Georgia Entry Requirements 2026: What You Need to Know
- German citizens need no visa and may stay up to 360 days. Other passports: check the official list (link below).
- New since 1 Jan 2026: all tourists must show health and accident insurance covering at least 30,000 GEL (approx. €10,000).
- Passport recommended; the German ID card is not always accepted on connecting flights or overland.
- Abkhazia and South Ossetia: travelling there is off-limits and legally risky.
German citizens need no visa for a holiday in Georgia – but since 2026 every tourist needs health insurance with proof. Here is everything you should sort out before you leave, short and checked.
The visa and document rules on this page apply to German citizens. Citizens of many other countries can also enter Georgia visa-free, often for up to one year – but the rules depend on your passport. Check the official list of the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel. The insurance requirement applies to all tourists.
Visa: 360 days without applying
With a German passport or ID card you need no visa for Georgia. You may stay for up to 360 days – so a long winter in Tbilisi or six months of remote work is no problem.
If you want to stay longer, or work, study or join family in Georgia, you apply for a residence permit at the Public Service Hall after arrival. Do it in good time, because it must be granted within the 360 days. Overstaying risks a fine and, in the worst case, expulsion.
Passport or ID card?
| Document | For Georgia |
|---|---|
| Passport | accepted – our recommendation |
| Temporary passport | accepted |
| German ID card | accepted, but not always on connections via third countries or overland/by sea |
| Children's passport | accepted |
The document must be valid at least until the day you leave. For babies and toddlers, an up-to-date photo in the passport helps, as border officers may otherwise have trouble identifying them. Also check your airline's rules – they can be stricter.
New since 2026: mandatory health insurance
Since 1 January 2026, Georgia requires all tourists to show proof of health and accident insurance at entry:
- Cover: at least 30,000 lari (approx. €10,000)
- Period: the entire stay
- Proof: insurance certificate in English or Georgian, printed or on your phone
Our tip: choose a policy with medical repatriation. Outside Tbilisi and Batumi medical care is basic, and private clinics often want payment up front – even in emergencies. Ask for the certificate as a PDF in English and save it offline.
Entering with children
- A German child travelling with only one parent needs no letter of authorisation.
- If the child travels with grandparents, friends or other companions, carry a letter of authorisation from the parents.
- For German-Georgian families, a declaration of consent from the parent who is not travelling is recommended.
Customs, money and medicines
- Allowances: up to 400 cigarettes (or 50 cigars) and up to 4 litres of alcohol.
- Cash: declare larger amounts; on departure it is mandatory from 30,000 lari.
- Currency: Georgian lari (GEL). Cards and ATMs work well in cities, and euros are easy to exchange.
- Medicines: normal medication up to about ten packs is no problem. For more, or for strong painkillers, you need a prescription or medical certificate – if in doubt, ask Georgian customs in advance.
- Antiques and art: export only with a permit from the Ministry of Culture.
Rental cars and your own car
- Driving licence: the EU licence is enough, alternatively the international permit. Without a valid licence a check costs 500 lari.
- Alcohol limit: 0.0.
- Own car: maximum 90 days in the country; Georgian third-party insurance is mandatory. If the car belongs to someone else, customs requires a notarised power of attorney with apostille.
- Driving: roads and driving style are demanding. Avoid driving at night outside towns; for Svaneti, Tusheti or mountain passes a 4×4 makes sense. More in our guide Car rental in Georgia.
Safety: what you should know
Georgia is generally a good destination for travellers. Two points you should know:
Travel to these breakaway regions and their surroundings is strongly discouraged. They are not under Georgian control, and Georgian law prohibits travel and business there – with penalties of up to five years in prison. Entering or leaving Russia via these regions also counts as illegal border crossing.
- Demonstrations: there are regular protests in Tbilisi, mostly in front of parliament on Rustaveli Avenue. Avoid crowds – even being near demonstrations can cause problems on a later entry.
- Petty crime: pickpocketing happens in tourist areas; violent crime is rare. Keep photos of your documents and carry little cash.
- Stray dogs: keep your distance. After a bite or scratch, see a doctor immediately – rabies is a real risk in Georgia.
Checklist before you leave
- Passport valid until after your return?
- Health insurance with at least 30,000 GEL of cover taken out, English certificate saved?
- Children travelling without both parents: letter of authorisation packed?
- Planning a rental car: driving licence packed?
- German citizens: register for free on the Federal Foreign Office's crisis list (Elefand).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Georgia?
German citizens do not: they may stay in Georgia for up to 360 days without a visa. Citizens of many other countries can also enter visa-free, often for up to one year – the binding list is published by the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Anyone who wants to work, study or join family needs a residence permit.
Can I enter Georgia with a German ID card?
In principle, yes. On flights with a connection in a third country (e.g. Istanbul) and when arriving by land or sea, the ID card is occasionally not accepted. A passport is the safer choice.
Is health insurance mandatory for Georgia?
Yes, since 1 January 2026 for all tourists. At entry you must show health and accident insurance with at least 30,000 lari (approx. €10,000) of cover for the whole trip – printed or digital, in English or Georgian.
Is my German driving licence enough for a rental car?
The EU driving licence is accepted, as is the international driving permit. Driving without a valid licence can cost a 500 lari fine. The blood alcohol limit is 0.0.
Do children need a letter of consent when travelling with only one parent?
German children travelling with one parent do not need one. If the child travels with someone else, a letter of authorisation from the parents should be carried. For German-Georgian families, a declaration of consent from the other parent is recommended.
Sources: German Federal Foreign Office: Georgia – travel and safety advice (as of 21 Oct 2026) · Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: entering Georgia (visa rules by passport) · Greek Embassy in Tbilisi: mandatory health insurance for tourists from January 2026. All information without guarantee; rules can change at short notice.