Tbilisi

Georgian

• 220 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types C and F

Banks

9.30 am - 5.30 pm (Mon - Fri)

Shops

10.00 am - 5.00 pm (Mon - Sat)
Shopping centres and supermarkets in Tbilisi are generally open from 8.00 am to 10.00 - 11.00 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, most shopping centres and supermarkets are usually open from 10.00 am to 9.00 - 10.00 pm.

• 1 January - New Year’s Day
• 7 January - Orthodox Christmas
• 19 January - Epiphany (Theophany)
• 3 March - Mother’s Day
• 8 March - International Women’s Day
• April - Orthodox Good Friday (date varies)
• April - Orthodox Easter Sunday (date varies)
• 9 April - National Unity Day
• 26 May - Independence Day of Georgia
• 28 August - Dormition of the Virgin Mary
• 14 October - Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Day (Mtskheta Day)
• 23 November - St George’s Day (Giorgoba)

The following documents are required to enter Georgia:

• A valid Swiss passport
• No visa is required for stays of up to one year.
• A return or onward ticket to another country.
• Travel insurance valid for the entire duration of the stay.

• Minors: A travel authorisation is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: December 2024

Georgia’s climate is diverse and varies considerably by region:

• Black Sea coast (western Georgia): Humid subtropical climate with mild winters and very warm, humid summers.
• Kartli (eastern Georgia): Temperate continental climate with cooler winters and hotter summers.
• Caucasus Mountains: Alpine climate with cool summers and very cold winters, ideal for winter sports and mountain excursions.

Best times to travel to Georgia:

• Beach holidays: From June to September, ideal for the beaches along the Black Sea.
• City trips: Possible throughout the year, with spring (May and June) and autumn (September and October) being particularly pleasant.
• Nature and hiking trips: From May to October, when the trails are generally free of snow and the scenery is particularly attractive.
• Mountain trips and skiing: December to March for winter sports in the Caucasus.

• Using a mobile phone in Georgia may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels, restaurants and public spaces.

• It is recommended to purchase a prepaid SIM card in order to make calls and use the internet at lower cost during your stay in Georgia. Magti is considered one of the leading mobile network operators in Georgia, particularly in terms of internet coverage and pricing. SIM cards for tourists are also available.

• Tbilisi: Georgia’s capital, known for its picturesque old town, sulphur baths and modern architecture.
• Kakheti: A region famous for its winemaking and scenic landscapes. Ideal for wine tastings and visits to historic monasteries.
• Batumi: A lively coastal city on the Black Sea, known for its botanical garden and modern architecture.
• Mtskheta: One of Georgia’s oldest cities and an important religious centre, home to impressive churches and monasteries such as Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
• Uplistsikhe: An ancient cave city carved into the rock, offering fascinating insights into early Georgian culture.
• Svaneti: A high-altitude region in the Caucasus, known for its medieval defensive towers and breathtaking mountain scenery.
• Vardzia: An impressive 12th-century cave monastery complex built into the cliffs of Mount Erusheti.
• Kutaisi: Georgia’s second-largest city, with attractions such as Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral.
• Kazbegi: A popular destination for hiking and mountain excursions, with the iconic view of the Gergeti Trinity Church against the majestic Mount Kazbek.
• Borjomi: Known for its spa resort, the mineral springs of the same name and the surrounding national park.

Georgian cuisine is known for its diversity and rich flavours, shaped by the country’s many cultural influences and geographical location.

• Staple foods: Bread and cereal products, particularly maize and wheat, play a central role. Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, is popular throughout the country.
• Meat dishes: Shashlik and khinkali (dumplings filled with meat and spices) are widely enjoyed and represent the hearty side of Georgian cuisine.
• Nuts and spices: Walnuts and various herbs and spices such as coriander and dill add flavour to many dishes, including the famous walnut sauce.
• Vegetables: Aubergines, beans and spinach are commonly used in Georgian cuisine, often as part of stews or cold starters.
• Cheese: Georgia offers a wide variety of cheeses, many of which are specific to particular regions and used in traditional dishes such as Elarji (a mixture of maize porridge and cheese).
• Wine: Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Traditional Georgian wines, matured in qvevris (large clay vessels), enjoy an international reputation.
• Fruit: The country is known for its wide variety of fresh fruit, including figs, pomegranates and grapes.
• Sweets: Churchkhela (a walnut snack coated in thickened grape juice) and Pelamushi (grape pudding) are traditional sweets.
• Street food: From street vendors to markets, local specialities such as Lobiani (bean-filled bread) can be found throughout the country.
• Drinks: In addition to wine, chacha (a grape spirit) and Georgian tea from local plantations are also popular drinks.

