If you are planning to spend your vacation in Georgia, then you should prepare for it in advance so that you do not have any problems or surprises when crossing the border. No matter how you get to your holiday destination, be it by plane, ferry or car, you will still have to go through a checkpoint and in order not to overshadow the upcoming days of holiday, you should take care of some things in advance.
This article was written specifically for this purpose; it contains the main points and rules for crossing the Georgian border, compliance with which will allow you to have one of the best vacations of your life. Information is current for 2019.
Entry into Georgia
Visa-free entry into the territory of Georgia is open for Russians, Ukrainians and many other foreign citizens. You should not think that the rules for entering the country for citizens of the Russian Federation are somehow special - no one will give you close attention, check your suitcases with bias or be rude behind your back - all these are prejudices and fictitious stereotypes. Anyone who wants to legally enter the country is first and foremost a tourist, so relax and leave the political squabbles to the trained people. Here they have understood this for a long time and therefore they are equally happy to welcome Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians, with truly Georgian cordiality and hospitality.
As mentioned above, the visa regime in Georgia was simplified - visas were canceled for citizens of 94 countries, including the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Belarus. Now you can cross the Georgian border without unnecessary hassles and stay on its territory for a whole year without the need to travel beyond its borders.
What documents are needed to enter Georgia?
Citizens of Russia and other foreign citizens
The only required document is a foreign passport.
Many people do not know what validity period a foreign passport should have - it, in principle, should be valid at the time of entry into the territory of Georgia.
This rule has been significantly simplified and now it is not required that the document be valid for another 3 months from the day you leave the country.
For children
If you are taking a child with you, you will need to obtain an international passport for him or enter it into yours. You can include children under 14 years of age in your document, but you must include a photograph of the child, which must be stamped by the passport and visa service.
It is not necessary to have a birth certificate in hand, but it is better to take it, especially if the minor has a different last name or is traveling to a separate foreign country - theoretically it may be needed to confirm the relationship.
Children cannot be included in a biometric passport; in this case, you will have to issue a separate document for each family member.
Does a child need permission from the other parent to travel to Georgia?
Since 2015, there is no longer a need to make a power of attorney (obtain permission or consent of the second parent) to take children abroad if they are traveling with only one of them. The exception is when one of the spouses has imposed a ban on taking the child abroad, then you will have to obtain his written consent or seek a judicial annulment of this ban.
Federal Law dated August 15, 1996 N 114-FZ (as amended on May 23, 2015)
"On the procedure for leaving the Russian Federation and entering the Russian Federation"
Chapter III. PROCEDURE FOR DEPARTURE OF A CITIZEN
RUSSIAN FEDERATION FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Article 20. A minor citizen of the Russian Federation, as a rule, leaves the Russian Federation together with at least one of his parents, adoptive parents, guardians or trustees. If a minor citizen of the Russian Federation leaves the Russian Federation unaccompanied, he must have with him, in addition to his passport, a notarized consent of the named persons for the departure of the minor citizen of the Russian Federation, indicating the period of departure and the state(s) he intends to visit .
(as amended by Federal Laws dated June 24, 1999 N 118-FZ, dated January 10, 2003 N 7-FZ)
Article 21. If one of the parents, adoptive parents, guardians or trustees declares his disagreement with the departure of a minor citizen of the Russian Federation from the Russian Federation, the question of the possibility of his departure from the Russian Federation shall be resolved in court.
For dogs
Don’t know what documents are needed for a dog to travel to Georgia? Along with standard vaccinations, the animal’s international veterinary passport must contain a mandatory note on rabies vaccination, given to the dog a maximum of a year and at least a month before visiting Georgia. At any municipal veterinary clinic in your city, fill out “Certificate Form No. 1” no later than 5 days (120 hours) before the intended trip, otherwise it will be invalid.
For auto
The legal owner of the car must have with him the usual set of documents, the same as he carries with him at home.
A power of attorney for a car is not needed at a Russian checkpoint, but Georgian border guards are mainly interested in its availability if the car is new (up to 3 years old) or owned or leased. This has been happening more and more often since the fall of 2018, and now there is approximately a 50-60% chance that someone will ask about it; this may be triggered by the high cost of the vehicle, the emergence of suspicion regarding you or the documents for the car, or the shift will be so picky. If you don’t have a permit document, border guards can call your superiors and ask you clarifying questions about the car and its owner, warn you that this is the last time, and then let you through... or not. There have already been cases when Georgians turned away tourists due to lack of a power of attorney, this is especially noticeable in the autumn-spring period, when the flow is not so large and there is more time for verification. If, for your own peace of mind, you decide to issue a power of attorney for a car for a trip to Georgia, then you can draw it up yourself in Russian, and just have it certified by a notary, most importantly, do not forget to indicate that you are allowed to export this car outside of Russia. If the vehicle is leased, obtain a permit from the leasing company.
