Europe

Georgia

Still current at: 02 December 2008

Updated: 07 November 2008

Terrorism

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, Saburtalo and the bar area of Perovskaya near Republic Square.  You should not walk alone in the Narikala Fortress and Mother Greorgia area of Tbilisi as a number of tourists have been mugged there.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Local Travel

The situation in Georgia, including Tbilisi, is now calmer. There may be demonstrations on 7 November (anniversary of the demonstrations last year) and 23 November (anniversary of the Rose Revolution). These are most likely to be in the Rustaveli Avenue area of Tbilisi.  You should be vigilant and avoid large crowds.

We advise against all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley) also known as upper Abkhazia). The British Embassy has received a report of a member of an International Organisation being detained against their will along the South Ossetian administrative border. Unless you are carrying out essential business, such as humanitarian assistance, we also advise against travel to any areas where troop deployments have been reported, including Gori, Senaki and Zugdidi. You should exercise caution if travelling along the M27 road, particularly around Gori and Kutaisi. There remains a risk of local volunteer militia or criminal activity in these areas and in the  Akhalgori area. 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.

It is illegal to enter Georgia 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 fours 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.  As stated above, however, we advise against all travel to the separatist regions.

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 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. 

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.

 

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

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.

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.

There continues to be outbreaks of rabies in Georgia. 

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

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 2,700 adults aged 15 or over in The Gambia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% 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 Avian and Pandemic Influenza, 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.

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.

Registering with the British Embassy

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.

We strongly recommend that British nationals resident in or visiting Georgia  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.

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.