Your First Step: The E-Visa
For most Indian passport holders, the journey to Georgia begins online. The country offers a straightforward e-Visa process that eliminates the need for embassy visits. You can apply through the official portal (evisa.gov.ge) for a tourist visa that typically
allows for a stay of up to 30 days. The fee is approximately $20 USD plus service charges. Processing usually takes around five to seven working days. A crucial update for 2026 is that all foreign tourists must have valid travel and health insurance. Do note: Georgia does not offer a visa on arrival for Indians. However, if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK, or any Schengen nation, you may be able to enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days.
Accommodation: The Friendly World of Hostels
Georgia’s cities, especially the capital Tbilisi, are dotted with characterful and incredibly affordable hostels. A dorm bed can cost as little as ₹700-₹1,000 per night, offering a clean, safe, and social base for your adventures. Many hostels are located in central areas like Old Tbilisi or Avlabari, putting you within walking distance of major sights. Beyond just a cheap bed, hostels are fantastic places to meet fellow travellers from around the world, share tips, and join walking tours. Some, like Fabrika in Tbilisi, have evolved into cultural hubs with cafes, bars, and artist studios all under one roof. This not only saves you money but enriches your travel experience.
Eat Like Royalty on a Pauper's Budget
Georgian cuisine is a highlight in itself, and you don’t need to spend much to enjoy it. Forget expensive tourist-trap restaurants; the real magic is in the local bakeries and small eateries. A classic breakfast can be a fresh-from-the-oven khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) or lobiani (bean-filled bread) from a corner bakery for just a couple of Lari. For a hearty meal, dive into a plate of khinkali (meat or vegetable dumplings), where a single piece can cost around 2-2.5 GEL. Local markets are also great for picking up fresh fruits, cheese, and snacks. A daily food budget of ₹800–₹1,200 is very manageable and will still have you eating incredibly well.
Getting Around: Master the Marshrutka
Within Tbilisi, the metro and local buses are efficient and cheap. But for inter-city travel, the quintessential Georgian experience is the marshrutka. These shared minivans are the backbone of the country's transport system, connecting major cities like Tbilisi and Batumi with smaller towns and mountain villages. While they may lack the comfort of a train, they are incredibly cheap, with most routes costing just a few hundred rupees. Marshrutkas typically depart from central bus stations (like Didube in Tbilisi) once they are full. It’s a hectic, authentic, and undeniably effective way to see the country, allowing you to travel alongside locals.
Experience More, Spend Less
Some of the best experiences in Georgia are free. Spend your days wandering the endlessly charming, cobblestoned streets of Old Tbilisi, discovering hidden courtyards and colourful balconies. Visiting the country's ancient churches and monasteries, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, often costs nothing. Hiking in the majestic Caucasus mountains, especially in areas around Kazbegi, offers million-dollar views for free. Many cities also offer free walking tours, which are a fantastic way to orient yourself and learn about the local history from a passionate guide. By balancing a few paid attractions with these free activities, you can keep your daily expenses incredibly low.