If you decide to visit Turkey, then, if you are not the title owner of the car, Turkish border guards will ask you to present the STS and a power of attorney certified by a notary, which states that you have the right to export this vehicle outside the Russian Federation and must you need to translate the document into English. If you are planning to cross the Georgian-Turkish border in a car registered to an LLC, the director of which is one of the passengers, then a handwritten power of attorney, translated into English, which contains the phrase “with the right to export the vehicle outside the Russian Federation” will be sufficient. " and the seal of the organization.
To the Georgian border guards, the driver only needs to present the STS and VU.
An international driver's license is not required - you can drive with an old-style license.
Cars registered in Crimea or with license plates of the 82nd and 92nd regions are not allowed into Georgia.
If you are stopped on the territory of Georgia, you must have a driver’s license, vehicle registration certificate and international passport with you.
Finding inexpensive housing in Georgia
Border crossing procedure
Russian customs
After passing the barrier, you drive up to the border control and enter any free corridor, unless the border guard himself indicates the direction. There is a hole under the car through which you can see your bottom, but they can also check with mirrors. As soon as you stop at the end of the corridor - all passengers should exit the vehicle, immediately open the trunk and all doors - customs officers may visually inspect the contents of the cabin and trunk, and may require all bags to be taken out for a thorough inspection. If your behavior raises suspicion, the car may be sent for an X-ray. At the exit of the corridor there is a passport control booth - you should get a border crossing stamp there.
Similar procedures will need to be completed on the way back. A thorough inspection of things is not carried out often, but in the car behind me they asked me to take out all my things for inspection, although they didn’t wool them, but at random they told me to open 2 bags - they looked into them and that’s it.
The procedure itself is not long - about 15 minutes, but the queues, especially during the tourist season, force you to wait for several hours.
Georgian customs
When you arrive, the border guard will indicate the stopping place and ask all passengers to go to the next building to go through passport control. Drivers don't even have to leave the car - to get a stamp, you can pass your passport through the booth window and so on. After driving a couple of meters, you will need to stop, open the trunk and interior windows - they will be visually inspected and let through further. There will be a large parking lot where drivers wait for their passengers.
But here, too, they may be asked to get all the bags and trunks. Near us stood a mikrik, filled with bales inside and outside, in which the gypsies were traveling. They were given a cart and asked to put all their luggage on it. The women wailed for a long time and grabbed their heads, but in the end they had to unload.
Everything takes 8-10 minutes - this side works quickly and does not artificially create a queue.
What can you import and export?
Check out the list of things that must be declared when entering and leaving Georgia:
- jewelry: stones, metals, jewelry, as well as antiques and art objects: icons, paintings, sculptures that are artistic values - moving them requires a special permit issued by the Ministry of Culture of Georgia;
- plants and animals (their parts or products obtained from them);
- high-frequency radio-electronic devices or communications equipment;
- some office equipment over $300 requires customs clearance of 18% of its cost, for this you must have a receipt;
- cash currency, securities and traveler's checks in the amount equivalent to GEL 30,000. When entering Russia, amounts over $10,000 per person are subject to mandatory declaration, i.e. if there is a father and child in the car, then you can safely have $20,000 with you.
It is prohibited to carry: weapons, explosives and flammable substances, cartridges, narcotic and psychotropic substances without permission from the relevant government agencies; milk and dairy products, meat and meat products without presenting the appropriate veterinary certificate, goods intended for commercial activities, agricultural products (especially flowers and potatoes, the rest in small quantities), fuels and lubricants and spare parts for cars, radioactive, toxic substances and some medicines.
An individual can fill out a customs declaration in Russian, Georgian or English.
List of things that are not subject to declaration if they are imported into Georgia by an individual. face 1 time in 24 hours:
- jewelry and jewelry for personal use;
- food products with a total weight of up to 30 kg and a value of up to 500 GEL - vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, pasta and similar prepared products, nuts, sugar, sweets and confectionery of various types;
- alcohol and cigarettes - per adult you can bring 200 cigarettes or 25 cigarillos, or 25 cigars, or 125 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks (vodka, cognac) or 4 liters of something lighter (wine, beer). Exceeding will result in a fine “for illegal transportation of commercial cargo”;
- other products and goods costing up to 1,000 GEL and weighing up to 20 kg, and when arriving by plane, no more than 3,000 GEL and weighing up to 50 kg. Exceeding the weight limit entails paying a fee of 1 lari per 1 kg.
