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Georgia Travel Restrictions
Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status
Traveling from the United States to Georgia
Open for vaccinated visitors
COVID-19 testing
Not required
Not required for vaccinated visitors
Restaurants
Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.
Georgia entry details and exceptions
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Can I travel to Georgia from the United States?
Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Georgia.
Can I travel to Georgia if I am vaccinated?
Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Georgia without restrictions.
Can I travel to Georgia without being vaccinated?
Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Georgia without restrictions.
Do I need a COVID test to enter Georgia?
Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Georgia.
Can I travel to Georgia without quarantine?
Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.
Do I need to wear a mask in Georgia?
Mask usage in Georgia is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.
Are the restaurants and bars open in Georgia?
Restaurants in Georgia are open. Bars in Georgia are .
Update April 12, 2024
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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023
Georgia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.
Exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel To:
- The Russian-occupied Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to risk of crime, civil unrest, and landmines .
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Georgia.
If you decide to travel to Georgia:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
- Review the Country Security Report for Georgia.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
South Ossetia and Abkhazia – Do Not Travel
Russian troops and border guards occupy both South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The precise locations of administrative boundary lines are difficult to identify. Entering the occupied territories will likely result in your arrest, imprisonment, and/or a fine. Violent attacks and criminal incidents occur in the region. Landmines pose a danger to travelers near the boundary lines of both territories.
The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling there.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Embassy Messages
View Alerts and Messages Archive
Quick Facts
Must be valid at the time of entry.
One page is required for an entry stamp.
Not required for stays of 365 days or less.
Hepatitis A and pre-exposure rabies are recommended.
Embassies and Consulates
U.s. embassy tbilisi.
29 Georgian-American Friendship Avenue Didi Dighomi Tbilisi, Georgia, 0131 Telephone: +(995)(32) 227-7724 (M-F 8:30-5:30) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(995)(32) 227-7000 Website: https://ge.usembassy.gov/ Email: [email protected]
Destination Description
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Georgia for information on U.S.-Georgia relations
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
You need a valid passport to enter Georgia . U.S. citizens may enter, reside, work or study in Georgia without a visa for up to 365 days. Border authorities are free to conduct questioning and deny entry to anyone at their discretion, regardless of the traveler's citizenship. U.S. Embassy Tbilisi is unable to intercede on behalf of U.S. citizens or petition the government of Georgia to allow entry into Georgia. Visit the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most current visa information. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control ( CDC) website for immunization information.
- U.S. citizens who overstay the permitted 365-day period are subject to a fine.
- If transiting Georgia , law enforcement and border officials may inquire about the purpose of your travel, funds, insurance, reservations, return tickets, and invitations before granting entry.
- Georgian law requires travelers to enter and depart using travel documents of the same nationality.
- Georgian law requires that Georgian citizens, including dual nationals, enter and depart Georgia on Georgian passports. The government of Georgia may consider naturalized U.S. citizens a Georgian citizen.
- Under Georgian law, U.S.-Georgian dual-national males between the ages of 18 and 27 may be subject to military conscription. For more information, please review the Georgian Ministry of Defense webpage.
- Foreign documents intended for official use in Georgia must be authenticated with an apostille. This includes documents used to apply for a Georgian residency permit or to document the birth of a child born in Georgia.
- The U.S. Embassy cannot, under any circumstances, authenticate a document issued in the United States , regardless of whether the document has been notarized in the United States. See the Department’s webpages on Judicial Assistance and Notarial and/or Authentication Service for more information on apostilles.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Georgia.
Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs information on our websites.
Safety and Security
Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations continue to plot possible attacks throughout Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:
- High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
- Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
- Places of worship
- Shopping malls and markets
- Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)
For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Adjacent Areas: The United States and most other countries consider these regions part of Georgia. However, de facto local authorities claim independence, and Russian troops and border guards occupy both regions. Attacks, criminal incidents, and kidnappings have occurred in and around the areas. While none of the activity has been anti-American in nature, there is a high risk of travelers finding themselves in a wrong place/wrong time situation. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Georgia and do not travel to these regions. If you choose to travel there, you should be aware:
- U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia or South Ossetia. We are unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in either territory. U.S. government employees also are restricted from traveling within five kilometers of the administrative boundary line (ABL) dividing these regions from Tbilisi-administered territory.
- The administrative boundary line (ABL) of South Ossetia is not clearly marked in many places and frequently moving in other places. There is an elevated risk of wandering into South Ossetia unknowingly while hiking, particularly on the ABL’s eastern side , which could result in detention by security forces.
- Unexploded ordnance left over from previous conflicts pose a danger near the administrative boundary line of South Ossetia.
- You may only legally enter these regions from the Georgian side, per Georgian law.
- You may be arrested, detained, imprisoned, and/or fined by Russian, Georgian or de facto authorities if you enter without proper documentation.
- Medical services in the occupied territories are extremely limited. Hospitals do not accept credit cards or medical insurance, have little to no infectious disease control, and lack medicine.
- There are no commercial airports in either region making air ambulance evacuations impossible during medical emergencies.
- It is illegal to undertake any type of economic activity in Abkhazia or South Ossetia that requires permits, licenses, or registration, per Georgian law. Laws also ban mineral exploration, money transfers, and international transit via Abkhazia or South Ossetia.
Pankisi Gorge: The Department of State cautions U.S. citizens against travel to the Pankisi Gorge region (north of the villages of Matane and Chorale, to the border with Russia, including the city of Duisk) because of the current security environment and the potential for civil unrest. There are restrictions on U.S. Embassy personnel traveling to this region or within five kilometers of it. While the Georgian government has had success in combating terrorism within its borders, U.S. citizens should remain vigilant. ISIS recruiting has occurred in Pankisi in the past, and some known terrorists have confirmed ties to the Pankisi Gorge region.
Crime : Criminals may target foreigners. Take precautions against becoming a victim of crime as you would in any large city.
- Firearms are readily available in Georgia, assailants may be armed, and disputes with firearms could occur.
- Alcohol consumption is prevalent and has been attributed to escalating or exacerbating otherwise minor disputes.
- Carrying pocket knives or other cutting devices in Georgia is illegal under most circumstances . You may be detained or cited if found in violation.
- There has been an increase in reports of “ confidence scams” where a traveler who orders drinks or food in a bar or restaurant is presented with a bill for exorbitantly high sums and then physically threatened if they do not pay. These are sometimes combined with “ romance scams ” wherein a traveler is taken to these establishments by someone they met online through a dating or other social meetup site.
- U.S. and other visitors have reported occurrences of sexual assault in Georgia.
- Avoid walking alone at night .
- Exercise caution when riding alone in private taxis or “marshrutka” mini buses.
- Maintain a low profile, do not carry large amounts of cash, and do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
- Use caution at ATMs , and always check for skimming devices or other tampering.
- Avoid using public WIFI networks or internet terminals as they did not protect your data or personal information.
- Foreign visitors report having items stolen from locked hotel rooms. Review additional information on crime threats in the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Georgia Country Security Report .
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, and during international events.
- Demonstrations can be unpredicatable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
- Security alerts about demonstrations can be found on the Embassy’s website here .
International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime : U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112, and contact the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi at (+ 995) (32) 227-7724 (after hours + 995 32 227-7000).
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) operates a 24-hour emergency response center similar to 911 (dial 112) and transfers emergency calls to the fire and rescue service, police, or the nearest medical emergency center. Most dispatchers speak only Georgian and Russian but will transfer calls to English-speaking operators.
Remember that the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. The U.S. Embassy has no law enforcement or legal authority overseas, nor can it investigate crimes in Georgia. U.S. embassy staff are prohibited by federal regulation from acting as agents, attorneys, or in a fiduciary capacity on behalf of U.S. citizens involved in legal disputes overseas.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
- Help you find medical care
- Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
- Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
- Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
- Provide a list of local attorneys
- Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
- Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
- Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
- Replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. Local resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or human trafficking include a hotline dial 116-006), temporary shelters, medical and rehabilitation services, interpretation and legal assistance. These may be available through a government agency known as Atipfund Georgia .
Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are not routine. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified by host government orby recognized authorities in the field. . In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
Personal Safety in Remote Areas: If you intend to camp , climb , or hike in the mountains or any remote area in Georgia:
- Research local conditions in advance.
- Go with a companion or a group. Avoid traveling alone.
- Provide route and contact information to someone not traveling with you.
- Maintain communication with your family and friends.
