Georgia

Country profile

KEY FACTS

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Capital : Tbilisi

Language : Georgian is the official language. Other languages spoken include Russian, Abkhazian, Armenian, Azeri, Greek, Kurmanji and Turkish.

Ethnic Groups : Ethnic Georgians make up 70 percent of the population. There are also Armenian, Russian, Azeri and other minorities.

Religion : Georgian Orthodox 65 percent, Islam 11 percent, Russian Orthodox 10 percent, Armenian Orthodox 8 percent

Time Zone : Standard Time GMT +4, Summer Time GMT +3

Climate : Climate generally warm, low temperatures in mountains and valleys. Rainfall in the west.

Telephone dialing code : (+) 995

Currency : Lari

Terrorism/Security

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

Local Laws and Customs
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.
You should carry a copy of your passport at all times and keep the original in a safe place.
Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, but is not thought widely acceptable in society. This has not transposed into violence against homosexuals.
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.

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.

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.

Travel

Visa Requirements

Some foreigners may enter Georgia for up to 90 days without a visa. 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.

Insurance

If you decide to travel we strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical treatment and accidents. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.

Consular Registration

Register with your embassy to tell them when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so your consular embassy can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

You should carry your passport at all times. We therefore advise that you keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place. This will help you to obtain a replacement, in case your passport is lost or stolen.

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 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.

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.

Evidence suggests that some airlines from Georgia do not always comply with international safety standards in respect of maintenance. 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 Lufthansa.

Rail Safety

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

Local Travel
Yoiu should avoid all travel to Georgia. If you are currently in Georgia, you should consider leaving whilst routes out of the country are still available. Land borders with Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan are currently open. Visas for Armenia can be obtained at the border. Entry into Azerbaijan is only possible if you already have a visa.
You should avoid all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley (also known as upper Abkhazia).
Serious fighting continues in the conflict zone of South Ossetia. There have also been aerial bombardments of Georgian military installations outside the conflict zone at the Black Sea port of Poti, the military bases at Vaziani, Senaki and Marneuli, and near Tbilisi airport.
You should not attempt to use the M27 road past Gori. If you are outside Tbilisi and need to return, you should consider using the southern road via Akhaltsikhe and Tsalka. Please note that much of this road is in poor condition.
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

Natural Disasters

Georgia is situated in an area of seismic activity. The last earthquake in Tbilisi was in April 2002.

Health

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Armenia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.

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

Disease

Rabies is common in Georgia.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

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 Supplies and facilities

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

Landmines

For more information on landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), consult the Landmine Monitor, a research and monitoring initiative of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and the de facto monitoring regime for the Mine Ban Treaty. It independently and impartially monitors and reports on the use of mines by the different actors (Government, Non-State armed groups). It also provides information about identification, marking and fencing of affected areas as well as updated landmines and ERW casualties.

Go to the Landmine Monitor