Personal goods not subject to declaration upon entry into the territory of Russia (Customs Union (EAEU)):
- by car: their weight should not exceed 50 kg, and the customs value is 1,500 euros per passenger;
- by plane: no more than 50 kg, total cost up to 10,000 euros;
- the total weight of nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes, berries and mushrooms should not exceed 5 kg, otherwise take a phytosanitary certificate issued by the service of the country in which the products were purchased or grown;
- alcohol and cigarettes - for one adult you can spend 200 cigarettes or 50 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco, or the specified tobacco products in an assortment with a total weight of up to 250 grams, 3 liters of any alcoholic beverages;
- 3 bouquets, each containing no more than 15 plants/stems/blades, including dried ones, otherwise they will ask for a phytosanitary certificate;
- things received as an inheritance, as well as one car and a trailer, if there is documentary evidence of their receipt as an inheritance.
- a complete list of permitted and prohibited physical goods. persons, you can find out at.
Import restrictions apply to agricultural products, pay special attention to cheeses and honey, may be withdrawn; goods for sale; spare parts for cars; new electrical equipment is more expensive than $500 (have a receipt to confirm).
To import pets, you need a veterinary passport with a mark from the veterinary service of your country stating that the animal is healthy.
Transport of medicines
Georgian border guards may not let a tourist in or only let him in after lengthy investigations if he is carrying with him a medicine that is freely available in Russia, for example, most antibiotics or afabazole, but is prohibited in Georgia or sold only by prescription. Therefore, it is recommended to hide them out of sight and not to overdo it with the amount of medications you take with you on vacation. It is advisable to have a prescription or certificate certified by a doctor in hand.
How much alcohol can be exported from Georgia to Russia?
It is allowed to import 3 liters of alcohol duty-free into the territory of the Russian Federation; if you pay a duty (10 € per 1 liter), the limit can be expanded to a maximum of 5 liters per adult passenger. If they find undeclared alcoholic beverages transported in excess of the norm, this will entail the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 0.5 to 2 times its value, with or without confiscation of wine and chacha, or they may simply be confiscated without imposing a fine.
The amount of alcohol exported from Georgia, by any transport (car, plane or floating vessel), is not of interest to local customs officers.
International checkpoints
You need to understand that you need to cross the Georgian border not where it is convenient for you, but where it is allowed. If you do not pass border control, you will face a fine of 400 GEL; if you violate it again, the fine will increase at least 2 times. If there are aggravating circumstances, for example, a group of people crossing the border, you can get away with a large fine, or you can be imprisoned for up to 2.5 years. Do you need it?
List of checkpoints:
- The border between Russia and Georgia is the Kazbegi - Upper Lars automobile checkpoint.
- Border of Azerbaijan and Georgia - automobile checkpoint "Vakhtangisi", "Red Bridge", "Tsodna"; railway checkpoint "Gardabani".
- The border of Armenia and Georgia - automobile checkpoints "Ninotsminda", "Akhkerpi", "Guguti", "Sadakhlo"; railway checkpoint "Sadakhlo".
- The border between Turkey and Georgia is the Sarpi and Vale automobile checkpoint.
- International airports are Shota Rustaveli in Tbilisi, Chorokh in Batumi and Kopitnari in Kutaisi.
- Sea ports - port in Poti and Batumi.
On this map, circled in yellow, is the only place through which you can absolutely legally enter Georgia from Russian territory. The checkpoints marked on the map to the left of the circle will only allow you to enter and exit Abkhazia and South Ossetia. There is no way you can legally enter Georgia through these unrecognized republics. The remaining icons indicate border checkpoints from the territories of other countries, through which you can move freely by any transport.
Is it possible to travel through Abkhazia to Georgia?
It is impossible to get from Russia to Georgia or vice versa, in transit through the territory of Abkhazia or South Ossetia, in a legal way - if caught, they will be charged with illegal border crossing, which will entail the imposition of administrative penalties, and maybe even criminal ones. More details about fines were mentioned a little higher.
If your passport contains a note about visiting South Ossetia or Abkhazia, then entry into Georgia will be closed for you until you change your passport. If you have previously entered/flew into South Ossetia or Abkhazia from Russia and you do not have any stamps from the corresponding checkpoints in your international passport, then there is a 99.9% chance that the Georgians will not find out about this and will let you in without any problems.
If you want to visit, for example, Sukhumi, you enter through Adler, rest, and then leave the same way - there should be no other options. In this case, citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa and an international passport.
From April 1, 2016, only citizens of those countries with which it has signed intergovernmental agreements on mutual visa-free travel can enter the Republic of Abkhazia without a visa: the Russian Federation, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, Nicaragua, South Ossetia and the Republic of Tuvalu. Citizens of the Republic of Belarus and Kazakhstan also do not require a visa for tourist and business trips for a period of no more than two weeks.
