Europe
Georgia
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Still current at: 08 August 2008
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Updated: 07 August 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Local Travel section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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We advise against all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley (also known as upper Abkhazia). Serious fighting has broken out in the conflict zone of South Ossetia. See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
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You should avoid all land borders with the Russian Federation. See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
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There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
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The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Georgia in 2007 was for replacing lost and stolen passports. In 2007 four British nationals were arrested in Georgia in alcohol related incidents. Crime against foreigners is generally low, but does occur. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Political Situation
Georgia Country Profile
Crime
Crime targeting foreigners is not uncommon, as they are perceived to be much wealthier than the average Georgian. 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 and Saburtalo. You should not walk alone in the Narikala Fortress and Mother Greorgia area of Tbilisi as a number of tourists have been mugged there.
Political Situation
Georgia Country Profile
Crime
Crime targeting foreigners is not uncommon, as they are perceived to be much wealthier than the average Georgian. 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 and Saburtalo. You should not walk alone in the Narikala Fortress and Mother Greorgia area of Tbilisi as a number of tourists have been mugged there.
You are advised to be vigilant when travelling or walking at any time. Take extra precautions after dark. We recommend you do not walk alone, and where possible, travel by licensed taxi. Whilst the electricity situation in Georgia has improved, power cuts can still occur, so you should consider carrying a torch.
The threat of kidnapping exists in Georgia, but common sense precautions may reduce the risk. You should vary routes to and from work. Keep doors locked while driving.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Local Travel
We advise against travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley (also known as upper Abkhazia). Serious fighting has broken out in the conflict zone of South Ossetia. Details are still unclear and it is not clear whether this will escalate further. As of 18:00 (local time) Thursday 7 August, the road out of Tbilisi towards Mskheta and Gori has been closed just north of the large supermarket "Goodwill". It is unclear whether this road will reopen soon. It is also unknown at this stage whether the road is closed on the other side of Gori. We advise people not to attempt to use this road at the present time.
We recommend that you should not leave the M-27 (Tbilisi - Sokhumi) motorway, in a northerly direction between Chobulauri and Agara. To do so would bring you close to the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, which is not marked on the ground. With the exception of the Dusheti/Bazaleti circuit, we also recommend that you should not leave the Georgian Military Highway (Tbilisi - Ananuri - Gudauri - Stepantsminda) in a westerly direction between Natakhtari and Ananuri, since this could also take you into the zone of conflict.
It is illegal to enter Georgia via 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 fours years. If your passport contains entry/exit stamps from the separatist Abkhazian authorities the Georgian authorities may consider this as illegal entry into Georgia via an unrecognised border crossing.
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 we advise you to contact Georgian companies that provide specialist guides.
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 a blood alcohol level higher than zero is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
If possible avoid driving at night. Many roads are badly lit and are of poor quality. Driving conditions are stressful, and often 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 and flooding often affect roads and bridges making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). 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.
Local Travel
We advise against travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley (also known as upper Abkhazia). Serious fighting has broken out in the conflict zone of South Ossetia. Details are still unclear and it is not clear whether this will escalate further. As of 18:00 (local time) Thursday 7 August, the road out of Tbilisi towards Mskheta and Gori has been closed just north of the large supermarket "Goodwill". It is unclear whether this road will reopen soon. It is also unknown at this stage whether the road is closed on the other side of Gori. We advise people not to attempt to use this road at the present time.
We recommend that you should not leave the M-27 (Tbilisi - Sokhumi) motorway, in a northerly direction between Chobulauri and Agara. To do so would bring you close to the zone of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, which is not marked on the ground. With the exception of the Dusheti/Bazaleti circuit, we also recommend that you should not leave the Georgian Military Highway (Tbilisi - Ananuri - Gudauri - Stepantsminda) in a westerly direction between Natakhtari and Ananuri, since this could also take you into the zone of conflict.