- If in trouble, call the emergency number 112. Most dispatchers speak Georgian and Russian but will transfer calls to English-speaking operators.
In the case of a crisis or natural disaster , U.S. citizens in Georgia may check the Embassy’s website for U.S. Embassy emergency messages, or receive them by email by signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Local Laws & Special Circumstances
Criminal Penalties : You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be fined, arrested, deported, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or praticing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
If arrested, you may be held in pre-trial detention for up to nine months. Review the State Department’s page on Arrests or Detention of U.S Citizens Abroad.
Furthermore, some lawsare also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Notification to U.S. Embassy Tbilisi of the arrest of U.S. citizens is typically significantly delayed in Georgia. In addition, the Georgian police have the authority under the Administration Violation Code to detain individuals for up to 24 hours without court intervention and 48 hours with court approval (this is referred to as “administrative detention”). There are no due process rights assigned during an administrative hold, meaning the person has no right to counsel.
Special Circumstances : Georgia has strict regulations concerning:
- Possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in accordance with Georgian laws and controlled substance classifications. Penalties are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
- The import or export of alcohol, tobacco, jewelry, religious materials, art or artifacts, antiquities, and business equipment.
- Export of items of historical value , such as artwork, antiques, jewelry, or paintings. You must obtain a license. Contact the Embassy of Georgia or see our customs regulations webpage.
- Firearms cannot be imported into Georgia.
- Georgian law prohibits the sale of real property (land and houses) in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Prior owners may have the right to reclaim the property in the future.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. If you attempt to bring counterfeit or pirated goods into the United States you may incur a fine or have the items seized. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more information.
Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:
- Faith-Based Travel Information
- International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual conduct or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Georgia. However, traditional cultural attitudes result in LGBTQI+ individuals often facing discrimination and harassment. Some LGBTQI+ persons in Georgia have been targets of attacks. In addition, violent anti-LGBTQI+ protests have occurred in Tbilisi, including in response to public LGBTQI+ related events.
See our LGBTQI+ travel information page and section 6 of the Department of State’s Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers with Disabilities : Georgian law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but the government does not enforce the law effectively. In July 2020, Georgia adopted legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities that establishes principles to guide the government’s implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The government has until this year (2023) to develop an implementation action plan and 15 years to complete accessibility of government buildings, infrastructure, and services. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited or nonexistent in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers : See our travel tips for Women Travelers
For emergency services in Georgia, dial 112 (the equivalent of 911 in the United States)
Ambulance services are not widely available outside Tbilisi and training and availability of emergency responders may fall below U.S. standards. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
Limited Medical Services in Rural Areas: In the event of injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
We do not pay for medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most health care providers in Georgia only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription . Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Georgia . Georgia strictly regulates types and quantities of prescription medications that may be brought into the country. Travelers carrying prohibited prescription drugs have been detained and face heavy fines or arrest.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English-speaking doctors and hospitals in Georgia. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
Further health information:
- World Health Organization
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Air Quality: Visit AirNow for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Air pollution is a significant problem in Tbilisi. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling, if necessary. Georgia has installed and maintains air quality monitors around the country. Real-time data is available at: https://air.gov.ge/en/ .
Health Facilities in General:
- Adequate healthcare facilities are available in Tbilisi, although below U.S. standards. Outside major cities, medical facilities in Georgia are limited.
- Hospitals and doctors may require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.
- Medical staff may speak little or no English.
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:
- If you are considering traveling to Georgia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
- The Georgian government has announced it intends to pass legislation that would ban surrogacy for foreigners starting January 1, 2024. Breaking the law will be a criminal offense. Currently, the law is in draft form and several issues related to surrogacy services, including if and how pre-existing contracts with ART facilities and surrogates in Georgia would be honored, will not be known until the law is passed. You might not be able to receive a refund if you enter into a contract for surrogacy services. Babies born through illegal arrangements might be prevented from leaving Georgia. Before you commit to a surrogacy arrangement, seek independent legal advice. A list of local attorneys in Georgia who have expressed interest in assisting U.S. citizens can be found on Embassy Tbilisi’s website.
Adventure Travel : Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .
- Travelers with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities.
- There is a significant risk of rabies in Georgia. The CDC recommends some travelers complete the rabies vaccine series prior to arriving in country.
- Some spices made in Georgia contain high levels of lead. Consider purchasing spices only from recognized U.S. or international manufacturers.
- Georgia has a high rate of Hepatitis C . Exercise caution if you plan to get a tattoo, piercing, dental work , or other procedure with potential for blood exposure. Ensure the provider uses proper sterilization procedures.
- Ensure food is cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
- Georgia has eight venomous snake species that are active between March and October. Few medical facilities have antivenin serum. Treat all snakes as potentially venomous.
Tuberculosis is prevalent in Georgia. Visit the CDC website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Georgia.
Travel and Transportation
Road Conditions and Safety : Road conditions in Georgia differ significantly from those in the United States. Many roads are in poor condition with stretches of road missing pavement and having large potholes. Driving at night can be dangerous due to varying road and traffic conditions, poor lighting, and the presence of open range livestock.
- Avoid traveling at night. U.S. Embassy official travel at night outside of urban areas is prohibited, except for emergencies.
- Exercise caution when driving in Georgia at all times . Reckless driving is common, and drivers frequently ignore traffic laws.
- Be careful when crossing streets, as pedestrians are not given right-of-way .
- Winter travel can also be hazardous , especially in mountainous areas.
Traffic Laws: Vehicles drive on the right. Speed limits range from 80 to 110 km/hr. (50 to 69 m/hr.) on highways and 30 to 70 km/hr. (19 to 44 m/hr.) on urban thoroughfares. Motorists are not permitted to make right turns at red traffic lights.
- Wear seat belts when driving. Children under four must travel in child-safety seats. Children under twelve may not ride in the front seat.
- There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol . Anything above a blood alcohol content of 0.0% is illegal.
- Vehicle safety inspections are being phased in since January 2018, but there are still many vehicles on the road in poor condition or lacking basic features such as working lights.
- The Georgian Patrol Police maintain traffic safety in Georgia, but enforcement of traffic regulations is inconsistent.
Public Transportation : Public transportation, while inexpensive, may be unreliable and uncomfortable. Minibuses (“marshrutkas”) are often overcrowded, poorly maintained, lack seat belts, and are frequently involved in accidents.
See our Road Safety page and the website of the Georgian National Tourism Agency for more information.
Aviation Safety Oversight : As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Georgia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Georgia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Georgia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings website .
For additional travel information
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
- See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Georgia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.”
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Safety and security
You should also read FCDO ’s warnings and regional risks advice for Georgia.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Terrorism in Georgia
Terrorist attacks in Georgia can’t be ruled out. Attacks could happen anywhere and affect western interests and places visited by foreigners, such as tourist sites and cultural events.
Political situation
The political situation in Georgia is generally calm.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations and rallies can occur, particularly:
- around Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi
- in large towns
Demonstrations are usually policed, but tensions can escalate without warning. You should:
- check local media
- avoid large gatherings and demonstrations
- follow the advice of local authorities
Crime levels are low. You should:
- take sensible precautious to avoid pick-pocketing, particularly in crowded places
- not leave valuables unattended
- stay aware of your surroundings
- keep your mobile phone charged and with you at all times
Georgian law protects everyone’s human rights and equality, but ethnic minorities and LGBT+ people may face discrimination. Harassment and assault based on race and sexuality do take place.
If someone attempts to assault you or you feel threatened, call the emergency number 112 and ask for the police.
Laws and cultural differences
Personal id.
You’re advised to carry a copy of your passport at all times. Keep the original in a safe place.
Cultural differences
Tbilisi is a cosmopolitan city. There can be more conservative attitudes in rural areas. When travelling outside cities, be aware of cultural sensitivities around modest dress (particularly in places of worship) and open displays of affection.
Prices may be quoted in US dollars and euros, but goods and services must be paid for in local currency (lari).
Travellers’ cheques are rarely accepted. Outside major towns, you may not find ATMs or be able to use credit and debit cards. Take enough cash in lari if travelling to rural or remote areas.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
If you use illegal drugs of any kind, you can get heavy fines or long prison terms. Smuggling even very small amounts of drugs carries a prison term of 5 to 25 years and heavy fines.
Using cameras
Do not photograph sensitive sites like military bases and power installations.
Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing churches and other religious sites.
Some visitors have been stopped from photographing the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi.