How to obtain permission to travel through the Ingur checkpoint?
No way. On the border of Georgia and Abkhazia there is a checkpoint "Ingur", through which it is theoretically possible to travel in one direction or another, but for this you need to obtain a bunch of permitting documents from the Foreign Ministries of both countries, which in practice makes this idea difficult guaranteed to be impossible.
This checkpoint is used only for the movement of citizens living on the demarcation line. It’s not just that tourists are not allowed in, but even residents of Abkhazia who live far from it. There are no benefits, indulgences or exceptions.
From the Russian Federation you can legally enter and exit Georgia exclusively through Upper Lars, and to Abkhazia through Adler - there are no other direct land routes.
Summary
Perhaps, after reading everything that is written above, with all these restrictions and prohibitions, the thought may creep into your head: “Well, what the heck, I’d better go to the village.” But do not worry, this information is provided for informational purposes only, as they say, “Forewarned is forearmed.” Relying on it, you can avoid some mistakes and do everything wisely.
In fact, crossing the border between Russia and Georgia is not at all difficult. The only problem is that the queue lasts several hours, but sometimes they give orders from above and the customs officers begin to move, although not for long, very soon kilometer-long queues form again.
Learn the basic rules:
- No matter what side of the border you are on, there is no need to be nervous or worry either in line or at the checkpoint.
- Do not put alcohol in a visible place - hide it deeper in different parts of not only the trunk, but also the interior.
- Do not leave things in a visible place that could provoke a more in-depth search.
If you are planning to spend your vacation in Georgia, then you should prepare for it in advance so that you do not have any problems or surprises when crossing the border. No matter how you get to your holiday destination, be it by plane, ferry or car, you will still have to go through a checkpoint and in order not to overshadow the upcoming days of holiday, you should take care of some things in advance.
This article was written especially for this purpose; it contains the main points and rules for crossing the Georgian border, compliance with which will allow you to have one of the best vacations of your life!
The information is current for 2017:
Entry into Georgia
Visa-free entry into the territory of Georgia is open for Russians, Ukrainians and many other foreign citizens. At the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint, it is prohibited to cross the border on foot, but you can cross the border by bicycle. As mentioned above, the visa regime in Georgia was simplified - visas were canceled for citizens of 94 countries, including the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Belarus. Now you can cross the Georgian border without a visa and stay on its territory for a whole year without having to travel beyond its borders.
What documents are needed to enter Georgia?
Citizens of Russia and other foreign citizens from documents, without fail, only need international passport. Many people do not know what validity period a foreign passport should have - it, in principle, should be valid at the time of entry into the territory of Georgia. This rule has been significantly simplified and now it is not required that the document be valid for another 3 months from the day you leave the country.
For children:
Children must have own passport, it is obtained at any age, or should be included in the parents' passport(children cannot be included in a biometric passport; in this case, you will have to issue a separate document);
To confirm relationship it is necessary child's birth certificate.
If a child is traveling without parents (with third parties, uncles, aunts, grandparents, brothers or sisters), you must have permission from one of the parents/guardians, certified by a notary. If at least one parent is present, no consent is required ( The exception is when one of the spouses has imposed a ban on taking the child abroad, then you will have to obtain his written consent or seek a judicial annulment of this ban.).
Border crossing procedure (Russian customs)
After passing the barrier, the bus approaches the border control and enters any free corridor, unless the border guard himself indicates the direction. There is a hole under the car through which you can see your bottom, but they can also check with mirrors. Once the bus stops at the end of the corridor - all passengers must exit the vehicle - customs officers may visually inspect the contents of the cabin and trunk, and may require all bags to be removed for a thorough inspection. At the exit of the corridor there is a small passport control room - you should get a border crossing stamp there. Similar procedures will need to be completed on the way back.
The procedure itself is not long - about 15 minutes, but there may be queues, especially during the tourist season.
Georgian customs
When you arrive at customs, the border guard will indicate the stopping place and ask all passengers to go to the adjacent building for passport control. The bus will be waiting for passengers in the parking lot.
What can be imported to Georgia?
Check out the list of things you need must be declared when entering and leaving Georgia:
Jewelry: stones, metals, jewelry,
Antiques and objects of art: icons, paintings, sculptures that are artistic values - moving them requires a special permit issued by the Ministry of Culture of Georgia;
Plants and animals (their parts or products obtained from them);
High frequency radio electronic devices or communications equipment;
Some office equipment over $300 requires customs clearance of 18% of its cost, for this you must have a receipt;
Cash, securities and traveler's checks in the amount equivalent to GEL 30,000.
When entering Russia, amounts over $10,000 per person are subject to mandatory declaration, i.e. if there is a father and child in the car, then you can safely have $20,000 with you.
It is prohibited to carry:
Weapons, explosives and flammable substances, cartridges, narcotic and psychotropic substances without permission from the relevant government agencies;
Milk and dairy products, meat and meat products without presenting the appropriate veterinary certificate,
Goods intended for commercial activities, agricultural products (especially flowers and potatoes, the rest in small quantities),
Fuels and lubricants and spare parts for cars, radioactive and toxic substances and some medicines.
An individual can fill out a customs declaration in Russian, Georgian or English.
List of things not subject to declaration, if they are imported into Georgia by an individual. face 1 time in 24 hours:
Jewelry and jewelry for personal use;
Food products with a total weight of up to 30 kg and a value of up to 500 GEL - vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, pasta and similar prepared products, nuts, sugar, sweets and confectionery of various types;
Alcohol and cigarettes - for one adult you can spend 400 cigarettes or 50 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco, 4 liters of any alcoholic beverages;
Other products and goods worth up to 1,000 GEL and indivisible weight up to 20 kg.
Exceeding the weight limit entails paying a fee of 1 lari per 1 kg.
What can be exported from Georgia to Russia?
Personal goods that are not subject to declaration upon entry into the territory of Russia (Customs Union): by car: their weight should not exceed 50 kg, and the customs value is 1,500 euros per passenger; by plane: no more than 50 kg, total cost up to 10,000 euros;
Alcohol and cigarettes - for one adult you can spend 200 cigarettes or 50 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco, or the specified tobacco products in an assortment with a total weight of up to 250 grams, 3 liters of any alcoholic products;
Items received as an inheritance, as well as one car and a trailer, if there is documentary evidence of their receipt as an inheritance.
Import restrictions into Russia apply:
For agricultural products, special attention is paid to cheeses and honey, they may be confiscated;
Products for sale; spare parts for cars; new electrical equipment is more expensive than $500 (have a receipt to confirm).
To import pets, you need a veterinary passport with a mark from the veterinary service of your country stating that the animal is healthy.
Transport of medicines
Georgian border guards may not let a tourist in or only let him in after lengthy investigations if he is carrying with him a medicine that is freely available in Russia, for example, most antibiotics or afabazole, but is prohibited in Georgia or sold only by prescription. Therefore, it is recommended to hide them out of sight and not to overdo it with the amount of medications you take with you on vacation. It is advisable to have a prescription or certificate certified by a doctor in hand.
How much alcohol can be exported from Georgia to Russia?
It is allowed to import 3 liters of alcohol duty-free into the territory of the Russian Federation; if you pay a duty (10 € per 1 liter), the limit can be expanded to a maximum of 5 liters per adult passenger. If they find undeclared alcoholic beverages transported in excess of the norm, this will entail the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 0.5 to 2 times its value, with or without confiscation of wine and chacha, or they may simply be confiscated without imposing a fine.
Learn the basic rules:
No matter what side of the border you are on, there is no need to be nervous or worry. Do not put alcohol and medications in a visible place - put it deeper in your suitcase. Do not leave things in a visible place that could provoke a more in-depth search.
Information about Georgian customs rules, border crossing rules and restrictions on the import and export of goods, products and animals.
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Information about Georgian customs rules, border crossing rules and restrictions on the import and export of goods, products and animals.
On the one hand, going through Georgian customs should not be a problem in principle; on the other hand, there are several unique restrictions in this country. In order for tourists to come to Georgia and return home safely, they need to know these restrictions.
Carrying currency
The movement of currency across the Georgian border is not limited, that is, tourists can travel with any amount of money. However, it is recommended to include in the declaration amounts exceeding 2000 USD in equivalent. This must be done so that you can prove the origin of your money when crossing the border back, and also so that officials do not have questions about the origin of the things that you purchased in Georgia.
Re-export of declared currency is not prohibited, but with one limitation. This can only be done within one year after the money is brought into the country. This must be taken into account by those traveling to Georgia for a long time.
Transportation of Georgian laris
There are even more restrictions associated with the transportation of lari. You can freely import no more than 25 thousand lari. If you have to exceed the limit, you must present documents to customs proving the origin of this money. You are allowed to export no more than 3 thousand lari, with no more than 4 banknotes of each of the existing denominations of the Georgian currency.
Permitted goods
Without paying a duty, but in some cases with entry into the declaration, you can import two blocks of cigarettes, 250 grams. pure tobacco or 50 cigars, personal belongings whose weight does not exceed 100 kg, 10 liters of beer and 3 liters of wine. If imported goods are imported across the border, then weighing up to 20 kg they can be imported without paying a fee. If the specified weight is exceeded, then for each kilogram over the limit you must pay a fee of 1 lari per 1 kg. The declaration includes personal jewelry, photographic and video equipment.