It is illegal to enter Georgia via 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 fours years. If your passport contains entry/exit stamps from the separatist Abkhazian authorities the Georgian authorities may consider this as illegal entry into Georgia via an unrecognised border crossing.
You should be aware that on 6 August 2007 a missile landed in the area of Tsitelubani, approximately one mile north of the M27, and 37 miles northwest of Tbilisi.
You should 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. Since 2006 relations have deteriorated between Georgia and the Russian Federation. Russia has suspended most transport links, postal services, trade and bank operations with Georgia.
You should exercise particular caution if you choose to travel in Svaneti, the Pankisi valley north of Akhmeta, or in the Zugdidi and Tsalenjika districts. If travelling to, or through, these areas you should increase vigilance, review personal security and take appropriate security measures. You should travel with a local guide or recognised tour operator and inform a responsible person of your travel plans
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 we advise you to contact Georgian companies that provide specialist guides.
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 a blood alcohol level higher than zero is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
If possible avoid driving at night. Many roads are badly lit and are of poor quality. Driving conditions are stressful, and often 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 and flooding often affect roads and bridges making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). 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.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
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.
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. Western airlines currently serving Georgia are BMI, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Air Ukraine International, and Luftshana.
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.
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. Western airlines currently serving Georgia are BMI, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Air Ukraine International, and Luftshana.
Local laws and customs
Drug penalties
Illegal drug use (no matter what you are using) 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 20 years and/or heavy fines.
Identification
You should carry a copy of your passport at all times and keep the original in a safe place.
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, but is not thought widely acceptable in society. This has not transposed into violence against homosexuals.
Photography in sensitive areas
Common sense should dictate that you refrain from photographing 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.
Illegal drug use (no matter what you are using) 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 20 years and/or heavy fines.
Identification
You should carry a copy of your passport at all times and keep the original in a safe place.
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, but is not thought widely acceptable in society. This has not transposed into violence against homosexuals.
Photography in sensitive areas
Common sense should dictate that you refrain from photographing 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.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
As a British National you may enter Georgia for up to 90 days without a visa. You may extend your stay in Georgia beyond 90 days 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.
Transiting Georgia or other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries
The 1992 agreement allowing visas issued for one Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country to be used to transit another CIS country is still valid for diplomatic passport holders, although not all CIS countries have signed this agreement. However, ordinary passport holders should obtain visas for all countries to be visited. If you are planning to visit two or more CIS countries, you should contact the relevant embassies in London for advice before travelling.
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.
Health
Medical facilities in Tbilisi are available but can be expensive. Outside of Tbilisi, medical facilities are limited.
Rabies is common in Georgia.
Tap water should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 5,600 adults aged 15 or over in Georgia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate 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.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that there have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in wild swans in the Adjara region of Georgia, 300km from Tbilisi. No human infections or deaths have been reported.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Rabies is common in Georgia.
Tap water should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 5,600 adults aged 15 or over in Georgia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate 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.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that there have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in wild swans in the Adjara region of Georgia, 300km from Tbilisi. No human infections or deaths have been reported.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with the {InternalLink:7}, which gives more detailed information.
Natural Disasters
Georgia is situated in an area of seismic activity. The last earthquake in Tbilisi was in April 2002.
General
Insurance
You are strongly advised to obtain 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.
For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
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. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
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 are advised not to 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.
You are strongly advised to obtain 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.
For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
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. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
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 are advised not to 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.
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile
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contacts
Georgia, Tbilisi, British Embassy
Address:
British Embassy
GMT Plaza
4 Freedom Square
Tbilisi, 0105
Telephone:
+ 995 32 274747 (Main Embassy Switchboard)
+ 995 32 274775 (Visa/Consular Enquiries)
Fax:
+ 995 32 274792 (Main Embassy)
+ 995 32 274779 (Visa/Consular Section)
Office hours:
GMT:
Mon-Fri: 0500-0900 1000-1300
Local Time:
Mon-Fri: 0900-1300 1400-1700
Daylight saving: Georgia does not change its clocks.
Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/georgia