Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• We advise against all travel to the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and all but essential travel to areas near the Administrative Boundary Lines (ABLs) with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, where tensions remain high.
  

• In 2010 there were a number of explosions in the suburbs of Tbilisi and in early 2011 the Georgian Government disrupted a number of alleged bomb plots. Visitors should exercise vigilance.
  
  
• Protests are a common occurrence in Georgia. You should avoid demonstrations as violent incidents do occur.
  
  

• The British Government does not recognise the unilateral declarations of independence made by the de facto authorities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and there is no UK diplomatic representation available in either location.
  

• You should exercise caution when driving at all times, and avoid doing so at night, if possible.
  

• There is some risk from unexploded ordnance in areas where fighting took place in August 2008 and in military installations where Russian troops were present.
  

• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  

• Seven British nationals required consular assistance in Georgia in the period 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  

• You should monitor developments closely and check this travel advice regularly. British nationals in Georgia who have not done so already should register with the British Embassy.
  

• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General - Insurance.
  

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Crime targeting foreigners is not uncommon. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery and try not to draw attention to yourself. There are incidents of residential break-ins, car theft, petty theft and robbery and occasionally armed crime throughout Georgia. In Tbilisi you should take precautions when visiting tourist areas and areas frequented by foreigners, such as Vake, Saburtalo and the bar area of Akhvlediani Street (formerly known as Perovskaya) near Republic Square.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

You should be vigilant when travelling or walking and take extra precautions after dark. You should travel by licensed taxi where possible. Whilst the electricity situation in Georgia has improved, power cuts can still occur, so you should consider carrying a torch.

You should exercise caution if you travel along the M27 road (also known as the M1), particularly where it runs very close to South Ossetia, i.e. between the Stepantsminda/Gudauri turnoff and Gori, and between Gori and Khashuri. There remains a risk of criminal activity in these, and the Akhalgori areas. If you are entering any of the areas detailed above on essential business, you should liaise closely with the British Embassy, Tbilisi prior to travelling. We advise against use of the M27 during the hours of darkness.

There is some residual risk from unexploded ordinance in areas where fighting took place in August 2008, and in military installations where Russian troops were present.

It is illegal under Georgian law to enter Georgia from Russia via South Ossetia or Abkhazia as there is no official border control. If you do so you may face criminal prosecution, which carries a prison sentence of up to four years. If your passport contains entry/exit stamps from the separatist authorities the Georgian authorities may consider this as illegal entry into Georgia via an unrecognised border crossing.

You should also not attempt to enter or leave Georgia via the land borders with the Russian Federation (i.e. Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia) as this is not permitted under Russian Federation law. Although the border crossing between Russia and Georgia has reopened at Verkhny Lars (North Ossetia) to citizens of the CIS and Georgia, traffic is strictly regulated and limited, and neither Russian nor Georgian visas are available at the checkpoint. The border crossing is not open to tourists.

Although Tbilisi is a cosmopolitan city more conservative attitudes prevail in rural areas. It is wise to act more modestly in these areas and avoid overt displays of affection which may cause offence.

Safety and Security - Mountaineering/Hiking

If you encounter difficulties while mountaineering or hiking in Georgia, it may be difficult to organise the level of emergency/rescue assistance which you would expect in more developed tourist destinations.

It can be difficult to get accurate information on mountain conditions. If you are considering trekking or mountaineering you should contact Georgian companies that provide specialist guides.

Safety and Security - Road Travel

You can drive in Georgia using a licence issued by an EU country or by using an International Driving Licence.

Driving is on the right. The speed limit is 60 kph in towns and cities. Outside of towns it is 80 kph unless sign-posted.

In Georgia there is a zero tolerance policy towards drink driving.

If possible avoid driving at night. Many roads are badly lit and of poor quality. Livestock pose a hazard in many areas. Driving conditions are stressful: road markings and the right of way can be very confusing; the majority of cars are poorly maintained, and the standard of driving is erratic.

It is compulsory to wear seat belts in Georgia. Children under seven years of age are required to sit in child-safety seats.

Heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes often affect roads and bridges making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). Landslides are also common. When travelling outside of Tbilisi your vehicle should be suitably equipped to deal with a range of adverse situations.

If using taxis in Tbilisi, and other cities, it is safer to use licensed taxis.

See our Driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Rail Travel

If you travel by train, do not leave your valuables or the compartment unattended.  Ensure the compartment door is secured from the inside.

Safety and Security - Air Travel

Evidence suggests that some airlines from Georgia do not always comply with international safety standards in respect of maintenance. FCO staff have therefore been advised to avoid flying with non-scheduled or non-international airlines from Georgia if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists. Where possible, you should fly directly to your destination on a scheduled international flight.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Georgia Country Profile

Local Laws and Customs - Drug penalties

Illegal drug use (no matter which drug) carries stiff administrative and criminal penalties, including fines and long prison terms. The penalty for smuggling drugs carries a prison term of between five to twenty years and/or heavy fines.

Local Laws and Customs - Identification

You should carry a copy of your passport at all times and keep the original in a safe place.

Local Laws and Customs - Homosexuality

Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, but is not widely acceptable in society. 

See our Your trip page.

Local Laws and Customs - Photography in sensitive areas

You should not photograph sensitive sites such as military bases and power installations. Always seek permission if in doubt. You should also be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing churches and other religious sites. If in doubt, ask prior permission. Some visitors have been prevented from photographing the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi. There is no known ban, but to avoid misunderstandings you should check first with any security officials in the vicinity.

Local Laws and Customs - South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Following hostilities, British nationals should note that the government of Georgia does not recognise the unilateral declarations of independence by either South Ossetia or Abkhazia and, in accordance with international law, continues to claim the right to exercise sovereignty in the two territories. The UK government, along with those of all EU member states and the United States, recognises their right to do so.

The government of Georgia has implemented legislation which requires those trading with Abkhazia and South Ossetia to hold a licence issued by the Georgian government. This extends to buying and selling property and most financial transactions. Those who trade without licences may be open to penalties under Georgian civil and criminal law.

The ownership of many properties is disputed across both regions with many thousands of claims to ownership of properties from people displaced following recent conflicts. Purchase of these properties could have serious financial and legal implications. Purchasers could face legal proceedings in the courts of Georgia, as well as attempts to enforce judgements from these courts elsewhere in the EU, including the UK. Potential purchasers should also consider that a future settlement could have consequences for property they purchase in South Ossetia and Abkhazia (including possible restitution of the property to its original owners).

Local Laws and Customs – Surrogacy

Georgian law currently includes no clear regulations or procedures relating to surrogacy. Anyone considering such an arrangement should carefully consider the risks and potential consequences. We therefore recommend that you seek legal advice from someone familiar with both Georgian and UK law before entering into any surrogacy arrangement.

The process for getting a child born to a surrogate back to the UK can be very long and complicated and take several months to complete. Commissioning a surrogacy will not automatically mean that the child holds British citizenship.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has published detailed guidance on inter-country surrogacy. Further information on surrogacy can also be found here.

Entry Requirements - Visas

British nationals may enter Georgia for up to 360 days without a visa. Extensions can be obtained by applying for a temporary or permanent residence permit from the Civil Registration Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. Georgian law provides for the immediate deportation of anyone who overstays without a valid permit, together with a ban on re-entering Georgian territory for up to one year.

For further details on entry requirements visit the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Georgia. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. For passport applications in the UK, you should apply to the Identity and Passport Service.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children

If you travel to or in Georgia with a child other than your own, you must be able to be able to demonstrate that you have the consent of the child’s parents or guardians.

Medical facilities in Tbilisi are available but can be expensive. Outside of Tbilisi, medical facilities are limited.

Rabies is common in Georgia.

Venomous snakes are common, particularly in early summer.

Tap water should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 3,400 adults aged 15 or over in Georgia were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Georgia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel health page.

Georgia is situated in an area of seismic activity. The last earthquake in Tbilisi, with a magnitude between 4.3 and 6.0 on the Richter scale was in April 2002 when six people died and there was some serious infrastructural damage. In September 2009, an earthquake measuring 6.2 struck 156kms north-west of Tbilisi.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive medical as well as travel insurance to cover illness, injury and loss of money, baggage and tickets before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas, see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Registering with the British Embassy

You should register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

British nationals resident in or visiting Georgia should register their presence with the Embassy. This allows us to keep in touch with you when you are in Georgia and to provide consular assistance in the event of an emergency.

General - Money

Although prices are often quoted in US dollars and Euros, according to Georgian law, all goods and services should be paid for in local currency (Georgian Lari). You should not carry large amounts of cash.
 
Credit cards are increasingly being used and ATMs can be found in major cities.  Travellers’ Cheques are not widely accepted.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics

Seven British nationals required consular assistance in Georgia in the period 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: one death; one hospitalisation; and three arrests.