Travel Report for Georgia

Country Profile for
Georgia

TRAVEL REPORTS:

Print Version

TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 20, 2006 15:45 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:52 EST

Georgia

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.

BACK TO TOP

2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to the breakaway region of South Ossetia or the surrounding region. On February 1, 2005, a car bomb exploded in the city of Gori, killing at least four persons and injuring 10. Political tensions have also mounted with the deployment of approximately 2,000 Georgian troops to the region in an attempt to bring South Ossetia under central government control. Deaths and injuries have resulted from fighting between Georgian and separatist forces near the Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali. On August 20, 2004, Georgian troops withdrew from positions captured in South Ossetia. A peacekeeping force is occupying the region.

You are advised against all travel to the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia, the Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha districts of the Samegrelo region, the Svaneti region, or Pankisi Gorge beyond Akhmeta. Avoid the Georgian Military Highway north of Gudauri. Travel to other areas outside the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, is possible, but security is uncertain. Verify the current security situation with local authorities in specific areas prior to travel.

The Abkhazia region remains under control of the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia. Terrorist activities (road mines, assassinations, kidnappings, and bombings) continue in the region. Abkhaz "border officials" may demand that visitors to this region purchase a "visa."

Do not enter or leave the country via the land border with the Russian Federation, specifically through Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, or Karachay-Cherkessia. Kidnapping occurs in these areas. Cross-border traffic with Azerbaijan may be subject to significant delays at customs checks.

The security situation remains uncertain, and civil unrest may occur. Throughout the country, you should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times. Exercise extreme caution, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and monitor local developments.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Muggings, home invasions, carjackings, sexual assaults, and other attacks on foreigners have increased, particularly in urban areas. Kidnapping involving foreign residents and travellers is a serious problem throughout Georgia.

Canadians are strongly advised to take all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of kidnapping and other violent crime. For example, all travellers (especially women) should remain in groups, limit movement after dark, particularly on foot, and keep the doors to cars and residences locked and well secured. Vary routes travelled regularly. Remain vigilant in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation facilities.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is on the rise in the capital and elsewhere. Inadequate lighting in public places increases the likelihood of crime. Avoid displays of affluence. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure valuables, passports, and other travel documents are secure. In case of emergency, contact police at 02.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

BACK TO TOP

4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Avoid long-distance rail travel, except for the new "American Express" rail service linking Baku, Azerbaijan, to Tbilisi. Do not leave your compartment unattended; ensure that the cabin door is secure from the inside. Current ethnic conflicts have interrupted services of the Trans-Caucasian Railway's main line, which connects two railway branches - from Baku, Azerbaijan, and from Yerevan, Armenia.

There could be increased delays at airports and other transportation facilities. It is strongly recommended to fly to and from Georgia directly using international carriers.

Take precautions when using public transport. Buses, trolleybuses, and the metro are often crowded and best avoided. Car rental companies do not offer self-drive vehicles. Car hire with a chauffeur is available. Use only officially marked taxis, pre-negotiate fares, and do not share rides with strangers.

Drive defensively, as traffic accidents are a common cause of injury and death. Ethnic conflicts, criminal activity, and fuel shortages have limited the creation of adequate infrastructure. Poor road conditions and driving standards, insufficient road markings, and inadequate lighting create hazards. A right turn on a red traffic light is illegal. Mountainous roads can be dangerous, especially in winter, as heavy snowfall may make them impassable. Pedestrians do not have right of way.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

BACK TO TOP

5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The weather in mountainous areas can be unpredictable. Mountain trekkers should not travel alone but with recognized groups and organizations. Georgia is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Canadian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey (see below), in the event of an emergency.

BACK TO TOP

6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Georgia are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Georgia to ask to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Georgian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexual activity is legal but is not widely accepted in Georgian society.

Photography of military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

A special license issued by the Ministry of Culture, Department of Expertise and Evaluation, is necessary to export artwork, antiques, and jewels.

BACK TO TOP

7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in Georgia. However, to the extent that is possible, the Embassy of Canada in Ankara, Turkey, will provide emergency consular assistance to Canadians in Georgia. The address is as follows:

Turkey - ANKARA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Cinnah Caddesi No. 58, Çankaya 06690, Ankara, Turkey
Tel.: 90 (312) 409-2700
Fax: 90 (312) 409-2712
E-mail: ankra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/ankara

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Ankara and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit

Georgia

. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. A visa is no longer required for Canadians visiting

Georgia

for up to three months.

Travellers should fill out a customs declaration upon arrival. Failure to declare currency and other items upon arrival can result in a fine or penalty upon departure.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays up to three months)
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Georgia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

BACK TO TOP

9. MONEY

The economy is primarily cash-based. The lari (GEL) is the only legal tender and cannot be imported or exported. U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted and exchanged for local currency. Credit cards are not widely accepted, except at some upscale hotels and restaurants. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Use U.S. dollar traveller's cheques (American Express, MasterCard, and Visa Dollar), which are exchangeable at international hotels or local banks. There are a few ATMs in Tbilisi. Exchange facilities in Tbilisi are numerous and efficient and deal in a variety of currencies (but not Canadian).

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Georgia (capital: Tbilisi) is located in the South Caucasus, between the Black and Caspian seas, bordering the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. The official language is Georgian. Tourist facilities outside the capital are not highly developed. Power outages and heating shortages are common, especially in winter.

BACK TO TOP

11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance of illness. Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets. Ensure that you have basic first-aid medication and supplies. Medical facilities are poorly equipped and are best avoided. Check with local authorities or international hotels for doctors able to deal with minor complaints.

BACK TO TOP

13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

BACK TO TOP

16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

BACK TO TOP

17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

BACK TO TOP

18. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP