The complete pre-departure checklist

UK to Georgia driving checklist

Everything to sort before you leave, grouped so nothing gets missed on the day. For the full route and entry rules, see our UK-to-Georgia driving guide, and for exact coverage and pricing see our Georgian insurance guide for UK drivers.

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Documents

  • Passport valid for the whole trip (check it won’t expire while you’re away)
  • UK driving licence, carried in the car at all times
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) from a UK Post Office — not always required, but a safety net every official recognises
  • The car’s original V5C registration certificate — not a photocopy
  • A signed letter of permission if you’re driving a car that isn’t registered in your name
  • Current MOT certificate and proof of UK insurance for the vehicle

Insurance — the two you actually need for Georgia

  • Georgian compulsory car insurance (APPA), bought online before you leave — your UK policy and any Green Card stop working at the Georgian border
  • Travel medical insurance for every person in the car, covering at least $5,000 outpatient / $30,000 hospital — a legal entry requirement since January 2026
  • Check your UK insurer’s “days abroad” limit — many policies only cover Europe for 30–90 days by default; extend it if your trip runs longer
  • European breakdown cover that explicitly includes the countries on your route, not just the EU

Vehicle preparation

  • Headlamp beam deflectors fitted — UK right-hand-drive headlights dazzle oncoming traffic once you’re driving on the right
  • A UK sticker or the correct UK identifier already on your number plate for driving outside the UK
  • Warning triangle and hi-vis vest — required kit in most countries on the route, including Türkiye
  • Full service and MOT before departure — breakdowns are far more disruptive mid-route than at home
  • Spare bulbs, a basic tool kit, and a tyre repair kit or spare wheel
  • Snow chains if you’re travelling between November and March, particularly over higher Turkish routes

Visas and entry rules for the route, not just Georgia

  • Georgia: visa-free for UK citizens for up to 365 days — confirm current policy at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/georgia
  • Türkiye: UK citizens generally need an e-Visa arranged in advance online — apply only through the official government portal, never a third-party site
  • Check FCDO travel advice for every country your route crosses, not only the destination — requirements and safety guidance change country by country
  • Confirm your passport meets each country’s minimum validity-on-entry rule, which can differ from Georgia’s

Money and payments

  • Tell your bank you’re travelling, so card payments abroad aren’t blocked as suspicious activity
  • A UK card that works for contactless and online payment — Georgian insurance checkout accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Apple Pay
  • Some cash in euros or Turkish lira for tolls and fuel stops where cards aren’t accepted
  • A little Georgian lari (GEL) for the first day, before you find somewhere to change money or use a card

At the Sarpi border, have ready on your phone (plus a paper backup)

  • Passport and vehicle registration document
  • Georgian APPA insurance PDF
  • Travel medical insurance certificate for every occupant
  • UK driving licence and IDP if you have one
  • Vehicle VIN and registration number — written down separately in case you can’t access your phone

Sources and accuracy

Visa, customs, and vehicle-equipment rules can change and vary by exact route. Always confirm current requirements with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's travel advice (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) for every country you'll cross, and Türkiye's official e-Visa portal directly before you travel. Insurance figures reflect currently published rates. Last reviewed: July 2026.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Türkiye visa as well as Georgian insurance?

Yes — they cover completely different things. The Turkish e-Visa is an entry requirement for the leg of the trip through Türkiye; Georgian APPA insurance is a legal requirement for the vehicle once you’re in Georgia. Sort both before you leave the UK.

Can I actually get through this whole checklist the same week I leave?

Yes — Georgian insurance and travel medical cover both take about three minutes online each, and a Turkish e-Visa is usually approved within minutes to 24 hours. The only items worth doing earlier are the IDP (a couple of weeks by post) and the vehicle service/MOT.

What happens if I forget a document at the border?

It depends which one. Missing car insurance or travel medical insurance can mean being turned back or delayed until you buy it — both are available online from a phone even at the border if you still have signal. Missing physical documents like the V5C are harder to fix on the spot, so double-check those before you leave home.