svaneti and Tusheti roads closed. April and November are acceptable shoulder seasons.
Is Georgia safe in 2026? +
Generally safe, among Europe's lowest crime rates. France Diplomatie advises against the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (administratively detached since 2008). The rest of the country is fully open. Aggressive local driving: prefer a private driver or 4x4 in the mountains over overcrowded marshrutka.
How to get around Georgia? +
Marshrutka (minibus) between cities: €3-8, frequent departures from Tbilisi's Didube station. Train Tbilisi-Batumi (Stadler, 4h, €25). Car rental recommended for Kazbegi and Kakheti (€60/day, international permit required). 4x4 mandatory for Tusheti and Svaneti (Abano Pass closed outside June-October).
What is the currency in Georgia? +
The Georgian lari (GEL). €1 ≈ 2.80 GEL in May 2026. ATMs everywhere (BasisBank, Bank of Georgia, TBC fee-free with Wise). Cards accepted in Tbilisi and Batumi, cash essential in the mountains. Tipping: 10% at restaurants, 1-2 GEL for tours.
Can you combine Georgia with Armenia or Azerbaijan? +
Yes. Georgia + Armenia is the smoothest Caucasus combo: direct Tbilisi-Yerevan bus 6h, €15. Georgia + Azerbaijan possible but the Red Bridge land border occasionally closes, check ahead. Tbilisi is the natural hub for all three Caucasus capitals. Minimum 3 weeks for all three countries.
What budget for 14 days in Georgia? +
€800 backpacker (Wizz Air flight €250, guesthouse €20, marshrutka). €1,800 comfort (3-4 star hotel €60, shared 4x4, restaurant dinners). €4,500 premium (Rooms Hotel Kazbegi €350/night, private driver, Pheasant's Tears reserve wines). Georgia remains 30 to 50% cheaper than the Balkans at equivalent comfort.