Check for any signs telling you not to take photographs. Always seek permission if in doubt.
LGBT+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, and there are anti-discrimination laws, but same-sex relationships are still not widely accepted.
Showing affection in public may result in discrimination or harassment. Homophobic harassment and assault take place.
Pride marches in 2019 and 2021 were cancelled because the police did not guarantee security. In 2023, a Pride event was cancelled after a violent protest.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .
Disabled travellers
Accessibility standards in Georgia are below UK standards. Very few public or private facilities are accessible.
Most public transport does not accommodate disabled travellers.
There are few pavements outside of main cities and pavements are generally uneven.
Read our general advice for disabled travellers .
A law banning surrogacy for foreign couples is expected to be adopted by the Georgian Parliament in the near future. Keep up to date by signing up to our Georgia travel advice .
If you’re visiting Georgia to arrange an international surrogacy, consider the risks and challenges involved. Surrogacy is a complex, lengthy process. You should:
- make sure you’re aware of the facts and well-prepared before starting the process
- get specialist legal advice on Georgian and UK laws before making any arrangements
- read FCDO and Home Office guidance on surrogacy overseas
- research clinics and hospitals thoroughly to make sure they are safe and reputable
The British Embassy cannot get involved in surrogacy arrangements or recommend hospitals or clinics.
Commissioning a surrogacy will not automatically mean that the child holds British citizenship. To bring your child born through surrogacy from Georgia to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport . You need a Georgian birth certificate for this. Check the Public Service Hall and Service Development Agency websites and research the rules for leaving the country with children (some legal details are in Georgian only). You can stay visa-free in Georgia for a continuous period of up to one year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has more information.
Trade with South Ossetia and Abkhazia
Anyone trading with Abkhazia and South Ossetia needs a licence issued by the Georgia government. This includes buying and selling property and most financial transactions. Anyone trading without a licence may face penalties under Georgian civil and criminal law.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Make sure your travel insurance covers your activities.
If you get into trouble during hiking, skiing, adventure travel or extreme sports, the emergency response may be limited.
Off-piste skiing is very dangerous. It can be difficult to get accurate information on mountain conditions, including avalanche risks. Read our information on staying safe during skiing and winter sports .
If you’re trekking, mountaineering, climbing, off-piste skiing or doing other extreme sports, consider going with specialist guides. Many insurance policies will not cover damage to rental equipment or skiing off-piste without a guide.
Be aware that safety standards in Georgia may not be as high as those in the UK. For example, several people were injured when a ski lift at Gudauri malfunctioned in 2018 and a tourist helicopter crashed near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) in 2019.
If you plan to hike close to the administrative boundary lines, consider hiring a professional guide.
Transport risks
Take usual precautions after dark in unfamiliar areas.
Street lighting away from main roads can be poor and pavements uneven. There may be occasional short power cuts – consider carrying a torch.
Taxi provision and safety has improved significantly. To stay safe using taxis:
- do not flag taxis in the street
- try to pre-book taxis through an app
- check the taxi has working seatbelts
Road travel
If you’re planning to drive in Georgia, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC Georgia guide .
You can drive in Georgia with a UK driving licence for up to one year (from when you last entered Georgia). To drive for longer, you need a 1949 or 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or Georgian driving licence. If you’re hiring a car, check the rules with the car hire company before you travel. They may require you to have an IDP.
You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Drink driving punishments can be severe. Georgia has a lower blood alcohol content limit than the UK, so avoid alcohol if driving.
Driving conditions
Take care when driving, especially at night. Be aware that:
- roads outside city centres are often badly lit and poor quality
- stray livestock can be a hazard
- road markings and the right of way can be confusing
- many cars are poorly maintained
- driving can be erratic
- heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes can affect roads and bridges making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas)
- landslides are common
If you’re travelling outside Tbilisi, particularly in remote areas, make sure your vehicle is equipped and check weather conditions locally.
Rail travel
Take usual precautions with your personal safety and belongings. Compartments on sleeper trains usually have locks.
There is currently no train service between Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
There are frequent small earthquakes in Georgia. The most recent significant earthquake took place in 2022 – an earthquake measuring 6.2 struck 104km south-west of Tbilisi. Read the US Federal Emergency Management Agency advice on what to do before, during and after an earthquake .
Lightning and wildfires are a risk in summer, particularly in the mountains.
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Georgia Traveler View
Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.
- Packing List
After Your Trip
There are no notices currently in effect for Georgia.
⇧ Top
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.
Routine vaccines
Recommendations.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (influenza)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Immunization schedules
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
COVID-19 vaccine
Hepatitis A
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Georgia.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.
Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book
Dosing info - Hep A
Hepatitis B
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Georgia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Georgia.
Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book
Dosing info - Hep B
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book
Rabid dogs are commonly found in Georgia. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Georgia, rabies treatment is often available.
Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.
Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include
- Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
- Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
- Visitors to rural areas
Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Georgia.
Rabies - CDC Yellow Book
Avoid contaminated water
Leptospirosis
How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)
- Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
- Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
- Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
- Avoid contaminated water and soil
Clinical Guidance
Avoid bug bites.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever
- Tick bite
- Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
- Avoid Bug Bites
Leishmaniasis
- Sand fly bite
Airborne & droplet
- Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
- Bite from an infected rodent
- Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
- Avoid rodents and areas where they live
- Avoid sick people
Tuberculosis (TB)
- Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Georgia, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.
- Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
- Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
- Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
- Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel
You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.
Prevent bug bites
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Georgia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .
Stay safe outdoors
If your travel plans in Georgia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Keep away from animals
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Georgia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Georgia may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Georgia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Georgia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
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Latest update
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions overall in Georgia.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Georgia (PDF 207.94 KB)
Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)
Local emergency contacts
Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.
Call 112, or contact the nearest police station.
Advice levels
Exercise normal safety precautions in Georgia.
Do not travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Do not travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to the risk of landmines, violence and fighting.
See Safety
- Political rallies are common in Georgia, including Tbilisi. They can turn violent. Monitor the media. Avoid public protests and demonstrations.
- Don't travel to South Ossetia or Abkhazia. There's a high risk of terrorist attacks, unexploded landmines and violence in these regions. We can't provide consular help to Australians who are there.
- Violent crime can occur. Financial, import and export scams also happen. Be wary of strangers. Be extra careful when walking after dark.
- Earthquakes and floods can happen in Georgia. Monitor the media. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Full travel advice: Safety
- Malaria is a risk in south-eastern Georgia. Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
- Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases occur. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water. Avoid ice cubes, unpasteurised dairy products, and raw and undercooked food.
- Medical care is limited and of poor quality. If you become ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Make sure your travel insurance covers this.
Full travel advice: Health
- Georgia has announced it intends to ban surrogacy for foreigners. The ban was due to start on 1 January, but the bill is currently still before the Georgian parliament.
- Babies born through illegal arrangements may be prevented from leaving. If you plan to engage in surrogacy in Georgia, be aware of all the risks. Get legal advice from a Georgian solicitor with knowledge of this area of law.
Always carry your passport, visa or migration card (or copies).
- Taking photos near military or strategic sites, such as airports, is illegal. It's also illegal to export items of national heritage without a licence.
- Georgia doesn't always recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual national, get advice from an embassy or consulate of Georgia before you travel.
Full travel advice: Local laws
- You can visit Georgia for up to 12 months without a visa if you have an Australian passport. You'll need a visa for longer stays. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Georgia for the latest details.
- Land and sea borders are open, except for the border with Azerbaijan, which requires special permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan to cross. The Georgian land border with Russia near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) is open 24/7.
- Don't enter or exit Georgia via land borders with Russia. It's illegal to enter Georgia via Abkhazia or South Ossetia. There's no official border control in these regions.
- You need travel insurance in Georgia. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia e-Visa Portal for details.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
- Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Georgia. For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Türkiye .
- Limited consular assistance is also available from the British Embassy in Tbilisi .
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Civil unrest and political tension.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Political rallies are common in Georgia, including Tbilisi.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
- avoid public protests and rallies
- monitor local media and other sources for possible threats
- follow the advice of local authorities
More information:
- Demonstrations and civil unrest
Conflict zones
South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and the surrounding areas are unsafe. Unexploded landmines exist in these areas.
Violence and fighting between the military and, militia and criminals, including terrorists, is common.
Some roads in the Abkhazia region may have landmines.
We can't provide consular assistance to Australians in Abkhazia or South Ossetia.