To transport antiques and similar things, you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Culture of Georgia, and also take a photo of these items. Hunting weapons are allowed to be imported under license. Animals must be accompanied by permission from the veterinary service for their transportation. Customs will allow medications if you have a prescription.
The export of alcohol is limited to three liters, which will not please lovers of Georgian wine at all.
Prohibited items
These include drugs and substances that contain them, materials that discredit Georgia, discredit it and offend national feelings, pornography, weapons (including knives) and ammunition.
VAT refund upon departure
Tax free in Georgia is 13%, and there are still very few such outlets in the country. The purchase amount must be 200 GEL or more. The tax-free system does not apply to cars, gold and precious stones.
Visa and other documents
For citizens of CIS countries, entry into Georgia is visa-free. Ukrainians can come and stay freely in the country for 90 days, while for Russians this period is as much as 365 days at the moment. This huge visa-free period is explained by the desire of the Georgian authorities to restore normal relations between the countries. The only required document for crossing the border is a passport.
However, not everything is so rosy and the problems with crossing the Georgian border lie in the details. If your international passport contains stamps from the customs services of Abkhazia or South Ossetia, entry will be closed for at least five years, and possibly forever. To avoid these problems, the republics that have seceded from Georgia must be visited only from its territory, without putting any marks in the passport.
In general, Georgian customs officers are loyal to those entering the country. A completely different situation arises in the event of an attempt to enter illegally, including through Abkhazia.
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To visit Georgia, citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa - just a foreign passport is enough. The main thing is that it is valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip. Those who intend to stay in the country for longer than three months will face some formalities. You will need, firstly, to register temporarily with the consular department of the Ukrainian Embassy in Georgia, and secondly, no later than three days from the moment of crossing the border, register with local authorities or the police department. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in a fine and possibly more severe penalties.
Important! If a tourist’s passport contains notes about visiting Abkhazia and/or South Ossetia, he may be denied entry into Georgia. An attempt to enter the country from the territory of the named republics is clearly regarded as illegal border crossing, which entails quite harsh measures against the foreigner - from deportation to detention.
Time
Difference with Kiev: + 2 hours (winter), +1 hour (summer).
Water
Tap water in Georgia is of fairly high quality, but you still have to boil it to drink it. It’s even better to use bottled water for this purpose. Particular emphasis should be placed on mineral water: in Georgia there are many mineral springs with water of different compositions, and therefore not just table water, but medicinal. Just look at the legendary Borjomi! So here there is something to quench your thirst and improve your health. Fortunately, a wide selection of mineral waters is available in almost all stores.
Money
The national monetary unit of Georgia is called la?ri. It was introduced into use in 1995. All payments in the country are made only in lari. In the international currency system, Georgian money is designated GEL. One lari is equal to one hundred tetri.
There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lari. Each type of banknote depicts a portrait of a historical figure of Georgia. When making payments, coins are also used: smaller ones - in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 tetri, and more expensive ones, made of gold - in denominations of 500 and 1000 lari. In addition, the National Bank of Georgia issues commemorative coins, investment coins and coins dedicated to memorable dates.
One thing to keep in mind is that it can be difficult to get change from large bills, let alone change them into smaller ones. Therefore, when exchanging currency for lari, it is better that the money is issued in a small denomination.
Purchases
As for stores, their opening hours directly depend on the size. Small shops are usually open from 9:00/10:00 to 18:00/19:00. Larger stores are ready to serve customers from 9 am to 9 pm or, respectively, from 10 am to 10 pm. Well, supermarkets are often open around the clock. For those who are used to buying products at the market, it is important to know that bazaars and fairs come to life quite early - literally at 5-6 o'clock in the morning. But soon after noon the shopping arcades are empty. At bazaars people bargain with truly oriental pleasure, but in stores prices are fixed.
Dzhigit, hospitality, wine, mountains - these concepts not only characterize Georgia as a country, but also predetermine a number of things that are ready to become an exquisite reminder of the trip here. Forged daggers and national dolls, homespun carpets and embroidered shawls, elegant tableware and richly decorated wine vessels, jewelry made of gold and silver with semi-precious stones - each product of local craftsmen is imbued with the spirit and flavor of the freedom-loving mountain people. Aesthetes will certainly find something to please their souls in one of the art galleries in Tbilisi. To their attention are both canvases in the style a la Pirosmani and original modern works.
