Georgia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Georgia's customs regime is among the most permissive in the region, but the cash declaration threshold is unusually low and aggressively enforced — undeclared cash is seized on the spot. Officers care far more about bulk cash and undeclared commercial goods than about a bottle of wine in your suitcase.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of wine/beer/other alcohol under 22% ABV. Must be 18+. Anything above that is dutiable at the standard rate.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying 30,000 GEL or more (approx. USD 11,000) in cash or cash equivalents. Use the customs declaration form available at the red channel or download it from the Revenue Service website before you fly.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods up to 800 GEL (approx. USD 295) are duty-free. Above that, a flat 20% VAT plus applicable excise applies on the excess — no personal exemption for commercial quantities.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even where legal abroad)
  • Weapons, ammunition and explosives without a permit
  • Counterfeit currency and counterfeit branded goods
  • Pornographic materials and anything deemed extremist or anti-state
  • Certain meat and dairy products from countries with animal disease outbreaks
  • Live animals and plants without proper veterinary/phytosanitary certificates

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medicines — especially opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants — require a doctor's note and may need prior approval
  • Drones — must be declared and registered with the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
  • Satellite phones and strong encryption devices — declare on arrival
  • Cultural artefacts and antiques — require an export permit, and import may need documentation
  • Firearms for hunting or sport — require a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Arriving: red vs green channel

Georgia uses the standard red/green channel system at Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi airports. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel — no form is needed. If you're over any allowance or carrying 30,000 GEL+ in cash, go to the red channel and fill out the customs declaration form there.

Bringing medication

Personal medication for your own use is allowed with a doctor's note or prescription, but keep it in original packaging and only bring a reasonable quantity (typically up to a 30-day supply). Georgia has strict rules on narcotics, psychotropics and strong painkillers — codeine, tramadol and some ADHD medications are controlled and can land you in serious trouble without prior approval from the Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, dairy, fresh fruit and vegetables from most countries are restricted or banned to protect local agriculture. Commercially packaged, shelf-stable foods are generally fine. Plants, seeds, soil and live animals need a phytosanitary or veterinary certificate — declare them or risk confiscation and a fine.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration threshold is low

You must declare 30,000 GEL (about USD 11,000) or more in cash or cash equivalents. This is lower than the EU's EUR 10,000 and the US's USD 10,000, so it catches more travellers. Undeclared cash can be seized and you may face a fine.

No duty-free shop on arrival

Unlike many countries, Georgia does not have a duty-free shop in the arrivals hall. Buy your alcohol and tobacco before you fly or in the departures area — you cannot top up after landing.

Strict on medicines

Georgia treats many common Western prescription drugs as controlled substances. Codeine, tramadol and ADHD stimulants are the usual trip-ups. Bring your prescription and keep quantities to a personal 30-day supply.

Flat 20% VAT on excess goods

If your personal goods exceed 800 GEL, you pay 20% VAT on the excess plus excise on alcohol and tobacco. There is no reduced rate or personal exemption for small overages — it's all or nothing.

Frequently asked questions

No. If you are under all allowances and carrying less than 30,000 GEL in cash, walk through the green channel and you're done. No form, no queue.
Yes, up to 2 litres of wine duty-free. Georgia is the birthplace of wine, so bringing your own is fine — just don't exceed the limit or you'll pay duty on the excess.
You fill out a declaration form at the red channel. The customs officer will count it, record the amount and give you a copy. You are not taxed on it — it's just a reporting requirement.
Yes, but they fall under the same tobacco allowance. You can bring 200 cigarettes or equivalent, and e-liquids are treated as tobacco products. Nicotine pouches are also restricted.
Yes, with a valid veterinary certificate and a rabies vaccination record. The animal must be declared at customs and may be inspected by the border vet service.
No. Georgia does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme. You cannot claim back VAT on purchases when you leave.
Commercially packaged, shelf-stable food is generally fine. Fresh meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables are restricted or banned. If in doubt, declare it — the fine for undeclared food is smaller than for undeclared cash.

Official source

Revenue Service of Georgia (Customs Department)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Revenue Service of Georgia (Customs Department) before travelling.