Georgia has a risk of violent crime, including:
- carjackings
- sexual assaults
- home invasions
- drink spiking
Financial, import and export scams have increased in recent years.
To protect yourself from crime:
- be careful when walking after dark
- always keep car doors locked and windows up, even when moving
- always keep sight of your credit card
- check for card skimming devices before using ATMs
To protect yourself around people you don't know:
- don't accept food or drinks from strangers
- don't leave your food or drink unattended
- be wary of friendly strangers
- be wary of people who mention business or trade opportunities
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
- Cyber security when travelling overseas
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
Since 2008, car bombings have occurred in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This started when the conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation ended.
Attacks target military and security sites, but civilians have been hurt.
Recent terrorist targets include:
- public transport
- commercial and public places where foreigners might be present
To reduce your risk:
- report suspicious activity or items to the police
- monitor the media for new threats
- listen to official warnings
Be alert in public places, especially around known terrorist targets, including:
- shopping areas
- places of worship
- sporting venues
- airports and other transport hubs
- places of mass gathering
If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the area in case of secondary attacks.
Adventure activities
It's difficult to get accurate updates on mountain conditions.
Emergency responses may be limited if you get into trouble while mountaineering or hiking.
Contact Georgian companies with specialist guides if you're thinking about trekking or mountaineering.
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes mountaineering and hiking.
If you plan to do an adventure activity :
- check if your travel insurance policy covers it
- ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
- always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Climate and natural disasters
Earthquakes and floods can happen in Georgia.
If there is a natural disaster or severe weather :
- secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
- keep in contact with friends and family
- check local media and other sources
- take official warnings seriously
- don't enter flood-affected areas
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
- Travel insurance
Ensure you get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave, as you may be asked to provide evidence at check-in or by the immigration authorities on arrival in Georgia.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia despite our advice, you'll need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to these areas.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
- what activities and care your policy covers
- that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
Physical and mental health
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
- have a basic health check-up
- ask if your travel plans may affect your health
- plan any vaccinations you need
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
- General health advice
- Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
Medications
Not all medication you can buy over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
Georgia has a very strict anti-drug policy. There are legal limits on how much you can take into Georgia for some medications. If you travel without the required permits, you may be detained at the border and face heavy fines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medication, you'll need to contact the Embassy of Georgia.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Georgia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a letter from your doctor stating:
- what the medication is
- your required dosage
- that it's for personal use
Health risks
Insect-borne diseases.
Malaria is a risk in the southeastern part of Georgia.
To protect yourself from disease:
- make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
- use insect repellent
- wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Measles cases can routinely occur in Georgia, which is currently experiencing increased measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.
- Measles Outbreak 2019 (Department of Health and Aged Care)
- Measles immunisation service (Department of Health and Aged Care)
Other health risks
Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases occur. These include:
- tuberculosis
- brucellosis
Sometimes serious outbreaks occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
- drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
- avoid ice cubes
- avoid unpasteurised dairy products
- avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
- avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals
Get medical attention straight away if an animal scratches or bites you
Get medical advice if you think you have food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.
- Infectious diseases
Medical care
Medical care in Georgia can be limited, particularly outside Tbilisi.
International medical supplies are available, but the quality of services and facilities is poor.
If you become ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Georgia has announced it intends to ban surrogacy for foreigners. The ban was due to start on 1 January, but the bill is currently still before the Georgian parliament. Contravening this law would be a criminal offence. It's unclear what transitional arrangements would be in place if the bill passes.
Babies born through illegal arrangements may be prevented from leaving Georgia. Be aware that you may not be able to get your money back if you enter into a contract for surrogacy services.
Before you commit to a surrogacy arrangement, seek independent legal advice from a Georgian solicitor with knowledge of this area of law. See our advice on going overseas for international surrogacy .
To bring children born through surrogacy to Australia, you must apply for an Australian passport. Check the website of the Australian Embassy in Türkiye for details on how to apply.
If you're going to Georgia for surrogacy, before leaving Australia, get prepared:
- Australians often find surrogacy in Georgia to be an extremely stressful experience.
- Tell us about your travel - [email protected]
- The entire process will likely take longer than you think. Plan for delays.
- Prepare your documents. Ensure you understand which documents you'll need and in what form (do they need to be apostilled, translated, or notarised?). Third-country documents (e.g. if your marriage certificate is not from Australia) may be scrutinised closely by the Georgian authorities and may cause delays.
- Understand what to expect from your surrogacy agency. Couples often experience a lack of information or sympathy from their surrogacy agency. Realise your agency will be managing multiple births at the same time as yours.
- Understand your surrogacy contracts, including contracted timeframes. Be cautious of verbal agreements from your surrogacy agency that differ from your contract documents. Have funds set aside for legal costs should a dispute arise.
- You'll need to travel to an Australian Embassy to obtain a passport for your child. Your child must stay in Georgia until you return to Georgia with the passport.
- Don't book return tickets before you have your child's passport. When to travel from Georgia to an Australian mission for a passport is your decision. We can't guarantee when a passport will be issued.
- Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Georgia. Consular services in Georgia are limited. Obtaining a birth certificate, citizenship, and passport takes time. Processing times vary.
- Children born through surrogacy can experience medical complications. Medical complications could extend your stay in Georgia and the costs of surrogacy. Medical evacuation is your responsibility.
- Don't expect special treatment from Georgian authorities. Georgian authorities will issue a birth certificate according to their requirements and timelines; they will not expedite your application simply because you need to leave Georgia. The embassy can't intervene with Georgian authorities on your behalf.
- Be prepared to change your plans. Due to Georgian authorities ' requirements, you may need to travel unexpectedly to Tbilisi.
- Due to language difficulties, you may find it frustrating to engage with medical and hospital staff.
- You may meet other clients undertaking surrogacy in Georgia. Every case is different. Don't compare how long it takes for others to leave Georgia. Be cautious about taking advice from other surrogacy clients; only seek advice from official sources.
It's your choice to travel to Georgia for surrogacy, and you're responsible for your safety, the safety of your child, and any legal or medical risks.
- Going overseas for international surrogacy
- For Georgian birth certificates – the Local Government or via your surrogacy agency
- For Australian citizenship – The Department of Home Affairs ( [email protected] )
- For an Australian Passport - the Specialised Case Management Section ( [email protected] ) in Australia for assessment and the Australian Embassy Ankara for your passport interview and printing of the emergency passport.
- For consular assistance – the Australian Embassy in Ankara ( [email protected] )
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include heavy fines and long prison sentences.
- Carrying or using drugs
It's illegal to take photos:
- near military sites
- of strategic sites, such as airports
You need a licence from the Ministry of Culture and Sport's Department of Expertise and Evaluation to export items of national heritage.
Australian laws
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
Staying within the law and respecting customs
Dual citizenship
Georgia doesn't always recognise Australians with Georgian dual nationality.
If you're a dual citizen, this may limit the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Georgia has compulsory military service.
Dual nationals should get advice from an embassy or consulate of Georgia before travelling.
- Dual nationals
Local customs
Same-sex relationships are legal in Georgia but aren't widely accepted.
Consider avoiding public displays of affection.
Advice for LGBTI T ravellers
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Visa-free travel for short stays
You can visit Georgia for up to 12 months without a visa if you have an Australian passport. You'll need a visa for longer stays.
Entry and exit requirements can change at short notice. Contact the Georgian Foreign Ministry or an embassy or consulate of Georgia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia e-Visa Portal
Travelling with children
Children under 18 years travelling alone or with one parent may need a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent or parents.
They'll also need a copy of their birth certificate and passport.
Check requirements with an embassy or consulate of Georgia.
We advise against all travel to the North Caucasus region of Russia due to the high threat of terrorist activity. See our travel advice for Russia .
It's illegal to enter Georgia via Abkhazia or South Ossetia, where there's no official border control.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .
Lost or stolen passport
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
- In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
- If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .
Passport with X gender identifier
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
- LGBTI travellers
The local currency is the Lari (GEL).
When entering or leaving, you must declare any foreign currency worth $US10,000 or more. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
By law, all goods and services must be paid for in GEL.
Credit cards are widely used in Tbilisi, but less so in regional areas.
ATMs are available in major towns.
Traveller's cheques aren't widely accepted.
Local travel
Abkhazia and south ossetia.
Do not travel to South Ossetia or Abkhazia and nearby areas. There's a risk of terrorist and criminal activity.
Unexploded weapons are in these areas.
