Risk level

Safety and security

Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Tensions are high in both breakaway regions. Unexploded ordnance, landmines and explosions may pose a risk in those parts of Abkhazia and South Ossetia where military operations have occurred.

Terrorists have carried out attacks in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They typically use car bombs to target military and security facilities. Exercise a high level of personal security awareness at all times.

Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in these areas, due to security concerns and travel restrictions.

Risk levels

Russian border regions

Avoid entering or leaving the country via land borders with Russia in these republics:

• Chechnya
• Dagestan
• Ingushetia
• Kabardino-Balkaria
• Karachay-Cherkessia
• North Ossetia

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Inadequate lighting in public places increases the likelihood of crime.

• Do not carry large amounts of cash and do not display signs of affluence
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Pay careful attention when your credit card is handled by others during payment processing

Muggings, home invasions, carjackings, sexual assaults and other violent crimes against foreigners have occurred.

Do not visit disreputable bars and neighbourhoods, where local law enforcement may be unable or unwilling to intervene. In one scam that is particularly common in Tbilisi, locals invite tourists to bars for food and drinks, and then force them to pay a steep bill.

Kidnapping

Kidnappings have occurred in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and other areas bordering Russia. You should travel in a group. Do not walk or take the subway alone after dark. Vary your routine and lock doors to cars and residences. Avoid showing signs of affluence and exercise vigilance in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation facilities.

LGBTQ2 travellers

LGBTQ2 travellers, as well as their friends and families, have been targets of harassment and violence.

LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Georgia.

Laws affecting LGBTQ2 travellers

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Demonstrations

Political demonstrations take place regularly in Georgia, especially in Tbilisi.

Clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in casualties. Security forces have used water cannons to disperse crowds. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Traffic accidents are a common cause of injury and death.

Drive defensively. Poor road conditions, reduced driving standards, insufficient road markings and inadequate lighting create hazards.

Avoid driving after dark.

Public transportation

Use only officially marked taxis and negotiate fares in advance. Do not share rides with strangers.

Exercise caution when travelling over long distances by train at night and when alone. Do not leave the compartment unattended. Lock the cabin door from the inside.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Mountaineering and hiking

Accurate information on mountain conditions can be difficult to obtain, and weather in mountainous areas can be unpredictable.

If you intend on engage in mountaineering or hiking:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

General safety information

Standards of police practice may differ from those you might expect in Canada.

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Georgian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Georgia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 365 days
Business visa: Not required for stays up to 365 days
Student visa: Not required for stays up to 365 days

If you are planning to stay in Georgia for more than 365 days, you must obtain a visa before entering the country. If you overstay your visa, you may be fined.

State Commission on Migration Issues of Georgia

Abkhazia and South Ossetia

You need prior authorization from Georgian authorities to enter the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. As there is no official border control, you could face serious consequences, such as incarceration and fines, when re-entering Georgia if your passport has been stamped by the authorities of these regions.

Risk levels

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Western Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Western Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Western Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Western Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Many specialized medical services are available in Tbilisi.

Medical facilities are limited outside of Tbilisi.

Medical services can be expensive, and immediate cash payment is often required.

Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

The conviction rate is high, regardless of whether or not you are guilty.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Medication

Georgian authorities strictly regulate the possession and import of prescription medication and some over-the-counter medication that is commonly available in Canada. Violating these regulations could result in deportation or even imprisonment.

Carry a prescription and declare all of your medication on your customs form. You may also be required to obtain a certificate from the Georgian Ministry of Health.

Georgian Public Service Hall (in Georgian only)

Imports and exports

To export certain artwork, antiques, jewels and items considered to be of national heritage, you need a special licence issued by the Ministry of Culture and Sport’s Department of Expertise and Evaluation.

Photography

Photographing military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty. Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Georgia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Georgia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Military service

Georgian-Canadian dual citizens may be subject to military service.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Georgia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Georgia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Georgian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Georgia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

There is zero tolerance of drinking and driving.

You must carry an international driving permit.

More about the International Driving Permit

LGBTQ2 travellers

Georgian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, LGBTQ2 travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Surrogacy

There are no clear procedures or regulations about surrogacy. If you are considering surrogacy, seek advice from legal professionals knowledgeable in Canadian and Georgian laws and citizenship procedures.

Money

The currency of Georgia is the lari (GEL). U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted and exchanged for local currency.

Avoid unlicensed exchange facilities.

Tbilisi’s upscale tourist hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards. ATMs are available in major cities.

There are legal limits on currency imports and exports.

Natural disasters and climate

Georgia is located in an active seismic zone. An earthquake may cause landslides in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur up to one week after the initial earthquake.

Heavy rains may trigger floods and landslides.