Visa and Entry for Indians
Good news for Indian passport holders: getting into Georgia is relatively straightforward. Most Indian travellers will need to apply for an e-Visa through the official government portal (evisa.gov.ge). The process is entirely online, costs around $20-$35
USD, and typically takes 5-7 working days for approval. You'll need scanned copies of your passport, a photo, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and proof of funds. A key update since January 2026 is that travel and health insurance are now mandatory for all foreign tourists. Alternatively, if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK, or any Schengen state, you can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days.
Crafting Your Backpacker Budget
Georgia is incredibly affordable, making it perfect for a budget trip. A solo backpacker can comfortably manage on a daily budget of ₹2,500–₹4,000. A comfortable 7-day trip, including flights, can be done for around ₹60,000–₹85,000. Here’s a rough breakdown of daily costs: accommodation in a hostel dorm costs between ₹800–₹1,500 per night. A meal at a local eatery can be as cheap as ₹300–₹500. Local transport within cities is also very cheap; a single ride on the Tbilisi metro costs 1 Lari (around ₹30). Withdrawing cash from ATMs using a zero-forex card is often more economical than exchanging currency multiple times.
Getting There and Around
Several airlines like IndiGo, Air Arabia, and flydubai offer flights from major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai to Tbilisi. Round-trip tickets can range from ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 if booked a few months in advance. Once in Georgia, the most common way for backpackers to travel between cities is by using 'marshrutkas'. These are shared minibuses that are frequent, cheap, and cover most parts of the country. For longer distances, like from Tbilisi to Batumi or Zugdidi, the train network is a more comfortable option. Within Tbilisi, the metro system is efficient and easy to navigate. For other rides, the Bolt app (similar to Uber) is widely used and much cheaper than airport taxis.
Accommodation for Budget Travellers
Georgia’s backpacking scene is well-developed, with a fantastic network of hostels and guesthouses. In Tbilisi, you can find vibrant hostels in the Old Town or near Rustaveli Avenue for as little as ₹800 a night for a dorm bed. These are great places to meet other travellers. For those seeking more privacy, guesthouses run by local families offer a wonderful, authentic experience. They are common in mountain regions like Kazbegi and Svaneti, often including home-cooked meals for a reasonable price, typically between ₹1,200–₹1,800 per night. These stays provide a unique glimpse into Georgian hospitality.
What to Eat and Drink
Georgian cuisine is a highlight in itself. It’s hearty, delicious, and incredibly cheap. A must-try is Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread; the Adjaruli version comes with a raw egg and butter on top. Another staple is Khinkali, large soup dumplings usually filled with meat, which cost around ₹40–₹60 per piece. For vegetarians, there are plenty of options like Lobio (a thick bean stew), Pkhali (minced vegetable pâtés with walnuts), and various mushroom dishes. Don't miss out on trying Georgian lemonade, which comes in unique flavours like tarragon and pear. And of course, Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine, so trying local wine is a must.
Safety and Cultural Etiquette
Georgia is widely considered a very safe country for tourists, with low crime rates, even in the capital, Tbilisi. Solo female travellers often report feeling safer here than in many other European destinations. Locals are generally friendly and welcoming to Indian tourists. While English is spoken in tourist areas in Tbilisi, it’s less common in rural regions, so having a translation app can be helpful. When visiting monasteries and churches, it's respectful for women to cover their heads with a scarf (often provided at the entrance) and for both men and women to wear modest clothing that covers their knees and shoulders.