We can't help Australians who are in these regions.
Driver's licence
You need an Australian driver's licence to drive in Georgia.
You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for insurance.
Before you drive in Georgia, check with your insurance and vehicle providers on what you need to do.
Vehicle insurance
Civil liability insurance is compulsory for vehicles registered outside Georgia.
You can buy insurance from centres at most border crossings.
- Compulsory Insurance Centre
Road travel
Driving in Georgia can be dangerous. Hazards include:
- poorly maintained roads and vehicles
- poorly lit roads
- not enough signs
- drivers not following the road rules
Traffic signals and road rules are often ignored.
Mountain roads can be dangerous. Take extra care in winter.
Driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is illegal.
If you plan to drive in Georgia, check if your travel insurance will cover driving.
- Driving or riding
Use registered taxis and limousines arranged through your hotel.
To avoid issues with taxis:
- don't hail taxis on the street
- sit in the back seat
Public transport
Public transport can be unsafe due to poor road conditions.
Theft and assault happen on trains and around the Tbilisi station.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Georgia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, you could contact:
- your family and friends
- travel agent
- tour operator
- travel insurer
English-speaking operators are usually available.
Always get a police report when reporting a crime.
Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Consular contacts
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Georgia. For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Turkiye.
Australian Embassy, Ankara
MNG Building, 7th floor
88 Uğur Mumcu Caddesi
Gaziosmanpaşa
Ankara, Turkey
Phone: +90 312 459 9500
Website: turkey.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Turkiye
X: @AusAmbTurk iye
Limited consular assistance is also available from the British Embassy in Tbilisi.
British Embassy, Tbilisi
51 Krtsanisi Street
Tbilisi, 0114
Phone: (+995) 32 227 4747
Website: ukingeorgia.fco.gov.uk
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia
Travelling to Georgia?
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Say hello to the transformed Georgia 511
Recently Added Feature
Signing up with 511 GA
- Creating an account is NOT mandatory on this website; however if you do, you’ll be able to personalize your experience and receive traffic alerts.
- Select ‘Sign Up’ from the menu options in the top right corner
- Enter your name, email, and create a password. Click ‘Sign Up' when done.
- You will get an email to verify your account, click the link that was sent to your email.
- Including a phone number will allow you to receive text alerts, you will receive an SMS (text) with your confirmation code. Note this is in addition to the email verification.
Map View - County Boundary
- By clicking on the ‘County Boundary’ layer, a user can now see the county boundaries throughout Georgia.
- Once the ‘County Boundary’ layer is selected, a user can click on a county and it will display the name of that county.
Map View - Miles Markers
By clicking on the ‘Mile Marker’ layer, a user can now see the mile markers on Interstates, US routes, and major GA State Routes throughout Georgia. As a user zooms in on the map, more of the mile marker locations will appear.
About 511GA
Welcome to the newly enhanced georgia 511.
The Georgia 511 system is the state’s #1 source for real-time traffic and travel information.
Courtesy of the Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia 511 provides the latest traffic and travel information 24 hours a day on Georgia's state routes and interstates including travel speeds, traffic incidents, construction events, lane closures as well as severe weather all to help motorist in Georgia arrive safely to their destination.
This information system is accessible by mobile app, website , X , Facebook , My511 text alerts and more. Before heading out, Georgia motorists are encouraged to check Georgia 511 for current traffic conditions so they can ensure the safest and most efficient route.
Benefits and Features:
- Statewide traffic information
- Real-time speeds that allows the user to see current time flow of traffic
- Ability to request roadside assistance from HERO or CHAMP
- Customized text or email travel alerts after creating a My511 account
- Access to 3,000+ traffic cameras to view major road conditions
- Turn-by-turn navigation with ability to add multiple waypoints & view cameras
- Incident information
- Construction event information to see events ahead
- Lane closure updates and information
- Express Lanes schedule
- Waze layer Integration
- Weather alerts and weather forecasts
- Rest area locations and status
- My Cameras feature allows users to create a list of 511ga.com traffic cameras for a personalized snapshot look at conditions along their route
- Dynamic message signs location
Georgia 511’s History:
- In 1992 , the Georgia Department of Transportation received federal assistance to create a Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Atlanta. The TMC is the hub for the state’s traveling information needs and houses Georgia’s award-winning Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), NaviGAtor.
- In 2000, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established “511” as America’s travel information phone number, consolidating the 300+ travel information services nationwide into one easy-to-remember number.
- In 2007 , the Georgia DOT officially launched GA 511 at the TMC as a free service for real-time traffic and travel information in the state, replacing *DOT, their previous phone-based consumer travel service.
- Today , this one-stop-shop number serves the travelers in Georgia via website, mobile app, social media and travel alerts.
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Last verified: Thursday, 18. April 2024 at 08:12 AM
Georgia Travel Advisory
- Western Asia
- Georgia Travel Advice
We advise caution when travelling to Georgia
Local situation: 3.0 / 5.
We advise caution when travelling to Georgia. We detected travel advisories from 4 sources for this specific country.
Regional Situation: 3.5 / 5
Georgia shares a land border with 4 neighbouring states. For this region of countries (including Georgia), the Advisory Index is 3.5 (average value over all countries). All countries have some reported advisories: Russia (4.4), Turkey (3.5), Armenia with 3.3 and Azerbaijan with 3.3 (of 5).
Current informationen on Covid-19 in Georgia
There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Georgia. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).
There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Georgia.
Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu
Advice scoring history for Georgia
Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for Georgia.
Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.
Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.
Rating Details (single travel warnings)
These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination Georgia from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 3.0 out of 5.0 .
This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.
Advisory issued by: Canada
Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/georgia
Advisory issued by: New Zealand
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Georgia (level 2 of 4).
Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/georgia
This is a regional information covering specific areas of Georgia.
Issued by: New Zealand government
Info: If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.
Info: Do not travel to the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and the areas near the administrative boundary lines. The threat of terrorism, crime and unexploded mines and ordnance makes travel to these areas extremely dangerous (level 4 of 4). Previous incidents of terrorism have included improvised explosive devices and other acts of violence in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. There is also a danger from unexploded landmines in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and mined areas may be unmarked. New Zealanders are advised not to stray off well-used roads and paths in those areas. As these regions are not under the control of Georgian authorities, the New Zealand Government has a severely limited ability to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens.
Advisory issued by: United States
Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: The Russian-occupied Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to risk of crime, civil unrest, and landmines. Read the country information page for ...
Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/georgia-travel-advisory.html
Advisory issued by: Finland
Iaktta normal försiktighet - Georgien är ett relativt tryggt resmål. Undvik onödiga resor till Abchazien och Sydossetien. Resor till dessa områden är endast möjliga med särskilt tillstånd av inrikesministeriet i Georgien.
Source: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/GE
Individual rating changes for Georgia
This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of Georgia. Most recent events first.
Changes from August 7th 2020
The total rating for Georgia changed from 3.0 to 3.6 . Here are the influencing details:
The United States government increased their existing warning for Georgia to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +3.0).
Changes from March 22nd 2020
The total rating for Georgia changed from 3.0 to 3.0 . Here are the influencing details:
The Canadian government issued a new warning for Georgia with a rating of 3.0.
Changes from March 18th 2020
The total rating for Georgia changed from 2.0 to 3.0 . Here are the influencing details:
The Australian government increased their existing warning for Georgia to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 4.0 (by +1.0).
The Irish government increased their existing warning for Georgia to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +3.0).
Changes from March 15th 2020
The total rating for Georgia changed from 1.3 to 2.0 . Here are the influencing details:
The Australian government issued a new warning for Georgia with a rating of 4.0.
Changes from September 25th 2019
The total rating for Georgia changed from 0.0 to 0.0 . Here are the influencing details:
The United States government issued a new warning for Georgia with a rating of 1.0.
The Irish government issued a new warning for Georgia with a rating of 1.0.
The Finnish government issued a new warning for Georgia with a rating of 2.0.
About Georgia
Georgia with its capital Tbilisi is a country in Asia (Western Asia), slightly smaller than South Carolina (69,700 km²). The country is located Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia, with a sliver of land north of the Caucasus extending into Europe. The climate can be described as warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast. The landscape is largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains, foothills of Kolkhida Lowland. With a population of about 4.63 million citizens.
Georgian flag
Introduction Video
Basic Statistics and Facts
Environmental problems and natural hazzards.
These are problems Georgia is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.