• Greetings: In Georgia, it is customary to greet people with a firm handshake. Among friends and family, hugs and kisses on the cheek are also common.

• Saying please and thank you: Polite expressions such as “please” (გთხოვთ, gtchovt) and “thank you” (მადლობა, madloba) are important and always appreciated.

• Clothing: Western-style clothing is common in urban areas, but more conservative dress is expected at religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should wear long trousers when visiting churches or monasteries.

• Dining etiquette: The Georgian feast (Supra) is a central element of the culture. It is customary for the oldest or most respected guest to act as the Tamada (toastmaster) and propose toasts. Guests should wait for the Tamada to make a toast before drinking. Food is often shared, and guests are commonly offered additional servings several times.

• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, on public transport and in restaurants in Georgia. It is polite to ask permission before smoking.

• Tipping: In restaurants and cafés, it is customary to leave around 10% of the bill as a tip if a service charge is not already included. Tips are also appreciated for other services such as taxis or hotel services, but they are not compulsory.

• Tap water is generally safe to drink in Georgian cities, although bottled water is recommended for tourists. In rural areas, tap water should be avoided.

• There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Georgia. Before travelling, standard vaccinations should be checked and updated if necessary. Additional vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies may be advisable depending on the itinerary and length of stay.

• Medical care in Georgia is often inadequate, particularly outside Tbilisi. Public clinics frequently lack modern equipment and specialist expertise. In addition, knowledge of Georgian or Russian is often required. However, private clinics with modern facilities and good standards of care are available in Tbilisi and Batumi.
• Where possible, surgical procedures and non-urgent dental treatment should be carried out before travelling or in Switzerland.
• Private facilities can, if necessary, provide fee-based emergency ambulances, and treatment costs are often higher than in Switzerland. Even in emergencies, treatment is frequently provided only against advance payment, either in cash or by credit card.
• It is recommended to take out travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
• In Tbilisi and other larger cities, there are pharmacies that meet European standards and stock common medicines. However, travellers are advised to bring any necessary medication and a travel medical kit. This should contain no more than ten packages, as larger quantities must be declared.

• Check the latest situation in the media before and during your trip and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Demonstrations occasionally take place in Tbilisi and other cities and can sometimes lead to violent clashes with the security forces. Travellers should therefore avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
• The social and political situation in Georgia is tense, particularly because of the unresolved conflicts in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out in Georgia.
• Travel to Abkhazia, South Ossetia, the Pankisi Valley and the border regions with Chechnya (Russian Federation) is not recommended.
• Observe the usual precautions against petty crime.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: December 2024

• An international driving permit is mandatory and is only valid together with your national driving licence.

• A CH sticker, warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are mandatory.
• It is recommended to drive with headlights on during the day.
• The minimum age for renting a car is 21.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

• Long-distance trains: Long-distance trains, operated by Sakartvelos Rkinigza (Georgian Railway), connect major cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. They are affordable and comfortable, but relatively slow.
• Regional trains: Regional connections are limited and often less comfortable, but they are suitable for shorter journeys between smaller towns.
• Buses: Intercity buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) are the main form of transport between cities and villages. Marshrutkas often operate without a fixed timetable and usually depart once they are full.
• Metro: Tbilisi has a two-line metro system that is fast and inexpensive.
• Tickets: Tickets for trains, buses and the metro can be purchased at stations, railway stations or online. Marshrutkas generally accept cash only.

Direct flights from Switzerland to Georgia are available only from Zurich and Geneva to Tbilisi and are operated by Swiss International Air Lines. Other connections require a stopover at European or Middle Eastern hubs.

The main airports in Georgia are:

• Tbilisi International Airport (TBS): The country’s main airport, with the largest number of international connections.
• Batumi International Airport (BUS): Particularly popular during the summer months on the Black Sea coast.
• Kutaisi International Airport (KUT): A growing airport used mainly by low-cost airlines.

In addition to national airlines such as Georgian Airways and Myway Airlines, international carriers including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Wizz Air also operate flights to Georgia.

00 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• General emergency number: 112

Shalva Radiani street 12
0179 Tbilisi
Tel. +995 322 75 30 01
Email: tbilisi@eda.admin.ch

• Drug laws are very strict, with penalties of up to life imprisonment.
• Always carry your passport with you so that you can identify yourself during security checks.
• Georgia is located in an earthquake zone.
• Heavy rainfall can cause flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure. In summer, there is an increased risk of wildfires in many regions.