Georgia
Summary
For security reasons, the FCDO advises against all travel to the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and against all but essential travel to areas immediately adjacent to the Administrative Boundary Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The British government does not recognise the unilateral declarations of independence made by the de facto authorities in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Consular support is not available in parts of Georgia where the FCDO advise against all travel. See Local travel
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Georgia
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Georgia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Georgia, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page
The political situation in Georgia is generally calm, although demonstrations and rallies, particularly on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi as well as in other large towns do take place at short notice. These can escalate without warning. You should remain vigilant, stay away from any large gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities. See Political situation
Foreign nationals have been detained on arrival in Georgia for possession of medicines that would not normally be problematic in the UK or other countries. See Travelling with medicines
Take care when driving and if possible avoid driving at night. See Road travel
There is some risk from unexploded ordnance in areas along the Administrative Boundary Lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and near the border with Azerbaijan (Red Bridge area in particular). Areas where unexploded ordnance might be present are not always marked. See Local travel
If you currently have, or are thinking of commissioning surrogacy arrangements in Georgia, see Surrogacy
Terrorist attacks in Georgia can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
You can contact the emergency services by calling 112.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2024-12-02 16:58
Updated information on intensifying political demonstrations (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-11-29 12:40
Updated information on sporadic political demonstrations (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-10-18 14:47
This travel advice was reviewed for accuracy. See information about upcoming elections (‘Safety and security page’). There are no other significant updates.
2024-06-10 16:40
New information on using drones for photos and filming (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-05-16 11:13
Information on the political situation across Georgia (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-01-15 16:32
Updated information on a law banning surrogacy for foreign couples expected to be adopted by the Georgian Parliament (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-11-29 09:18
Removal of information on the Georgia vs Scotland European Championship qualifying game on 16 November.
2023-11-14 09:29
Information on the Georgia vs Scotland European Championship qualifying game on 16 November (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-11-10 13:51
Information on the Georgia vs Scotland European Championship qualifying game on 16 November (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-10-02 15:07
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-07-11 16:01
Removal of advice about UEFA U21 Championship, and update to information about LGBT+ rights. (‘Safety and security’ and ‘Local laws and customs’ pages).
2023-06-22 10:21
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-21 16:12
Information on visiting Georgia for the UEFA U21 Championship (‘Summary’ page).
2023-05-15 11:21
New information about altitude sickness (‘Health’ page).
2023-01-30 15:41
Updated information on COVID-19 healthcare, crime, visas, travel insurance and health risks (‘Coronavirus’, ‘Safety and Security’, ‘Entry Requirements’ and ‘Health’ pages).
2022-07-14 15:26
Updated information on surrogacy (‘Local laws and customs’ page)
2022-06-16 15:12
Updated information on the removal of the requirement to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter Georgia (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-05-04 15:05
Updated information following the further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-04-28 16:59
Updated information on the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions (‘Coronavirus’ page) and changes to passport validity and vaccination requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-04 16:37
Clarification on openings and closures for land and sea borders are open (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-03-03 15:34
Update on the relaxation of entry requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-02-25 12:55
Update to information on local COVID-19 regulations, surrogacy regulations and earthquakes (‘Coronavirus’, ‘Local laws and customs’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)
2022-02-21 11:50
Additional information on surrogacy regulations (‘Local laws & customs’ page) and earthquakes (‘Natural disasters’ page)