Souvenirs that promise a feast of taste deserve special mention. When the epithet “Georgian” is added to the word “wine”, you don’t even have to ask about quality - the drink will have excellent characteristics. The same can be said about local cognac and cheese. And in order to fully experience the Georgian flavor, you should definitely try chacha - grape vodka - and prepare the right kebab, generously seasoning the meat with aromatic herbs.
Currency exchange
In Georgia there are no problems either with currency exchange or with the use of various means of payment. Exchange dollars, euros, rubles, etc. You can exchange lari either in banks or in exchange offices. But if the former have a fixed work schedule (Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 18:00), then the latter organize their work more flexibly, and are sometimes ready to accept clients around the clock. In addition, the exchange rate at exchange offices is usually more favorable than the official one. Of course, there is another way to make an exchange - with your hands on the street, but, as in any other country, it is quite risky. You can become a victim of scammers.
It will not be difficult to withdraw money from a bank card: ATMs are installed not only in bank branches, but also in public places - in shopping centers, post offices, etc. The cards themselves are accepted for payment in reputable hotels and large supermarkets, but it doesn’t hurt to have cash with you. In any case, it is advisable to clarify in advance whether it is possible to pay by card at this establishment. Travel checks can only be cashed in banks. If unexpected expenses are coming up, but you don’t have the required amount with you, it’s easy to use the Western Union system and receive money by transfer.
Customs regulations
Each airline sets its own baggage rules and regulations. Animals are allowed to be transported only with the prior consent of the carrier and with the appropriate documents. It is recommended to place valuables, business papers and jewelry in hand luggage. As a rule, it includes a handbag, an umbrella, printed publications for reading on the road, a camera, a video camera, a laptop computer, a bag with purchases from duty free stores, baby food needed during the flight, and outerwear.
You can export from Ukraine duty free: personal belongings; alcohol: strong drinks (above 28º) - 1 l, wine (up to 28º) - 2 l, beer - up to 10 l per person over 21 years of age; tobacco products: no more than 200 cigarettes or 200 g of tobacco per person over 16 years of age; food products worth no more than 50 euros. If the value of exported goods does not exceed 100,000 euros, then their quantity is not regulated, with the exception of the above, as well as other products for which restrictions are established (liquids, relics).
Individuals can export abroad (as well as import into Ukraine) up to 10,000 euros in cash (in equivalent) without a written declaration to customs. If the amount exceeds this norm, the individual must have a document confirming the withdrawal of money from the bank account. You can import any amount of foreign currency into Georgia without any accompanying documents. Questions may arise only when importing large sums in Georgian lari (over 25 thousand) - in this case, you will have to provide information about their origin at customs.
When crossing the Georgian border (in any direction), the following must be included in the declaration:- jewelry, valuable metals, stones, antiques, cultural values (icons, paintings, sculptures); for their export and import it is necessary to obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Culture;
- weapons of any type, ammunition, ammunition;
- flammable liquids, psychotropic drugs, toxic and radioactive substances;
- high-frequency radio and electrical appliances, communication devices;
- cash exceeding the amount of 25 thousand lari (about 14 thousand dollars), and securities.
You can import duty free into Georgia: items specified in the customs declaration in quantities sufficient for personal needs and not implying commercial use; up to 200 cigarettes; up to 2 liters of strong alcoholic drinks or up to 10 liters of beer; up to 30 kg of food products with a total cost of 500 lari (approximately 280 dollars in equivalent); up to 100 kg of personal items.
The list of the latter, in addition to clothing and shoes, includes (all items in one copy): personal jewelry, photo, video and movie camera with the necessary accessories, sound recording device (tape recorder, voice recorder), binoculars, musical instrument, radio, TV, PC, calculator, mobile phone, baby stroller, tent with accessories, sports equipment (fishing equipment, bicycle, boat).
It is prohibited to import into Georgia: cigarettes and alcoholic drinks - to persons under 18 years of age; weapons and explosives (gunpowder, pyrotechnics, signal flares); flammable substances (solvents, paints, lighters); chemicals, drugs, narcotic medications; literature containing criticism of the political system; pornographic products.
The following cannot be exported from Georgia: national currency - in an amount exceeding GEL 3,000, foreign currency - more than the amount that was imported; wine and other alcoholic beverages not in factory packaging; items of historical and cultural value.
Transport
Air transport. Georgia has a relatively small size and at the same time a very complex terrain (from low-lying areas on the sea coast to the high peaks of the Caucasus Mountains). These reasons explain the fact that air transport is practically not in demand for movement within the country. To be fair, it is worth noting that there are 30 airports in Georgia, although only 17 of them have a hard runway. There are even fewer international airports, only two - in Tbilisi and Batumi, and, in fact, it is between them that domestic flights take place. Air transportation is carried out by Airzena companies - Georgian Airways, Georgian Airlines, National Airlines.
