გამარჯობა
gamarjoba
Useful information
Practical information
for attendees
Everything you need to know before you travel to Batumi - from airports and visas to the venue, currency, and a few words of Georgian.
Getting to Batumi
Closer than
you think.
Batumi International Airport (BUS) is located approximately 20 minutes from the city centre by road. Direct flights connect Batumi with major European and regional hubs.
Delegates may also arrive via Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), with onward connections by air, rail, or road. The road journey from Tbilisi to Batumi takes approximately five hours.
20min
Batumi airport → city centre
5h drive
Tbilisi (TBS) → Batumi
By air
Three airports, endless connections.
Depending on where you're flying from, you have three solid options - from the closest to the country's largest hub.
BUS9 km from the city
Batumi International Airport
Closest, most convenient
Handles both international and domestic flights, with major carriers keeping it well-connected. Routes cover Tbilisi, Istanbul, Baku, Dubai, Riyadh, and more.
Selected carriersTurkish Airlines, Georgian Airways, Flydubai, Pegasus, Azerbaijan Airlines, Arkia, Flynas, El Al, Yan Air, Scat Airlines
KUT115 km - approx. 1h 45min by road
Kutaisi International Airport
Budget-friendly entry from Europe
Wizz Air operates a huge network of low-cost routes from here, linking the wider Batumi region to Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, and many more. The road trip is a pleasant introduction to Georgia's scenery.
TBS370 km - connected by train, bus, or domestic flight
Tbilisi International Airport
Georgia's main international hub
20 km from the capital and built to full ICAO standards. Direct flights arrive from across Europe and the Gulf, including Munich, London, Geneva, Paris, Nice, Vienna, and Warsaw. From Tbilisi, reach Batumi by train, shared taxi, bus, or domestic flight.
Visa & entry requirements
Getting in
is easy.
Before travelling to Georgia, it is important to review the applicable entry and visa requirements. Depending on your nationality and travel documents, you may be eligible for visa-free entry or may need to obtain a visa in advance.
We recommend confirming the latest requirements before planning your trip, through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia portal.
98
countries
Nationals of many countries can enter visa-free, some for stays of up to a full year.
50
states
Residents of some 50 states holding valid permits are welcome for up to 90 days.
2015
e-Visa system
The year Georgia launched its online e-Visa system - apply in minutes at evisa.gov.ge.
The venue
Sheraton Batumi, on the first coastline.
Every session of the forum takes place at the Sheraton Batumi Hotel, directly on the Front Boulevard, overlooking the Black Sea.
The Georgia International Maritime Forum 2026 will be held at the Sheraton Batumi Hotel, on the first coastline along the Front Boulevard of Batumi.
A complimentary shuttle service runs between the recommended hotels and the venue during conference hours, so you are never far from the programme.
Accommodation
Where to stay.
A selection of partner hotels in the heart of Batumi.
Details coming soon
Front Boulevard · Batumi
Sheraton Batumi Hotel
The conference venue itself, on the first coastline along Batumi's Front Boulevard. Forum rates and booking details will be published here shortly.
Forum delegate rate
City centre · Batumi
Hampton by Hilton Batumi Center
A Hilton property in the centre of Batumi, holding a block of GIMF room-category rates for 5–9 September 2026. The rates apply to single or double occupancy and include breakfast.
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi, fitness centre, in-room safe and tea/coffee facilities
- GIMF rates held for 5–9 September 2026
- Maximum occupancy 2 persons, except the Queen Room with sofa bed and balcony
Forum delegate rate
Seafront · Batumi
Radisson Blu Batumi
A landmark seafront hotel on the Batumi boulevard, holding a limited block of superior, premium and suite rooms for forum guests. Reserve directly with the hotel by email, quoting the forum promotional code.
- Limited allotment — rooms are released on a first-come basis
Forum delegate rate
Seafront · Batumi
Hilton Batumi
Hilton's flagship Batumi property on the Black Sea coast, a short drive from the conference venue. A block of rooms is held for forum guests over 6–9 September 2026, bookable straight through Hilton's own reservation page.
- GIMF group block held for 6–9 September 2026
25% off published rate
Old Town · Batumi
Rooms Hotel Batumi
A design-led stay by Adjara Group in the heart of Batumi's Old Town, offering a choice of Old Town and Sea View rooms. Forum guests receive 25% off the published rate, with daily breakfast included.
- Daily breakfast included
- GIMF rates held for 6–10 September 2026
- Free cancellation until 24 August 2026
Forum rates, discount codes and booking links arrive with your forum ticket.
Around town & money
Local transport
A walkable city.
Batumi is compact and walkable. Licensed taxis and ride-hailing services operate widely, and a shuttle service runs between recommended hotels and the conference venue during conference hours.
Public transport includes a network of buses and minibuses. Most signage is provided in both Georgian and English.
Currency & payments
The Georgian Lari.
The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). ATMs are widely available, and card payments are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Currency exchange offices are located at the airport, in the city centre, and at the conference venue. The conference does not endorse any specific exchange operator.
Practical Batumi
The city at a glance.
A quick reference for the essentials - the numbers, the seasons, and the passes worth having in your pocket.
At a glance
- Population
- 180,000 – 235,000
- Language
- Georgian
- Time zone
- GMT+4
- Currency
- Georgian Lari (GEL)
- Exchange
- ≈2.64 GEL / USD · 3.02 GEL / EUR
- Electricity
- 220V / 50Hz · plugs C, F
- Emergency
- Dial 112
Weather by season
Spring12–23°C
Summer21–31°C
Autumn15–24°C
Winter5–17°C
Batumi has a subtropical climate. Rain can come at any time, so a light jacket is always worth packing.
Feeling safe
One of the region's safest cities.
Batumi ranks with a Safety Index of 81.66 (Numbeo, 2024) - peace of mind whether you're exploring solo, as a couple, or with family.
The Batumi Card
Your key to the city.
Valid for 10 days, the card unlocks discounts across attractions, museums, hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout Ajara - plus 10 free public transport rides, a free SIM card with 1 GB of data, and up to 40% off at partner venues.
visitajara.comGetting around
Easy to navigate.
Buses, taxis, electric scooters, and bicycles make Batumi straightforward and enjoyable. Nine Tourist Information Centers across the city offer free maps, travel guides, and local expertise.
By train
railway.geComfortable, scenic, affordable.
Daily trains run from both Tbilisi and Kutaisi to Batumi Central station - a comfortable and affordable way to arrive in style. Book tickets in advance and check schedules and fares, especially during peak season.
Emergency contacts
Single emergency line
112
One number reaches police, fire, and ambulance - 24 hours a day.
On-site conference contact
For anything related to the conference, our on-site team is available during conference hours.
+995 558 01 86 86Language tips
A few words go a long way.
Conference sessions are held in English, with simultaneous interpretation provided where indicated in the agenda. Out in the city, a couple of Georgian phrases are always warmly received.
მადლობა
madloba