Georgia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Georgia's customs rules are traveler-friendly, but the cash declaration threshold is a common trap: you must declare any amount over 30,000 GEL (approx. 10,000 USD) in cash or monetary instruments. Failure can lead to seizure and fines. These rules apply to non-resident adult travelers arriving from abroad in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Over this, duty is 5 GEL per liter of spirits, 1 GEL per liter of wine/beer.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
30,000 GEL (approx. 10,000 USD) or equivalent in any currency. Declare on the customs declaration form (available at border). Over this, you need proof of origin.
Goods duty-free
$500
Duty-free allowance for personal goods up to 1,500 GEL (approx. 500 USD). Over that, duty is 18% VAT plus customs duty (rates vary by item).

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except with a permit)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with a permit)
  • Radioactive materials
  • Pornographic materials
  • Endangered species and products (CITES)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prescription and declaration)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Drones (require registration and permit from the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency)
  • Satellite phones (require a permit from the Ministry of Economy)
  • Cultural property (antiques, art) – may require export permit from the Ministry of Culture

Arriving: red vs green channel

Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare (goods under 1,500 GEL, no restricted items). Use the red channel if you exceed allowances or have restricted items. There is no arrival card; you may be asked to fill a customs declaration form if you have items to declare.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Yes, for non-residents. Minimum purchase 200 GEL (approx. 67 USD) per receipt at a store displaying 'Tax Free for Tourists' logo. Claim at Tbilisi or Kutaisi airport before check-in. Refund is 18% VAT minus a small fee.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed without prescription. For controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, psychotropics), carry a doctor's prescription in English or Georgian. Some common Western medications like codeine-containing painkillers are controlled; check with the Georgian Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

No restrictions on personal food items for consumption, but meat and dairy products from non-EU countries may be inspected. Plants, seeds, and soil require a phytosanitary certificate. Declare any food or plant products.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is strict

You must declare any amount over 30,000 GEL (approx. 10,000 USD) in cash, traveler's cheques, or monetary instruments. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation and a fine of up to 100% of the amount.

Duty-free for personal goods is 1,500 GEL

The duty-free allowance for personal goods is 1,500 GEL (approx. 500 USD). Over that, you pay 18% VAT plus customs duty. This is lower than the typical 800 USD limit in many countries.

Alcohol and tobacco limits are per person

The allowances are per adult traveler (18+). If you exceed them, you must pay duty and VAT. Mixing is allowed but must not exceed the equivalent of 200 cigarettes or 1 liter of spirits.

No duty-free for goods bought in Georgia

If you buy goods in Georgia and leave, you can claim VAT refund (see above). But there is no duty-free allowance for goods bought in Georgia and taken out – you pay VAT at purchase and claim refund at departure.

Frequently asked questions

No, personal electronics for your own use are not subject to duty. But if you have multiple expensive items (e.g., two laptops), customs may consider them commercial goods and charge duty. Declare them if unsure.
Yes, for personal consumption. Meat and dairy from EU countries are generally fine. From non-EU countries, they may be inspected. Declare any food items to avoid fines.
You must pay 18% VAT on the excess value, plus customs duty (typically 0-12% depending on the item). Use the red channel and fill a customs declaration.
There is no limit on bringing in or out GEL, but any amount over 30,000 GEL (approx. 10,000 USD) must be declared. Foreign currency over that equivalent also must be declared.
Yes, but you need to register it with the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency and get a permit. Without it, customs may seize the drone. Apply online before travel.
No restrictions on taking alcohol out of Georgia for personal use. For commercial quantities, you need an export permit. Duty-free shops at airports sell local wine and chacha.
Only if they contain controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam). For regular meds, no declaration needed. Carry a doctor's note for controlled ones.

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.