Georgia customs rules & duty-free allowances
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
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.