Planning Your First Trip to Georgia from the UAE? Read This Before You Book 
Thinking about visiting Georgia but still not 100% sure?
You’re not alone.
Many UAE travelers are curious about this beautiful country tucked between Europe and Asia—but unsure about what to expect.
What’s the food like?
Do I need a visa?
How’s the weather?
This guide is your all-in-one answer.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or planning a couples getaway, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before booking—without the confusion.
Planning a smooth, stress-free trip starts with knowing the basics.
Here’s everything UAE residents need to prep confidently before they fly to Georgia 
👇
Good news!
If you’re a UAE passport holder, you can enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year.
Yes, you read that right—no paperwork, no embassy visits.
But what about expats?
If you’re an expat living in the UAE (Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, etc.) and hold a valid UAE residence permit (GDRFA), you’re eligible for a visa on arrival in Georgia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Checklist before you go:
Your UAE residence visa must be valid for at least 3+ months
Carry hotel booking & return ticket
Keep travel insurance and basic funds proof ready (sometimes requested)
✨ Pro tip: Always double-check the latest visa policy on Georgia’s official consular website or with your airline.
Georgia is a year-round destination, but what you want to experience will shape when you should go:
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Perfect for snow lovers
Gudauri and Bakuriani offer amazing skiing, snowboarding, and winter resorts
Cozy cafes and Christmas markets in Tbilisi
Spring (Mar–May):
Mild weather, blooming nature
Tbilisi’s old town feels magical with fresh greenery
Great time for sightseeing without crowds
Summer (Jun–Aug):
Warm in cities, cooler in mountains
Head to Batumi for beach vibes
Ideal for hiking in Kazbegi and Svaneti
Autumn (Sep–Nov):
Fall foliage, wine harvest season
Cultural festivals and outdoor dining at its best
Best overall months? May, June, September—pleasant weather and fewer crowds!
Both durations work—but here’s how to choose:
Tbilisi city tour
Day trip to Kazbegi or Kakheti (wine region)
Half-day Mtskheta visit (UNESCO site)
Perfect Itinerary for a budget-friendly short escape.
All of the above plus 2 days in Gudauri or Batumi
More time to relax and explore local cafes, museums, or natural hot springs
Recommended if you’re going with family or on a honeymoon.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Technically, no, but airlines and immigration sometimes ask for it, especially for expats.
It’s wise to have basic coverage for medical emergencies or flight cancellations.
Georgia SIM or Roaming?
Local SIM (like Magticom or Beeline) = faster and cheaper
Available at airport or any city kiosk
Most packages offer unlimited data for ~$10
UAE roaming? Only if you’re okay with paying extra
📶 Tip: Georgia has excellent mobile and internet coverage—even in remote areas.
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
1 AED ≈ 0.72–0.74 GEL (check live rates)
Where to exchange?
Avoid converting in Dubai
Use currency exchange offices in Tbilisi or Batumi for better rates
ATMs are widely available
What’s cheap?
Food! A hearty local meal = AED 15–20
Cabs, SIM cards, and sightseeing tickets
Wine and local souvenirs
What’s not?
Branded fashion/clothes
Some luxury spa services
Tourist traps (like overpriced old town restaurants—do your research)
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking That Ticket
Whether you’re heading for a mountain escape, a beachside stroll, or a historic wander through Tbilisi’s cobbled streets—your entry point into Georgia matters more than you think.
Here’s the lowdown:
Which city should you fly into—and why?
Best for first-timers
Capital city with easy access to Kazbegi, Mtskheta, and wine regions
Tons of tour operators, rentals, and city vibes
✨ Recommended for: Solo travelers, couples, cultural explorers
Quieter city in western Georgia
Close to Prometheus Caves, Martvili Canyon, and scenic countryside
Budget airlines often fly here
✨ Recommended for: Nature lovers, backpackers, repeat visitors
Georgia’s beach city on the Black Sea
Great for a summer trip, especially if you want sea, casinos, and nightlife
✨ Recommended for: Families in summer, UAE expats craving a coastal break
📍Tip: Tbilisi is ideal if it’s your first-ever Georgia trip. The other cities work better for specific types of holidays.
✈️ Pro Tip: Check return timings—some Wizz Air and Air Arabia flights land or depart at odd hours, which may cost you a night’s hotel stay.
Flying to Georgia is surprisingly easy on the body clock.
✈️ Flight Time: Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours (non-stop)
🕒 Time Difference: Georgia is only +1 hour ahead of the UAE
That means minimal jet lag, even for kids and older travelers. You can land in Tbilisi by noon and be exploring the old town by afternoon!
Dress Smart, Pack Right & Travel Light (But Not Cold!)
If you’re from the UAE, chances are your “cold tolerance” is a little low 
Georgia’s mountain breeze or even a spring evening in Tbilisi can feel chilly—especially if you’re used to desert heat.
