Travel Summary
- We continue to advise against all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Unless you are carrying out essential business, such as humanitarian work, we advise against travel to areas near the Administrative Boundaries of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, in particular Zugdidi (unless transiting on the way to Svaneti) and villages north of Gori. Tension remains high around the Administrative Border Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. You should exercise caution if you travel along the M27 (also known as the M1) road, particularly where it runs very close to South Ossetia, i.e. between Gori and Khashuri and between the Stepantsminda/Gudauri turnoff and Gori, where there wasa kidnapping in February 2009. . There remains a risk of local volunteer militia or criminal activity along this road. We do not recommend that you use the M27 during the hours of darkness.
- We also do not recommend that you travel north from the M27 between the points named above, or west of the Georgian Military highway as there is also a risk of criminal or militia activity in the Akhalgori area.
- The situation remains fluid. If you plan to visit any of the areas detailed above on essential business we advise that you liaise closely with the British Embassy, Tbilisi.
- All British nationals 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.
- There have been some reports of mines and other explosions. There is some risk from unexploded ordnance in areas in which fighting took place last August or in military installations where Russian troops were present. You should avoid these areas until they are reported as having been cleared. International monitors have been shot at in the vicinity of the South Ossetian boundary line and there was a landmine attack on 21 June near the Abkhazian boundary line which killed a Georgian ambulance driver working with the EU Monitoring Mission.
- International flights are operating normal services into and out of Tbilisi International Airport.
- There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Georgia (source: Georgian Health authorities). The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can also be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
- There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Georgia in 2008 was for replacing lost and stolen passports. Crime against foreigners is generally low, but does occur. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
- We 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, 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.
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
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. 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.
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.
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.
Local Travel
The demonstrations which have been held in Tbilisi since 9 April 2009 have now ended. It is unclear whether further demonstrations are planned, or what form they will take.
We advise against all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley) also known as upper Abkhazia). Unless you are carrying out essential business, such as humanitarian work, we advise against travel to areas near the Administrative Boundaries of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, in particular Zugdidi (unless transiting on the way to Svaneti) and villages north of Gori. Tension remains high along the Administrative Border Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia and is likely to continue. You should exercise caution if you travel along the M27 (also known as the M1) road, particularly where it runs very close to South Ossetia, i.e. between the Stepantsminda/Gudauri turnoff and Gori, where there was a kidnapping in February 2009, and between Gori and Khashuri. There remains a risk of local volunteer militia or criminal activity in these, and the area around Akhalgori. 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 do not recommend that you use the M27 during the hours of darkness.
We advise against all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley) also known as upper Abkhazia). Unless you are carrying out essential business, such as humanitarian work, we advise against travel to areas near the Administrative Boundaries of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, in particular Zugdidi (unless transiting on the way to Svaneti) and villages north of Gori. You should exercise extreme caution if you travel along the M27 (also known as the M1) road, particularly where it runs very close to South Ossetia, i.e. between the Stepantsminda/Gudauri turnoff and Gori, where there was a kidnapping in February 2009, and between Gori and Khashuri. There remains a risk of local volunteer militia or 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 do not recommend that you use the M27 during the hours of darkness.
There is some risk from unexploded ordinance in areas where fighting took place in August 2008, or in military installations where Russian troops were present. There have been some reports of mines and other explosions. You should avoid these areas until they are confirmed as having been cleared. International monitors have been shot at in the vicinity of the South Ossetian Administrative Boundary, and a mine attack near the Abkhaz Administrative Boundary killed a Georgian ambulance driver working with the EUMM on 21 June.
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. 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.
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
You should 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
You should 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.
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 is in the process of implementing legislation which would require those trading with Abkhazia and South Ossetia to hold a licence, issued by the Georgian government. This will extend to buying and selling property and to 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).
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 is in the process of implementing legislation which would require those trading with Abkhazia and South Ossetia to hold a licence, issued by the Georgian government. This will extend to buying and selling property and to 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).
Entry requirements
Visas
As a British national you may enter Georgia for up to 360 days without a visa. You may extend your stay in Georgia beyond 360 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.
Health
There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Georgia (source: Georgian Health authorities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can also be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
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 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 2,700 adults aged 15 or over in Georgia 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.
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 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 2,700 adults aged 15 or over in Georgia 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, 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.
General
Insurance
You are 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.
You are 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.
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