Environmental problems
- air pollution
- heavy pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea
- inadequate supplies of potable water
- particularly in Rust'avi
- soil pollution from toxic chemicals
Natural hazzards
- earthquakes
Top Industries and Agricultural Products
These are the main product industries and agricultural products of Georgia. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.
- electrical appliances
- machine tools
- wood products
Agriculture products
Georgian Imports and Exports
These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from Georgia.
Export products
- copper ores
- ferro-alloys
- fertilizers
- scrap metal
Import products
- other foods
- pharmaceuticals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current travel advisory for georgia.
Georgia is currently rated at 3,0 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 4 official sources. We advise caution when travelling to Georgia.
Is it safe to travel Georgia in 2024?
Visiting the country Georgia is usually fine. The score is at 3,0 Just keep an eye open, obey local rules and you'll most likely be fine.
How many travel advisories do you know for Georgia?
We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 4 individual sources for Georgia.
What is the current Corona virus situation in Georgia?
There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Georgia. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Georgia.
What is the size of Georgia?
Georgia has a size of 69,700 km² or 26,911 mi² which is slightly smaller than South Carolina.
Common Frequently Asked Questions
For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.
Travel safety map for Georgia and bordering countries.
If you want to embed Georgia travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.
- Is Georgia safe to travel?
- What's the safety situation in Georgia?
- Are there security warnings for Georgia?
2020-03-10: Integrated data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus).
2019-09-01: Added timeline charts for risk level and number of advisories.
2019-07-29: Added two more sources (Finland and Denmark). Affects country ratings.
2019-07-15: South-Sudan was missing and was added today.
2019-05-18: Performance improvements for API users.
2019-03-23: Introduced professional API with more data.
2019-02-13: Added three more sources (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). Affects country ratings.
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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers
Georgia travel advice
Latest updates: Safety and security – information added about ongoing protests
Last updated: April 17, 2024 02:59 ET
On this page
Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, georgia - take normal security precautions.
Take normal security precautions in Georgia.
The border with Russia, the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and surrounding areas - Avoid all travel
- within 5 km of the border with Russia
- the occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia
- within 5 km of the administrative boundary line with the occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia
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Protests related to the Foreign Agent Bill
On April 15, 2024, thousands of people gathered around Georgia's Parliament in Tbilisi to protest against the "foreign agent bill." There have also been protests in other cities, such as Batumi and Kutaisi, and additional ones are expected in the coming days.
Local authorities heightened security measures, especially around government buildings. They may use tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
Transport and services may be disrupted. Violent incidents or clashes between protestors and security forces or between opposing groups could occur.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.
If you are in Georgia:
- monitor local media for the most recent information
- follow the instructions of local authorities
- be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances
- expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence
Abkhazia and South Ossetia
The administrative boundary lines between Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia are not well defined and change frequently. The Russian military and border guards regularly patrol the area. You could be detained and arrested if you cross into South Ossetia and Abkhazia, even by mistake.
The checkpoints with South Ossetia and Abkhazia are only open a few days a month and are subject to unexpected and prolonged closures.
Tensions are high in both occupied regions. Unexploded ordnance, explosions and landmines may pose a risk where military operations have occurred, especially in areas along the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia and near the border with Azerbaijan (Red Bridge area).
Terrorists have carried out attacks in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They typically use car bombs to target military and security facilities.
If you choose to travel to South Ossetia or Abkhazia despite this advisory:
- be aware of your surroundings at all times
- only cross at official checkpoints
- carry valid ID with you at all times
- monitor local media to stay informed on the security situation and on checkpoint closures
Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in these areas, due to security concerns and travel restrictions.
Russian border regions
Georgian authorities only recognize the Kazbegi-Verkhnii Lars border crossing with Russia. If you choose to travel to the Russian border regions despite this advisory, avoid crossing at unofficial land borders connecting to the following Russian republics:
- Kabardino-Balkaria
- Karachay-Cherkessia
Kidnappings have occurred in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and other areas bordering Russia.
If you travel to these areas despite the advisories in effect:
- don’t walk alone, especially after dark
- vary your itinerary
- keep doors and windows locked at all times
- don’t show signs of affluence
- exercise vigilance in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation facilities
There is a low threat of terrorism, but an attack can occur at any time.
Although there have been no recent attacks, there is a terrorist threat due to the return of Georgian fighters from abroad and the use of the country as a transit route between North Caucasus and the Middle East.
Targets could include:
- government buildings
- schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Be particularly vigilant during:
- sporting events
- religious holidays
- public celebrations
- major political events, such as elections
Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.
Demonstrations
Planned and unplanned political demonstrations take place regularly in Georgia, especially in Tbilisi during international events and around election periods.
There have been violent attacks against 2SLGBTQI+ persons during the Pride festivities in Tbilisi, resulting in casualties.
In 2023, large-scale demonstrations took place in Tbilisi. They led to vandalism and violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Petty crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded urban areas and at public gatherings.
- Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
- Avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
- Keep doors and windows locked at all times
Violent crime
Violent crimes targeting foreigners occur occasionally. Incidents include:
- carjackings
- sexual assaults
The police patrol frequently, but their response in remote areas and outside of larger cities can be significantly longer.
During your stay:
- avoid travelling alone after dark
- beware of people walking behind you
- avoid inadequately lit and deserted streets
ATM and credit card fraud occurs.
Be cautious when using debit or credit cards.
- Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
- Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
- Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
Romance scams and overcharging
Romance scams on dating sites or through social media have occurred. Typical scenarios involve locals luring tourists met online into bars or nightclubs. Tourists are forced to pay high bills after ordering expensive food and drinks.
Discussions about overcharging have turned violent. Tourists have been threatened and forced to pay the bill by the establishment's security guards.
- Beware of people who show a keen interest online
- Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
- Always confirm the price of an item before ordering
- Don’t leave an open tab at bars and nightclubs
- Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff
- Check your bill for accuracy before paying
Overseas fraud
Women’s safety
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.
Sexual assaults have been committed, including against foreign women.
If you’re the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy and seek medical assistance. You should also report the incident to Georgian authorities and ensure that local police will file the report with the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia .
- avoid deserted streets at night and isolated areas
- don’t travel by yourself in a taxi, especially at night
Useful links
- Contact information - Prosecutor’s Offices of Georgia
- Advice for women travellers
Due to previous military operations, landmines and unexploded ordnance may pose a threat to your safety in various areas of Georgia, including:
- near the Red Bridge border crossing with Azerbaijan
- in South Ossetia, Abkhazia and along the administrative boundary lines
If you choose to travel to these areas:
- stay on main and paved roads
- avoid walking in fields
- avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
- pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance
- keep in mind that landmines and unexploded ordnance fields may not always be clearly marked
Adventure tourism
Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly.
Tour operators may not meet international standards.
If you are participating in adventure tourism:
- never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions
- consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
- obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out
- buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
- ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity
- avoid venturing off marked trails
- refrain from using equipment if you have doubts on their safety
Road safety
Road conditions.
Road conditions vary considerably across the country and fatal accidents are frequent.
Roads are generally in good condition in Tbilisi and in major cities. However, they are sometimes poorly maintained and dangerous in rural areas due to:
- unpaved and uneven surfaces
- raised and sunken manholes
- stray livestock
- lack of traffic signs
- insufficient lighting
In rural areas, traffic signs may only be written in Georgian.
Driving habits
Road accidents are one of the main causes of death in Georgia. It is common for drivers to:
- fail to maintain one lane
- drive at excessive speeds
- drive under the influence
- engage in road rage
Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way. If you drive in Georgia:
- always drive defensively
- don’t engage with drivers showing signs of road rage
- plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting rural areas
- avoid travelling after dark
- always carry a cell phone and charger
Road restrictions – Roads Department of Georgia
Right of way
The right of way system is in effect in Georgia.
Drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections if they are not in a priority lane, and to vehicles entering roundabouts.
Public transportation
In Georgia, taxis are regulated and vehicles are recognizable by their white colour and roof-mounted taxi signs. However, unofficial taxis continue to operate and drivers generally don’t use meters. They may overcharge you for the ride.
Drivers can be reckless and drive at excessive speed.
Ride-sharing apps are popular throughout Georgia.
If you choose to take taxis during your stay:
- arrange your pickup with a reputable company before arrival when travelling by air, or use authorized cabs at the airport
- order your taxi at the reception if you are staying at a hotel
- don’t use unmarked taxis
- never share a taxi with strangers
- negotiate the fare in advance
- have small bills available for payment
Buses and metro
Buses and metro are generally safe and reliable, but pickpockets may target tourists.
Mini-buses called "marshrutka" are poorly maintained and often lack security features like seatbelts.
- Always carry your valuables and identification with you
- Avoid storing bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat
- Don't take buses that look overloaded or in poor condition
The condition and cleanliness of trains vary greatly from route to route.
- Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Don’t leave your compartment unattended
- Keep the door locked from the inside
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Information about foreign domestic airlines
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from Georgian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Georgia.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Official travel
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 365 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 365 days Student visa: not required for stays of up to 365 days
If you are planning to stay in Georgia for more than 365 days, you must obtain a visa before entering the country. If you overstay your visa, you may be fined.
- Georgian visa information – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
- Visa-free countries - State Commission on Migration Issues of Georgia
- Postponing the obligation to leave – State Commission on Migration Issues of Georgia
If you choose to travel to the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, you will need prior authorization from Georgian authorities who don’t recognize border crossings between Russia and the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If you enter Georgia via Abkhazia or South Ossetia at an unofficial border crossing, you could face heavy fines and jail sentences.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Children and travel
Learn more about travelling with children .
Relevant Travel Health Notices
- Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
- COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.
Routine vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.
Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.
Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.
If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.
Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
The flu occurs worldwide.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
- In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.
The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.
The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Safe food and water precautions
Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
- Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
- Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
- Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.
Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insect bite prevention
Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
- Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
- Minimize exposure to insects
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed
To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.
Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.
Animal precautions
Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.
Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.
Person-to-person infections
Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:
- washing your hands often
- avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
- avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
High quality medical services and facilities are generally available in major cities, such as Tbilisi and Batumi.
In rural areas, there are shortages of medical supplies and personnel. Facilities may not meet the quality standards you may be used to in Canada.
Medical services can be expensive, and immediate up-front cash payment is often required.
Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Travel health and safety
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .
Transfer to a Canadian prison
Canada and Georgia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Georgia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Georgian authorities.
This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.
Reforms are underway to improve the efficiency and the transparency of the judicial system, but if you are arrested in Georgia, you could be detained for several months and there could be long delays to resolve your case.
In 2017, Georgia decriminalized cannabis and various cannabis-based products for personal use. Production, distribution and sale remain illegal. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Drugs, alcohol and travel
Some prescription medication may not be available in Georgia.
If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.
Georgian authorities strictly regulate the possession and import of prescription medication under special control, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and some over-the-counter medication that is commonly available in Canada.
- Bring a sufficient supply of your medication
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions along with an English translation
- Declare all medications in your possession to customs officials upon entry
- Always keep your medication in the original container
- Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
If you carry illegal prescription medication according to Georgian Law, you could face deportation and jail sentences.
Contact the nearest diplomatic representation of Georgia for more information on imports of medication.
- Medicinal products subject to special control – Revenue service of Georgia
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
Imports and exports
You may need to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia to import or export cultural valuables.
Cultural valuables include:
- archeological items
- coins, old inscriptions and seals
- handmade canvas, paintings and drawings
- postal stamps removed from circulation
Cultural valuables – Revenue service of Georgia
Photography
Taking photographs of military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty.
You should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Georgia.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Georgia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .
Travellers with dual citizenship
Military service
Georgian-Canadian dual citizens may be subject to military service.
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Georgia.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Georgia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Georgian court.
If you are in this situation:
- act as quickly as you can
- contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in Georgia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.
- List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
- International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
- Travelling with children
- The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Emergency Watch and Response Centre
Georgia has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.
Penalties for drinking and driving include:
- heavy fines
- prohibition from driving for several months or years
You must carry an international driving permit.
International Driving Permit
2SLGBTQI+ travellers
Georgian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.
However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
In 2023, the government of Georgia proposed a law to prohibit surrogacy arrangements to foreigners.
If you’re planning to visit Georgia for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek legal advice on Georgian and Canadian laws and citizenship procedures prior to making any arrangements.
Same-sex couples may encounter issues when engaging in surrogacy arrangements in Georgia.
The Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara is unable to provide recommendations on surrogacy arrangements.
The currency of Georgia is the lari (GEL).
U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted and exchanged for local currency.
Credit cards may not be widely accepted in rural areas.
- Avoid exchanging money in unlicensed facilities
- Make sure you have cash at all times for payment
Currency declaration
There are restrictions on the import and export of currency. You must declare to customs officials if you have more than 30 000 GEL or its equivalent in your possession.
This requirement applies to:
- any other type of financial instrument
Failure to comply with this requirement could result in fines and confiscation.
Movement of currency – Revenue service of Georgia
The rainy season usually extends from April to July. Heavy rains may result in significant flooding and landslides, especially in the following regions:
- Kvemo Kartli
- Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
- Shida Kartli
Excessive rainfall can hamper overland travel and roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.
It can disrupt the provision of the following essential services:
- transportation
- power distribution
- water and food supply
- telecommunications networks
- emergency services
- medical care
Seismic activity
Earthquakes.
Georgia is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes may cause landslides in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur up after the initial tremor.
Earthquakes - What to Do?
Local services
In case of emergency, dial 112
Consular assistance
Azerbaijan, Georgia. Offering consular services to Canadians in Iran.
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services .
Risk Levels
take normal security precautions.
Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.
Exercise a high degree of caution
There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.
Avoid non-essential travel
Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.
Avoid all travel
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.
Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now
You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.
Do Not Travel to These Countries
Getty Images
Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.
In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.
Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .
In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.
On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.
The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.
About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.
So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.
Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory
These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:
Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen
Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.
Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.
Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”
Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.
Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.
Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.
Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.
Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.
Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.
Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.
Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”
North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.
Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.
Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline
Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.
South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.
Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .
Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.
Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”
Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.
Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.
Other Countries to Watch
Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.
The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.
On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.
Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.
China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.
Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.
In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.
Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.
Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.
Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.
France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.
The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.
Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.
In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.
Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.
The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.
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Travel Advice for Georgia
Going to Georgia and need to know about the latest government travel advice for Georgia? Find the updated travel advice and travel warnings for Georgia from governments around the world, here.
General Travel Advice and Warnings for Georgia
The decision to travel to Georgia is your decision and you are responsible for your individual safety and security whilst in Georgia.
The material on this page is provided for information only and gathered from travel advice and warnings for Georgia by governments around the globe to their citizens.
While we make every effort to offer you appropriate travel advice details, it is offered on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.
This operators of this web site does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information supplied.
Standard Cautions Travellers Need to Keep in Mind Whilst Taking a Trip in Georgia
Crime – Petty criminal activities such as pick pocketing in a crowded environment to sexual assault and robberies do occur in larger cities of Georgia. Ensure that all your personal belongings, including passports and other traveling documents, are safe at all times.
Terrorism – Always be aware of your surroundings when in public areas. Be particularly alert if participating in sporting events and throughout religious holidays and various other public occasions, as terrorists frequently make use of such celebrations to mount attacks.
Demonstrations and Protests – Demonstrations might occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transport. It is in your interest of safety to stay clear of areas where demonstrations and huge gatherings are occurring and follow the guidelines of local authorities. Monitor local media in Georgia for info on continuous demonstrations in Georgia.
Scams – Exercise caution in crowded tourist areas in Georgia, where scammers target foreigners. If you’ve been scammed in Georgia, reach a safe location right away; make note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; notify the authorities in Georgia and get a record and if your credit card is used by the scammer call your credit card company to report the scam; they will likely request a copy of the police report to cancel the transaction.
Spiked Food and Beverages – Never leave food or beverages unattended or in the care of complete strangers when taking a trip in Georgia or anywhere else. Be wary of accepting snacks, drinks, chewing gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may have drugs that might put you at risk of sexual assault and mugging.
What is the entry/exit conditions for Georgia?
Every nation or territory determines who can enter or leave through its borders, likewise Georgia decides who enter its borders. The Government of your home country can not interfere on your behalf if you do not fulfill your Georgia’s entry or exit requirements.
To read more concerning the entry/exit requirement for Georgia visit visa requirements for Georgia or get the most recent info with the visa office at the Georgian consulate in your home country.
Travel insurance for Georgia
Travel health cover is just one of the main reasons visitors obtain travel insurance policy. It will not avoid you getting ill or hurt, though it can avoid you being affected financially. Medical assistance overseas can be extremely expensive.
