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Georgia
Country Specific Information
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September 18, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Georgia is a constitutional republic with a developing economy. Tourist facilities outside of Tbilisi are not highly developed,
and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Read the Department of State
Background Notes on Georgia for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. U.S. citizens visiting for 90 days or less do not need a visa to enter Georgia. For further information,
please contact the Embassy of Georgia at 2209 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20008 tel. (202) 387-2390, fax: (202)
393-4537. Visit the Embassy of Georgia web site at http://embassy.mfa.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=GEO&sec_id=2&lang_id=ENG for the most current visa information.
Information on dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: As a result of civil wars in the 1980s and early 1990s, there are two separatist regions in Georgia that are not under the control of the Government of Georgia: South Ossetia, in north-central Georgia; and Abkhazia, in northwest Georgia. Tensions are high between the separatist regions and the central government, and fighting broke out in August 2008 between separatist, Georgian, and Russian forces. The situation remains tense, with Russian troops stationed in both separatist regions and in adjacent territory within Georgia proper. Due to the volatility of the political situation, high levels of crime, and inability of Embassy personnel to travel to Abkhazia or South Ossetia, the U.S. Embassy advises American citizens not to travel to these separatist-controlled areas. The restricted access of U.S. officials to Abkhazia and South Ossetia significantly limits the ability of the U.S. Government to assist American citizens in these regions, even in emergencies. All travelers to these regions, should register with the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Embassy recommends that Americans regularly monitor warden messages on the Embassy web site for the latest information on the security situation throughout Georgia.
Serious fighting occurred between Georgian and combined separatist and Russian forces in August 2008 in some areas adjacent to the conflict zones of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, resulting in civilian casualties and the displacement of over 100,000 people. Russian forces occupied the area near the city of Gori in central Georgia for several days; Russian troops remain in areas near the western cities of Poti and Zugdidi. The risk of unexploded ordnance in areas where fighting occurred remains high, and Americans should avoid travel to those areas until they are cleared.
In addition to the recent violence, a number of attacks, criminal incidents, and kidnappings have occurred in the separatist
regions over the past several years. On August 6, 2007, a missile was fired from an aircraft near a village between the city
of Gori and the separatist region of South Ossetia. This incident serves as another reminder that the situation near the separatist
areas is unpredictable. While Abkhaz "border officials" may demand that travelers entering the region purchase "visas" from
the so-called "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia," the U.S. Government recognizes the territorial integrity of Georgia.
Georgia's armed forces periodically conduct operations against suspected international terrorists, Chechen fighters, and criminals
who have taken refuge in the Pankisi Gorge. American citizens should avoid all travel to the Pankisi Gorge. American citizens
are also advised to exercise caution when traveling in the northern mountainous areas of Georgia bordering the Russian Federation,
especially the Chechnya and Dagestan sectors. American citizens cannot legally cross by land, air, rail or sea between Russia
and Georgia, even if in possession of valid Russian or Georgian visas.
Political demonstrations take place from time to time in Tbilisi, and normally take place in front of the Parliament building
on Rustaveli Avenue. While these demonstrations are normally peaceful, confrontational demonstrations have occurred, and we
wish to remind all Americans that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate
into violence.
Regardless of the region in Georgia one is planning to visit, American citizens are urged to review their personal security
precautions, increase their levels of awareness, register with the consular section and as appropriate, take increased security
measures. American citizens in Georgia are also advised to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to avoid straying
off main roads or traveling after dark.
Religious minorities in Georgia have been targets of violent attacks. The victims were primarily Jehovah's Witnesses, but
also include Pentecostals, Baptists, and members of the Assembly of God. Incidents included the burning of literature, the
destruction of private property and the beating (sometimes severe) of believers, including American citizens. Although Georgian
authorities arrested, convicted, and imprisoned the ringleader of the group responsible for these attacks in 2005, American
citizens should remain cautious when engaging in missionary activity in Georgia.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau
of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Travel Warning for Georgia, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for
callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For
general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the
Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad
CRIME: Crime is a very serious problem in Georgia. There is a great disparity in affluence between foreigners and most Georgians. Americans in particular are perceived as being wealthy, and are therefore targeted for economic- and property-based crimes. Most of the crimes involving Americans, as reported to the Embassy, are residential break-ins, carjackings, car theft, petty theft, and armed robbery. Petty street crime, such as pick pocketing, purse snatching, and cell phone theft, is also common throughout the country. Furthermore, violent attacks have become more commonplace. Illegal firearms are readily available in Georgia, so assailants are likely to be armed with firearms and other weapons.
