Official Import Rules
Georgia has relatively relaxed pet import rules. Core requirements are an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate. No import permit is needed for personal pet cats.
For US-origin pets, the health certificate must be issued by an accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS before travel. The certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue.
A rabies antibody titration test is listed as a standard condition on official Georgian government MFA embassy pages. USDA APHIS clarifies it is not required for US-origin pets traveling directly to Georgia, or transiting only countries listed under Article 7 of the non-commercial movement rules. However, if your routing includes a transit through an unlisted country and you do not complete the Annex No.
3 Transit Declaration, the titer test becomes mandatory. Check your specific itinerary carefully.
NFA (National Food Agency) inspects animals on arrival at Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT) airports. Georgia is one of the easier destinations in the Caucasus region.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days, not more than 1 year before travel)
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel (US-origin pets: must be endorsed by USDA APHIS before departure)
Government endorsement of health certificate required (USDA APHIS endorsement for US-origin pets; certificate must bear name and signature of competent authority representative)
Rabies titer test: not required for direct travel or transit via Article 7-listed countries only — but required if transiting an unlisted country without completing the Annex No. 3 Transit Declaration. Check your routing.
No import permit required
Arrive at Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT) — present documents at customs
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None
City & Housing Tips
Tbilisi is the main destination and a booming digital nomad hub. Batumi on the Black Sea coast is also popular. Georgia has incredibly affordable living costs and a warm, welcoming culture. Many apartments welcome cats. Street cats are common and well-tolerated.
Vets & Common Parasites
Adequate vet care in Tbilisi at very affordable prices. Several clinics cater to the growing expat community. Outside Tbilisi, vet care is very basic. Rabies is present — keep vaccinations current.
Find Vets in GeorgiaExit Rules — Leaving Georgia
Exit requires a health certificate from an NFA-approved vet. Processing usually same-day or next-day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visa-free for 1 year for most nationalities, extremely affordable living costs, fast internet, vibrant cafe culture, and a welcoming attitude to foreigners.
Georgia is one of the more accessible destinations. No import permit and no quarantine are required. You will need a microchip, a current rabies vaccine, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. A rabies titer test is not required for most direct routings, but may apply if your itinerary transits a country not listed under Article 7 of the non-commercial movement rules. Check your specific routing before travel.
Excellent. Affordable vet care, cheap and readily available cat food and supplies, and most Tbilisi apartments welcome cats. The city has a warm cat culture.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Georgia with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.