You need to pay for all treatment you receive overseas. You can’t expect to get free or subsidised care through your Georgia’s public health system, like you would in your home country.
If you can’t pay, local authorities could jail you. The government from your home country can not pay you health care expense for you, loan you money or get you out of jail.
You require travel insurance policy for travelling to Georgia . You also need to see to it you choose a plan that is right for you.
Check out the fine print of your travel insurance policy.
Declare all pre-existing conditions to your travel insurance provider upfront. If you do not, you might void your travel insurance plan.
Tell your travel insurance provider the activities you plan to do, before you go. Many common activities like snowboarding are excluded in standard plans. You might need to pay extra.
Check if you have free credit card travel insurance coverage. Some cards include travel insurance policy cover. However, they usually have different conditions than paid plans. Understand the differences.
If you’re going to Georgia from a country that has a reciprocal healthcare arrangement, you still require travel health insurance. Agreements are restricted in what they’ll will cover.
If you have an incurable disease, you might not have the ability to get standard travel insurance. However you might have the ability to get a specialised insurance company that covers you for health, accidents or property issues unconnected to your ailment. Speak to your insurance provider to find out.
Find out more about obtaining international travel insurance coverage for Georgia prior to you go.
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Advertisement
The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.
The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.
- Share full article
By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt
- April 12, 2024
Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.
Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.
On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.
Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.
The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.
The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.
“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”
If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”
On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.
“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”
Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack
Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt
Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War
News and Analysis
Gazans released from Israeli detention described graphic scenes of physical abuse in testimonies gathered by U.N. workers, according to a new report.
Britain, the United States, France and other allies of Israel have voiced their anger over the death toll in Gaza, but when Iran launched a missile barrage at Israel, they set it aside . At least for the moment.
The Israel pavilion at the Venice Biennale is closed this year, since its creative team decided not to exhibit work until there was a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, but it was nonetheless the site of a large demonstration .
A Surprising Rift: The Israel-Hamas war, which has roiled cultural and political institutions far beyond the Middle East, is causing divisions in a prominent Japanese American group .
Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.
Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.
Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .
Georgia father sentenced to 50 years for poisoning his newborn's breastmilk with antifreeze
A Georgia father was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Thursday for using antifreeze mixed in breastmilk to poison his 18-day-old daughter four years ago.
Curtis Jack was arrested on Oct. 16, 2020, after his daughter became sick and tested positive for ethylene glycol — a chemical found in antifreeze.
Investigators said Jack had picked up bottles of breastmilk from the child’s mother two weeks earlier while she was hospitalized after giving birth to their child.
“After delivering the breastmilk to the child’s grandmother, who was also caring for the woman’s other daughter, the child became critically ill within 24 hours, suspected of being poisoned. Jack admitted to adding antifreeze to the breastmilk to South Fulton Police Department detectives,” police said in a statement on social media.
Police said Jack admitted he added antifreeze to his newborn daughter’s milk to avoid paying child support.
“During the trial, the State presented testimonies from the child’s mother, grandmother, law enforcement officers, and medical experts, including a demonstration of how easy it was to poison the breastmilk,” South Fulton police said.
Automotive antifreeze, even if ingested in small amounts, is extremely toxic according to poisonhelp.org . Symptoms can include drowsiness, vomiting, kidney damage and death.
The child’s mother declined to speak out following Jack’s sentencing but said the child is doing fine.
Noah Osborne is a news associate with NBC News Digital.
COMMENTS
July 26, 2023. Georgia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. O U C. Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: The Russian-occupied Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to risk of crime, civil ...
Travel Alert: Georgia Travel Information. ... If you are concerned about your travel plans for existing reservations, contact your hotel directly. ... 2023, at 5:40 p.m. Travel Alerts: Isolated power outages and storm damage may exist in the Valdosta area. If your destination is in South Georgia, call ahead to confirm your plans.
Georgia Travel Advisory : Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: July 26, 2023: Ghana Travel Advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: ... TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND ALERTS: THE DETAILS Enroll in STEP. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.
Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Georgia such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements. ... Send me email alerts. FAQ. Can I travel to Georgia from the United States? Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Georgia. ...
Please use the resources below to stay informed about health and safety precautions to follow while traveling in Georgia, and to start planning your next trip. Check travel alerts from your destination before your trip to ensure you have the most current information. With the COVID-19 situation continuing to evolve, we encourage you to follow ...
COVID-19 Local Travel Advisories. For the most current information on COVID-19 developments in destinations across the state, visit these pages from our local destination marketing and partner organizations: Augusta. Albany.
FCDO travel advice for Georgia. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences. ... Warnings and insurance Still current at: 18 April 2024
Travel to or within Georgia: Please check travel alerts from your destination before your trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. What is currently open in Georgia? Georgia is open, but many businesses have adjusted operations to keep customers and employees safe. If you're planning to travel to or within Georgia, please check ...
More info can be found on Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. What's the Covid-19 situation? There have been over 937,000 cases and nearly 14,000 deaths as of January 3, 2022.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
FCDO travel advice for Georgia. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences. ... You should also read FCDO's warnings and regional risks advice for Georgia.
Office of the Spokesperson. April 19, 2021. State Department Travel Advisory Updates. In order to provide U.S. travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions, the Department of State regularly assesses and updates our Travel Advisories, based primarily on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ...
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home. ... Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Georgia for a list of health-related items to ...
Safety. Political rallies are common in Georgia, including Tbilisi. They can turn violent. Monitor the media. Avoid public protests and demonstrations. Don't travel to South Ossetia or Abkhazia. There's a high risk of terrorist attacks, unexploded landmines and violence in these regions. We can't provide consular help to Australians who are there.
Location: Adjara region Event: Increased number of positive cases in the Adjara region, Georgia Due to the recent increased number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Adjara region, personnel should reconsider travel and/or take increased precautions before traveling to this region. These increases are a strong reminder to wear masks, social distance, and wash hands regularly to prevent ...
In 2007, the Georgia DOT officially launched GA 511 at the TMC as a free service for real-time traffic and travel information in the state, replacing *DOT, their previous phone-based consumer travel service. Today, this one-stop-shop number serves the travelers in Georgia via website, mobile app, social media and travel alerts.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 4 travel warning 'do not travel' to Georgia effective December 14th, 2020. The new level 4 advisory is the highest level of warning the United States government imposes and replaces the previous level 3 that was issued on August 6th, 2020. The warning states 'do not travel to Georgia due to ...
Thanks for joining us today for this on-the-record briefing with the State Department's Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Carl Risch, who will discuss the department's plans to lift our Global Level 4 Health Advisory in close coordination with the CDC and return to our previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice.
Georgia shares a land border with 4 neighbouring states. For this region of countries (including Georgia), the Advisory Index is 3.5 (average value over all countries). All countries have some reported advisories: Russia (4.4), Turkey (3.5), Armenia with 3.3 and Azerbaijan with 3.3 (of 5).
5. Hiking safety in Georgia. Georgia can be heaven for hikers. Venture into picturesque, ancient high-altitude villages, ski fresh powder, go off-piste among pine forests or raft and kayak down pristine rivers (there are 25,000 rivers and streams in Georgia).
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules. Regular Canadian passport. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Georgia. Passport for official travel. Different entry rules may apply. Official travel
So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list. Places With a Level 4 Travel ...
General Travel Advice and Warnings for Georgia. The decision to travel to Georgia is your decision and you are responsible for your individual safety and security whilst in Georgia. The material on this page is provided for information only and gathered from travel advice and warnings for Georgia by governments around the globe to their citizens.
Overall, more than 30 million people across the Southeast are under a severe storm threat Wednesday, while flood alerts are in effect for over 13 million people from Texas to Georgia amid heavy ...
E-mail: [email protected]. Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/. State Department - Consular Affairs. 888-407-4747or 202-501-4444. Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Country Information. Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory. Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Josh Galemore / AP. TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — Thousands of Black college students expected this weekend for an annual spring bash at Georgia's largest public beach will be greeted by dozens of extra ...
At a press conference on Friday, the US president gave Iran a stern warning over the potential strike: "Don't.". "We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel," Biden ...
Tremar Harris is choked by a guard while restrained at the Appling County Jail in Georgia on Jan. 29, 2022. U.S. District Court. The suit says that Harris was not posing a threat and feared he ...
The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders. The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel.
April 13, 2024, 12:29 PM PDT. By Noah Osborne. A Georgia father was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Thursday for using antifreeze mixed in breastmilk to poison his 18-day-old daughter four ...