Tbilisi Tourist Fines & Rules
Georgia
Tbilisi is a fascinating destination where ancient traditions meet modern ambitions — but extremely strict drug laws, Orthodox church etiquette, and chaotic traffic can catch tourists off guard. Here's what you need to know.
Visa-Free Stay Up to 1 Year
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Georgia visa-free and stay for up to 1 year. However, overstaying your allowed period can result in fines and deportation. You must register with local authorities if staying longer than 3 months.
Track your entry date carefully. If you plan to stay long-term, register at a Public Service Hall. Keep your passport stamped and accessible.
Extremely Strict Drug Laws
Georgia has some of the strictest drug laws in Europe. Despite a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling decriminalizing personal cannabis consumption, possession and sale remain criminal offenses. Police conduct random testing — a positive drug test alone can result in criminal charges. Penalties for harder drugs include up to 14 years in prison.
Do not use, buy, carry, or be around any drugs in Georgia. A positive blood or urine test is enough for prosecution, even without possession. This is not like Western Europe.
Orthodox Church Dress Code
Georgian Orthodox churches require modest dress. Women must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear skirts or dresses covering the knees. Men must wear long trousers — shorts are not acceptable. Shoulders must be covered for both genders. Some churches provide wraps at the entrance, but not all.
Carry a lightweight scarf and ensure you have knee-covering clothing. Women should have a headscarf ready. Most churches will turn you away rather than fine you, but it ruins your visit.
Photography Near Government & Military Buildings
Taking photographs of military installations, government buildings, border areas, and security infrastructure is prohibited and can lead to detention, questioning, and confiscation of equipment. This includes the Presidential Palace, military bases, and police stations.
If a building has soldiers, guards, or security barriers, don't photograph it. When in doubt, ask permission. Stick to clearly tourist-friendly landmarks.
Taxi Overcharging & Scams
Unlicensed taxis and airport drivers frequently overcharge tourists, sometimes by 5-10x the normal fare. Meters are rarely used, and drivers may take longer routes. Some airport taxi drivers aggressively solicit passengers and refuse to use meters.
Always use Bolt (the dominant ride-hailing app in Georgia). Fares are fixed in the app and typically cost 5-15 GEL within Tbilisi. Never agree to a fare without the app.
Dangerous Driving Conditions
Tbilisi traffic is notoriously chaotic. Drivers frequently ignore traffic lights, lane markings, and pedestrian crossings. Right of way is treated as a suggestion. Driving outside Tbilisi involves narrow mountain roads with no barriers. International tourists are strongly advised not to drive.
Use Bolt for city transport. For trips outside Tbilisi, hire a local driver through your hotel or a tour company. They know the roads and driving culture.
Carry Identification at All Times
Georgian law requires foreigners to carry valid identification at all times. Police can request ID during routine checks, and inability to produce a passport or official copy may result in a fine or temporary detention while identity is verified.
Carry your passport or a clear photocopy at all times. Store a photo of your passport on your phone as a backup. Keep the original in your hotel safe.
Wine Culture & Toasting Traditions
Georgia is one of the world's oldest wine-producing regions and toasting is a sacred tradition. At a supra (traditional feast), a tamada (toastmaster) leads toasts — refusing to participate or interrupting the tamada is considered deeply disrespectful. Toasts are made with wine, not beer. You are expected to finish your glass after each toast.
Follow the tamada's lead. Toast with wine, not beer. You can sip rather than drain your glass if you explain politely. Saying 'gaumarjos' (cheers) shows respect.
Political Protests & Demonstrations
Since 2023, Georgia has experienced frequent large-scale pro-EU protests, particularly around Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue. Police have used water cannons and tear gas. Foreign nationals participating in protests risk detention and deportation. Protests can erupt with little warning.
Monitor local news and your embassy alerts. Avoid Rustaveli Avenue if protests are announced. Do not photograph police during confrontations. Leave the area immediately if tensions rise.
Sulfur Bath Etiquette & Booking
The famous Abanotubani sulfur baths are a must-visit but have specific etiquette. Private rooms should be booked in advance, especially on weekends. In public baths, nudity norms vary — some are gender-separated, some are mixed. Tipping the bath attendant (mekise) is expected. Bringing your own soap and towel is recommended.
Book private rooms 1-2 days ahead through your hotel. Bring a towel, flip-flops, and soap. Tip the mekise 5-10 GEL. Check if your chosen bath is mixed or separated before undressing.
Currency & Payment Awareness
Georgia uses the Georgian Lari (GEL). While cards are widely accepted in Tbilisi hotels, restaurants, and shops, cash is essential outside the capital and in markets, marshrutkas (minibuses), and smaller establishments. Exchange rates at the airport are poor. Some establishments in tourist areas may quote prices in USD or EUR but charge unfavorable conversion rates.
Withdraw GEL from ATMs in Tbilisi (Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank offer the best rates). Always pay in GEL, not foreign currency. Carry small bills for taxis and markets.
Free-Roaming Street Dogs
Tbilisi has a large population of free-roaming dogs. Most are ear-tagged, indicating they've been vaccinated and neutered through the city's Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return program. The dogs are generally friendly and well-fed by locals, but they can be territorial at night and may bark or follow you in packs.
Don't approach, feed, or try to pet street dogs, especially at night. If a dog growls or follows you, stay calm and walk away slowly — don't run. Most ear-tagged dogs are vaccinated, but seek medical attention immediately if bitten.
Public Drinking in Parks & Streets
While Georgia has a deep wine culture, public drinking in Tbilisi is generally tolerated in parks and outdoor areas. However, excessive public intoxication and disorderly behavior can lead to police intervention and fines. Drinking near churches, schools, and government buildings is not acceptable.
While casual park drinking is common, avoid getting visibly intoxicated in public. Don't drink near churches or government buildings. Georgians enjoy wine with meals — match the local pace.
Pickpocketing in Tourist Areas
While Tbilisi is generally safe, pickpocketing has increased in popular tourist areas including the Old Town, Dry Bridge Market, and on crowded marshrutkas. Common tactics include distraction and crowding, particularly at the flea market where tourists are focused on browsing.
Use a money belt or front pockets for valuables. Be extra alert at Dry Bridge Market and on public transport. Don't flash expensive phones or cameras. Keep bags zipped and in front of you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tbilisi
Most likely no. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and over 90 other countries can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year. Check the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific nationality.
It is extremely complicated. A 2018 Constitutional Court ruling decriminalized personal consumption, but possession and sale remain criminal offenses. Police can conduct random drug tests, and a positive test alone can lead to prosecution. Do not use, buy, or carry any drugs in Georgia.
Women must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear a skirt or dress covering the knees. Men need long trousers — no shorts. Shoulders must be covered for everyone. Some churches provide wraps at the entrance, but carry your own to be safe.
Tbilisi is generally very safe with low violent crime. The main risks are taxi scams, chaotic traffic, and pickpocketing in crowded areas. Avoid political protests on Rustaveli Avenue. Use Bolt for transport and keep valuables secure in tourist areas.
Georgian supras (feasts) are led by a tamada (toastmaster) who proposes toasts. Always toast with wine, not beer. Follow the tamada's lead and say 'gaumarjos' (cheers). You're expected to drink after each toast, but you can sip rather than drain your glass if you explain politely.
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