Winter 2026–27

Winter in Georgia by car

Going to Georgia for New Year or a ski trip? If you drive a foreign-registered car, you need Georgian compulsory car insurance (TPL, also called APPA) for the whole stay. Since 1 January 2026 most foreign visitors also need travel medical insurance with at least GEL 30,000 of cover. Buy both online before you leave — the border gets busy in the last days of December.

Get everything in one orderWhat you need

Two ways to spend winter in Georgia

New Year in Tbilisi & Batumi

Tbilisi meets the new year with fireworks over the whole city at midnight; Batumi celebrates by the Black Sea.

  • The border gets busy in the last days of December — insure online before you leave and skip the kiosk queue.
  • Staying into January? Pick a policy that covers every day your car is in Georgia.
  • Central Tbilisi fills up on New Year’s Eve — ask your hotel about parking.

Ski season in Gudauri & Bakuriani

Gudauri is about 120 km north of Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Road; Bakuriani is about 180 km west, near Borjomi. The season usually runs from December into March or April.

  • Carry snow chains or use winter tyres — on snowy days police may only let equipped cars up the mountain.
  • The Jvari Pass above Gudauri can close in heavy snow; check the road before you set off.
  • Crossing at Upper Lars? It can close in bad weather, so keep a day spare.

Your winter trip checklist

Everything below is bought online and arrives by email.

  • 1

    Georgian car insurance (TPL)

    Required for every foreign-registered car for the whole stay. Police check it by number plate.

    Georgian APPA price: from $20.00 for 15 days

    Buy online →
  • 2

    Travel medical insurance

    Required for most foreign visitors since 1 January 2026: at least GEL 30,000 for the whole stay.

    From $3.62 per day

    Buy online →
  • 3

    Georgia eSIM

    Mobile data from the moment you arrive — for maps and road updates in the mountains.

    From $4.99

    Buy online →
  • 4

    Winter driving kit

    Snow chains or winter tyres, a full tank, warm clothes and water in the car for mountain roads.

One order, one payment

Car insurance, travel medical insurance and an eSIM together — fill in your details once.

Build my winter trip

Winter questions

Do I need insurance to drive to Gudauri or Bakuriani?
Yes, if your car is registered abroad. Georgian compulsory third-party liability insurance (TPL/APPA) is required for the whole time the car is in Georgia, mountain roads included. A Green Card or a policy from home is not accepted.
Is travel medical insurance required in winter too?
Yes. Since 1 January 2026 the requirement applies all year to most foreign visitors: at least GEL 30,000 of cover for the whole stay, valid from the day you enter.
Which car policy should I pick for a New Year trip?
The shortest one that covers every day your car is in Georgia: 15 days for a holiday week, one month if you stay into January.
Is the road to Gudauri open in winter?
Usually — Gudauri is a winter resort and the road from Tbilisi is kept clear. In heavy snow the Jvari Pass above the resort can close and police may require chains, so check current road conditions before you leave.
Can I buy everything before I leave home?
Yes. Car insurance, travel medical insurance and the eSIM are all bought online and delivered by email; you choose the start date when you order.