Georgia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Georgia permits duty-free import of up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco (combined allowance), 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol or 2 liters of wine/beer under 22%, and personal goods valued up to 800 GEL (approximately USD 300). Cash or monetary instruments equivalent to 30,000 GEL or more (about USD 11,100) must be declared. Travelers must be 18+ for alcohol and tobacco. These rules apply as of 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol, OR 2 liters of wine or beer (under 22%). Traveler must be 18+. Exceeding the limit requires declaration and payment of 18% duty on the excess value.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$11,100
Cash and monetary instruments equivalent to 30,000 GEL or more (approximately USD 11,100 at 2026 exchange rates) must be declared on the customs declaration form. This includes GEL, foreign currency, traveler's checks, and negotiable instruments. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared amount.
Goods duty-free
$300
Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of 800 GEL (approximately USD 300) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to duty at a flat rate of 18% on the excess amount. Customs officers assess value based on receipts or market prices.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except with a medical prescription and permit from the Ministry of Health)
  • Weapons, ammunition, explosives, and military equipment (without a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Pornographic materials and items promoting violence or racial hatred
  • Endangered species of flora and fauna (CITES-listed) without a permit
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated intellectual property

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use: require a prescription or medical certificate for quantities exceeding a 30-day supply; controlled substances need advance approval from the Ministry of Health
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products: require a phytosanitary certificate from the National Food Agency
  • Pets (cats, dogs, ferrets): require a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an EU-style pet passport or veterinary certificate
  • Cultural property and antiques: require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture for items over 100 years old
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles: require registration with the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency and a permit for use

Rules worth knowing

Duty-free allowance for goods is in GEL

The duty-free threshold for personal goods is 800 GEL (not USD). At the official exchange rate (approximately 2.67 GEL per USD in 2026), this equals about USD 300. Customs officers assess value based on receipts or market prices.

Temporary import of vehicles

Foreign-registered vehicles can be brought into Georgia for up to 90 days without customs clearance. A vehicle passport and registration documents are required. Overstaying may result in fines or seizure.

Alcohol and tobacco limits are per person

The allowances for alcohol and tobacco are strictly per adult traveler (18+). They cannot be combined or transferred between travelers in the same group. Exceeding the limit results in duty and a fine.

Cash declaration threshold is in GEL

The mandatory cash declaration threshold is 30,000 GEL (or equivalent in foreign currency). This is approximately USD 11,100. Failure to declare amounts above this can lead to confiscation and a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared amount.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only for personal consumption and in small quantities. Meat, dairy, and animal products from non-EU countries may require a veterinary certificate. Fruits and vegetables are generally allowed if free of pests. Commercial quantities are prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate.
No, personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and smartphones are considered personal effects and do not need to be declared, provided they are for personal use and not for resale. If you have multiple units of the same item, customs may ask for proof of ownership or a receipt.
If you bring more than 1 liter of spirits (or 2 liters of wine/beer), you must declare the excess and pay duty at a flat rate of 18% on the value of the excess. Failure to declare can result in a fine and confiscation of the goods.
Yes, for personal use. Carry a doctor's prescription or medical certificate (in English or Georgian) for any controlled substances. For a 30-day supply or less, no special permit is needed. For larger quantities, contact the Georgian Ministry of Health in advance.
There is no limit on bringing GEL into or out of Georgia, but amounts equivalent to 30,000 GEL or more (approximately USD 11,100) must be declared on the customs form. Exports of GEL over 30,000 require a declaration and proof of legal origin.
Gifts are treated as personal goods. The total value of all gifts and personal items must not exceed 800 GEL (approximately USD 300) to be duty-free. If the total value exceeds this, duty is charged on the entire amount above 800 GEL at 18%.