Crime remains a particularly serious issue in Tbilisi, where criminal activity against foreigners remains at levels disproportionate
to other metropolitan areas in Europe and the United States. Many robberies and assaults have occurred in areas frequented
by American citizens and foreigners, such as on side streets near Tbilisi’s city center; trouble spots include areas off the
main avenues in the Vake and Vera districts, and Chavchavadze and Rustaveli avenues, as well as the Saburtalo region of Tbilisi. These
crimes often occur when the victim is alone, after dark, and in unfamiliar surroundings.
Petty theft is also a problem on the Tbilisi metro system and in minivans, or “marshrutkas” used for public transport. American
citizens are advised to use personal vehicles or use taxis from established companies that carry passengers door-to-door. While
the security of overland travel in Georgia has improved, vehicular and rail traffic remains vulnerable to robbery.
The threat of kidnapping exists both within and outside of Tbilisi. In the past, foreign businessmen have been abducted for
ransom, and Americans in the Tbilisi area have received kidnapping threats. The possibility of similar risk to Americans elsewhere
in the country cannot be discounted.
Outside of Tbilisi, criminal activity is also a problem, especially in the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia,
due to the reduced capacity of law enforcement in those areas. Other regions of concern include: upper Svanetia, Samtskhe-Javakheti,
the administrative border with Abkhazia (including Zugdidi city), and areas along the border with Russia. When visiting or
traveling through these regions, American citizens are urged to increase their vigilance, review their personal security precautions,
and take appropriate security measures, e.g. traveling with a native Georgian escort familiar with the local area.
Despite much progress in the Georgian Government’s efforts to reform police and fight internal corruption, serious concerns
remain as to the police’s ability to deter criminal activity or conduct effective post-incident investigations. Although police
emergency response is good (see below for contact information), criminals continue to have freedom of movement throughout
Tbilisi day or night.
In light of the serious crime situation, all American citizens visiting Georgia are again strongly advised to exercise basic security precautions. American travelers should vary times and routes, especially from places of residence to work locations. Americans should maintain a low profile by not carrying large amounts of cash, not wearing excessive amounts of jewelry, and not behaving in a manner that draws unnecessary attention. Additionally, Americans should be aware of their surroundings, travel in pairs or groups, and stay on main streets and routes. The Embassy recommends that those traveling throughout the country do so during daylight hours only and provide a travel itinerary and contact telephone numbers to a friend or business colleague. Americans should not hesitate to report any unusual incidents or suspicious vehicles or individuals to the Georgian authorities as soon as possible. Finally, those that do become a victim of crime should not resist their assailant and should cooperate with the assailant as best they can. Assailants are most interested in money and/or property; cooperation reduces the chance of being more seriously injured.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate
medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation
and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand
the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) has established a police emergency hotline. This service is currently limited
to larger cities, but the MOIA is planning to expand this service countrywide.
The local “911” equivalent to contact police in an emergency is: “022”. Please note that the police dispatcher speaks only
Georgian or Russian.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in Georgia is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. It is recommended that travelers who intend to visit Georgia for at least two weeks get the hepatitis A vaccine and a pre-exposure rabies vaccine. Travelers are also encouraged to bring medicine to treat diarrhea, which regularly afflicts newcomers. Georgian doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment before rendering medical services.
Medical Information: Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern in Georgia. For further information, please
consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Travel Notice on TB http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-TB.aspx.
For information on avian influenza (bird flu), please refer to the Department of State's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet .
There are no restrictions on travel for HIV/AIDS positive tourist visitors to Georgia who plan to stay for 90 days or less. A
recently enacted law, the Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Foreigners, states that permanent residency can be denied
for those carrying infectious diseases. It is unknown at this time if HIV/AIDS positive individuals would be denied permanent
residency due to their HIV/AIDS infection alone, although Georgian Government officials have stated that it does not apply
to HIV/AIDS carriers.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company before traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Georgia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
As in the United States, vehicular traffic in Georgia moves along the right side of roadways. Speed limits range from 80 to
100 km/hr on highways, and from 30 to 60 km/hr on urban thoroughfares. Motorists are not permitted to make right turns on
red traffic lights. While legislation mandating seat belt use has yet to be enacted, drivers and passengers are strongly advised
to buckle up on Georgian roads. Georgian law requires that children under seven (7) years of age be restrained in child-safety
seats. A driver with any blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.00% is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
Motorists should exercise extreme caution when driving in Georgia, as many local drivers do not operate their vehicles in
accordance with established traffic laws. Traffic signals and rules of the road are often completely ignored. Motorists drive
erratically, often recklessly, and at excessive speeds. Motorists frequently encounter oncoming high-speed traffic attempting
to pass other vehicles at blind turns or over hilltops. Pedestrians enjoy no right-of-way and need to be extremely careful
when crossing streets. The Georgian Patrol Police, who come under the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, are responsible
for maintaining traffic safety in Georgia, but enforcement of traffic regulations is haphazard.
Undivided two-lane roads connect most major cities in Georgia. Roads are generally in poor condition and often lack shoulder
markings and centerlines. In addition, traffic signals may not work because of power outages or poor maintenance. Driving
at night can be especially dangerous. Travel on mountain roads is treacherous in both rain and snow, and during winter, heavy
snowfalls may make some roads impassable.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of the Georgia’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://tourism.gov.ge/start.php.
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 Georgia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
Travelers on regional airlines among the countries of the South Caucasus may experience prolonged delays and sudden cancellations
of flights. In addition to frequent delays, flights are often overcrowded or overbooked. Basic safety features such as seat
belts are sometimes missing. Air travel to Georgia on international carriers via Europe is typically more reliable. Ticketed
passengers on flights departing from Georgia should reconfirm reservations with the airline 24 hours prior to departure.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Georgia has been subject to regular energy crises. During the winter months, frequent and prolonged power outages are common,
especially outside of Tbilisi. The lack of lighting in public places, even when electricity is available, heightens vulnerability
to crime (please see the Crime section above for details).
Georgia’s customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import into or export from Georgia of
items such as alcohol, tobacco, jewelry, religious materials, art or artifacts, antiquities, and business equipment. Only
personal medicines with a doctor’s statement can be imported without the permission of the Georgian Drug Agency section of
the Ministry of Health.
American citizens may not import firearms into Georgia; however, hunting weapons may be brought into the country for a two-week
period, based on valid Georgian hunting licenses. While there is no limit to the amount of currency that can be imported,
if more money is exported than was declared at the time of entry, the traveler is obligated to prove it was legally obtained. There
are limits on the amount of Georgian currency that may be exported. For additional customs information, American citizens
should contact the Embassy of Georgia in Washington, DC.
American citizens should exercise extreme caution in purchasing property in Abkhazia. Land for sale in that region may rightfully
belong to internally displaced persons forced to leave Abkhazia in the early 1990s and may have improperly been placed on
the market by the de facto authorities in Abkhazia. In such cases, the government of Georgia considers the sale of property
in Abkhazia illegal under Georgian law and the property could be reclaimed by original owners at a future date.
The Ministry of Culture‘s Department of Expertise and Evaluation must license any valuables such as artwork, antiques, jewelry,
paintings, etc. This license describes the object, assesses its value, and provides permission to export it from Georgia. The
U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi can provide more specific information on quantities of items that can be imported duty-free, as well
as duties excised for specific items. It is also advisable to contact the Embassy of Georgia in Washington, DC. for specific
information regarding customs requirements. Please see our information on Customs Regulations.
While the Georgian lari is the only legal tender, dollars can be freely exchanged for laris at market rates. ATMs are more
widespread within the city of Tbilisi. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of upscale hotels and restaurants, and travelers’
checks are difficult to cash. American citizens in Georgia have reported incidents of credit card fraud and identity theft.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, an American citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating Georgian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Georgia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Georgia are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through
the State Department's travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Georgia. Americans without Internet access may register
directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate
to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is located at 11 George Balanchine Street. Office hours
from American Citizens Services are from 2 to 5 pm on weekdays; no appointment is necessary. The telephone number is (995)
(32) 27-70-00, which can also be reached after hours, and the fax number is: (995) (32) 53-23-10. The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi’s
web site is http://georgia.usembassy.gov/.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information dated June 17, 2008 to update the sections on Safety and Security and Medical
Information.
