Visas can be obtained from the
Visa Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the airport at a fee of around US$10 to US$200, depending on the length of stay and nationality. Passengers holding an open ticket must indicate on their visa application form who they have been invited by.
Americans: US nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for a maximum stay of 90 days.
UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. If holding an
endorsed British Citizen passport, a visa is not needed for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Canadians: Canadians require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Australians: Australians require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay and a visa for travel to
Georgia. Visas can be obtained on arrival.
South Africans: South Africans require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay and a visa for travel to Georgia. Visas can be obtained on arrival.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for a maximum stay of 90 days.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, and a visa for travel to Georgia. Visas can be obtained on arrival.
Health
Measures should be taken against malaria; there is no risk in
Tbilisi, but visitors to the southeastern areas should take chloroquine before travel. Avoid drinking untreated tap water; bottled water is widely available. Medical care in Georgia is limited, especially outside Tbilisi. Many doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance.
Safety
A ceasefire agreement was signed between Georgia and
Russia on 12 August 2008, but the situation is still volatile and could deteriorate rapidly. Travel to Georgia is not advised at present, and visitors in the country are urged to leave. There are two independent regions in Georgia,
South Ossetia in north-central Georgia and
Abkhazia in the northwest. These two regions have sporadic clashes with the national government, and these two areas are not recommended for travel; there has been recent serious fighting in these conflict zones. Another area of concern is Pankisi Gorge where national armed forces have occasionally conducted operations against suspected international terrorists, Chechen fighters and criminals who have taken refuge in the area. Georgia is a relatively safe country, but robbery has increased, hence travelers should not carry large amounts of cash on them or flaunt their wealth. Walking alone in quiet areas at night is also not safe.