If you are planning a flight from Tbilisi to Batumi or vice versa, purchase tickets on the territory of Georgia, and not outside its borders - it will be half the price.
Railway transport. The railway network in the country is very modest: there is actually one main line connecting the capital and Batumi, and several short branches. Their total length is only 1612 km. International communication is established only with neighboring states - Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The rolling stock is represented by compartment and general carriages familiar to our compatriots. Tbilisi and Batumi are connected by a fast train, which provides only seats. Suburban trains run. Ticket prices are quite affordable.
Motor transport. To get from one locality to another in Georgia, the most convenient way is to use road transport. These can be regular buses, minibuses or just taxis. Buses run according to schedule, mainly between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. For travel from Tbilisi, for example, to Batumi, you will need to pay 15 lari, to Tsinandali - 7.
Trips in minibuses (locally called “samarshruto”) will cost a little more. Their stops, as a rule, are located near the railway station (if there is one in the city) or market. But an uninformed person should keep in mind: the minibus departs only when all the seats are filled, but in the evening you can wait quite a long time for this, and even then without a guarantee that the required number will be filled. So it’s safer to hit the road in the morning.
If you wish, you can use taxi services; fortunately, there is no shortage of them in Georgia. Private traders provide healthy competition to registered firms. It’s easy to catch a car just on the street, although you can order by phone. Unfortunately, meters are not installed in all cars, so the cost of the trip will have to be negotiated with the driver.
Extreme enthusiasts can enjoy hitchhiking around Georgia. Local residents are willing to take travel companions. Not only will they take you to your destination, but they will also generously treat you, or at least try to do so. And they will be very depressed by the refusal. In addition, guests will be offered an overnight stay if they have not yet decided where to stay.
Tips
The practice of cash incentives is widespread in Georgia. In most cases, the reward is the classic 5% of the total account. If the establishment is reputable, the tip may already be included in the check, otherwise it is recommended to leave 10% above the specified amount. Taxi drivers can be offered to keep the change.
Circuit
The standard voltage in Georgian electrical networks is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. The sockets used are usually two-pin, and only in upscale modern hotels in the capital are there three-pin sockets, which are common in Europe. There are power outages across the country.
Mobile communications and Internet
There are three cellular operators in Georgia: Geocell, Magticom, Beeline. The greatest coverage is provided by Geocell. If there is a need to save, then it is better to opt for Beeline - it offers more favorable tariffs. A complete lack of communication is possible only in certain high mountain areas.
Internet access is available both through mobile operators and through the Wi-Fi system. As a rule, wireless Internet connections are provided in cafes and private hotels. There are specialized Internet cafes. A small fee may apply for using Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, it was stated that, for example, in the central districts of Batumi this service is free.
Behavior in public places
- In Georgia, it is not customary to take off your shoes when coming to visit - this can be regarded as disrespect for the hosts. Asking for room slippers will only make the situation worse.
- Despite the fact that chacha is grape vodka, you should absolutely not drink it at the same time as wine. During one evening, your glass can contain either only wine or only chacha.
- You can safely agree to offers from local residents to join their feast. For Georgians, gathering as many relatives and friends as possible at one table is a matter of honor and an incomparable pleasure. Moreover, if they invite guests, they prepare a real feast, regardless of the financial situation of the hosts at the moment.
- The main manager of any Georgian feast is the toastmaster. He has unquestionable authority, his word is law. In no case should you interrupt the toastmaster or disobey his request - this is a gross violation of traditions that deserves universal condemnation.
- You should refrain from making jokes on national topics - they can be misinterpreted and cause hostility, or even enmity.
- Try not to succumb to the persuasion of local gypsies to “give a pretty penny” and not to come into contact with them at all. As soon as they notice compassion in the tourist’s eyes, the gypsies will unceremoniously surround you, literally extorting alms.
- In Georgia, where Christian morals and traditions are very strong, there are very strict rules for visiting churches. It is not allowed to stay in the shrine in shorts, flip-flops, with bare shoulders, and for girls - with bare heads. This applies equally to local residents and tourists. A foreigner who wanders along the way from the beach may be kicked out of the church with a scandal, although, most likely, they will simply not be allowed into the temple.
- The Georgian language is quite difficult to pronounce. Subtleties in conveying tones can significantly affect the meaning of a word, therefore, if you do not speak Georgian well enough, you can find yourself in a comical situation. It’s better to speak Russian or broken English.
- Since 2006, Georgia has had a law prohibiting smoking in public places, government institutions, hospitals, public transport and catering establishments where alcohol is not sold.