So let’s make sure your suitcase is prepped right
Packing by season = fewer regrets, better Insta photos 😄
Layer up: thermal inners, sweaters, waterproof jackets
Gloves, beanies, and boots (especially for Gudauri or Bakuriani)
Tbilisi may snow lightly, but mountain areas get real snow
Light jackets, full-sleeve tops, jeans
Layers are key: Mornings = cool, Afternoons = warm
Sneakers or comfy walking shoes
Light cottons, t-shirts, modest shorts
Sunscreen + hat for outdoor hikes
Light shawl or scarf (AC in malls/restaurants can be chilly)
Similar to spring: light jackets, long sleeves, light scarf
Keep a foldable umbrella—light showers are common
🔔 Desert Kid Alert: Even summer nights in mountain areas like Kazbegi can drop below 12°C—pack a hoodie at least!
Is Georgia conservative or chill with dress codes?
Mostly chill, but churches and religious sites follow traditional rules:
Women: Carry a light scarf to cover head (at churches only)
Men: Avoid shorts inside monasteries
No sleeveless tops inside religious places (for both)
Outside religious spots, Georgia is modern and open—dresses, jeans, modest shorts are all fine.
Don’t overpack tech you won’t touch. Here’s what UAE travelers actually use on the ground in Georgia:
✅ Universal Travel Adapter
Georgia uses Type C & F plugs (Euro style, two round pins)
Voltage: 220V (same as UAE)
✅ Power Bank
Especially for long day trips to Kazbegi, wine tours, or canyon hikes
Many cafes allow plug-ins, but not all
✅ Google Translate App
Georgian is a unique script—not like Russian or Arabic
Most young locals speak some English, but for signs or menus, Translate is gold
Bonus: Download offline Georgian-English pack
✅ Offline Maps App (Like Maps.me or Google Maps offline mode)
Useful in remote areas where mobile data can get spotty
✅ Mini Toiletry Kit
Not every restroom on road trips is fully stocked 😅
Pack tissues, sanitizer, lip balm, and sunscreen
How to Move Like a Local (Without Getting Ripped Off)
Transportation in Georgia can be smooth—or a bit chaotic—depending on how prepared you are.
Let’s help you avoid tourist traps and make moving around easy from a UAE traveler’s perspective 👇
Rule #1: Never take a taxi without using an app. Period.
Why? Because meterless taxis often quote 3X the real fare, especially around airports or tourist spots.
✅ Use These Apps Instead:
Bolt – Most popular ride app in Georgia. Clean cars, reliable fares
Yandex Go – Another solid option, often a bit cheaper than Bolt
Maxim – Budget-friendly but sometimes slower response
Sample Fare (Tbilisi Inner City):
Airport to Old Town: 20–25 GEL (Bolt)
City rides: 5–10 GEL
🧠 Local Hack: Turn on cashless payment in your app for easier checkout and fewer miscommunication issues.
Want to explore the mountains, wineries, or hidden gems at your own pace?
Self-driving is a great option—but here’s what UAE residents should know:
✅ Can You Drive in Georgia with a UAE License?
Yes. If you’re on tourist status, your valid UAE driving license is accepted without an International Driving Permit.
🛣️ Road Conditions & Safety:
Major highways = good condition
Mountain roads (Kazbegi, Mestia) = steep, narrow, winding
Google Maps works fine, but watch for potholes in rural areas
Locals drive fast—stay alert, especially in curves
🚘 Pro Tip: Rent a small SUV or 4×4 if heading to hilly regions
Rental Cost:
Daily SUV rental: ~100–150 AED
Most companies ask for a credit card + passport copy
🟢 Worth It If:
You’re traveling on a tight budget
You’re okay with limited English signage and longer travel times
You’re visiting only Tbilisi and nearby towns
🔴 Skip It If:
You value comfort, convenience, and speed
You’re on a family trip or with elderly travelers
You plan to go to mountainous or rural areas (connectivity is patchy)
Best Use Case:
Tbilisi Metro – Fast, cheap (0.5 GEL), safe
Minibuses (Marshrutkas) – Good for small town travel, but not ideal for first-time tourists
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS):
Book a Bolt as soon as you land
Airport Wi-Fi is fast, or use local SIM
Avoid taxi drivers waiting outside—they’ll overcharge
Kutaisi / Batumi Airports:
Pre-book a transfer via your hotel or tour operator
Public transport is limited at these airports
Georgia might feel like an “offbeat” destination, but once you land, you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.
From visa-free entry and budget-friendly travel to snow-capped adventures and soulful food—this country offers the perfect balance of new and familiar for UAE travelers.
And the best part?
It’s close, affordable, and welcoming to all—from solo explorers to family vacationers.
Whether you’re planning a quick 5-day escape or a full 7-day discovery, use this guide as your pre-booking GPS.
You’ll avoid rookie mistakes, save money, and travel with total confidence.
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Best overall months? May, June, September—pleasant weather and fewer crowds!
Travel with kids or elders? Pre-booked private transfers (AED 60–90) = smoother arrival, zero hassle.