GEORGIAN CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Georgian Customs requirements are the same at all air, rail, vehicular or other port of entry.

Under no circumstances may a traveler import/transit any kind of nuclear means or waste. US Citizens may not import firearms into Georgia, however, hunting weapons may be brought into the country for a two week period based on a valid Georgian hunting license.

Baggage, weighing up to 50 kg, is not a subject to customs fees and declaration. This includes:

1. Any alcoholic beverages - 3 liters.
2. Beer - 10 liters.
3. Cigarette - 10 packs.
4. Jewelry - 1 piece.
5. Carpet, mechanically sewn only - 1 ea.
6. Tires, lightweight vehicle only - 4 ea.
7. Medicines for personnel treatment - reasonable amount for one person, accompanied with the statement of your doctor. Any other medicines are prohibited unless you have permission from the Georgian Department of Healthcare.

Upon entry you may request cost determination of your cargo by the Customs. No customs duty is required for items valued no more than 300 Georgian Lari (about 150 USD). You will have to pay duty on any items exceeding a value of 150 USD. Duty of 1 Lari/kg will be excised on baggage weighing between 50-100 kg.

Baggage exceeding 100 kg will automatically be classified as commercial cargo and duty will be determined by Customs regulations for commercial goods. Also, all identical items weighing more than 20 kg are considered commercial cargo and subject to Customs regulations for commercial goods.

There is no limit to the amount of currency that can be imported, but it must be declared. Items exceeding the above listed must also be declared on the Customs declaration form, available at the port of entry. It is mandatory to fill out this form, consisting of four different colored carbon-copy paper. After you fill it in, give it to the Customs officer and get the blue copy stamped. Do not lose it, as it will be needed when you exit the country. While forms are filed and theoretically retrievable if necessary, it is always better for YOU to have it.

Even though imported pets must have a health statement from your vet, the Georgian vet at the port of entry may want to examine your pet. This also applies to plants as well. If you possess any endangered species of animals or plants, you must have a license from the appropriate department in your country, although Customs may detain you until the appropriate Georgian Department is notified.

Vehicles brought into Georgia for private use will be issued a temporary 45-day license. If the stay exceeds 45 days, applications for an additional 3 months must be submitted to the nearest custom office. Beyond this time frame, a regular customs clearance is necessary for your vehicle, the specifics of which depend upon the engine capacity, age, etc. of your car.

Upon exiting Georgia, no declaration form is necessary for items or money indicated upon the entry. Under no circumstances are you allowed to take out any items listed as Georgia's cultural, historical or Government property, nor large amounts of Georgian currency (Lari).

If you take out animals, plants, valuables, medicines, not declared upon the entry, they must be declared. Paperwork/licenses from the appropriate departments demonstrating that they were obtained or purchased legally must be presented. Retain all receipts, as they will be of assistance. If more money is exported than declared upon entry, you are obligated to prove you obtained it legally.

Any valuables, such as artworks, antiques, jewelry, paintings, sculptures etc. must be licensed by the Georgian Ministry of Culture, Department of Expertise and Evaluation, address: Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi. Contact phone: 99-85-21. Contact person: Kakha Trapaidze, the Head of Department.