Georgia

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Political rallies are common in Georgia, including Tbilisi.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid public protests and rallies
• monitor local media and other sources for possible threats
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Conflict zones

South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and the surrounding areas are unsafe. Unexploded landmines exist in these areas.

Violence and fighting between the military and, militia and criminals, including terrorists, is common.

Some roads in the Abkhazia region may have landmines.

We can't provide consular assistance to Australians in Abkhazia or South Ossetia.

Georgia has a risk of violent crime, including:

• robberies
• carjackings
• sexual assaults
• home invasions
• assaults
• drink spiking

Financial, import and export scams have increased in recent years.

To protect yourself from crime:

• be careful when walking after dark
• always keep car doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• always keep sight of your credit card
• check for card skimming devices before using ATMs

To protect yourself around people you don't know:

• don't accept food or drinks from strangers
• don't leave your food or drink unattended
• be wary of friendly strangers
• be wary of people who mention business or trade opportunities

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Since 2008, car bombings have occurred in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This started when the conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation ended.

Attacks target military and security sites, but civilians have been hurt.

Recent terrorist targets include:

• markets
• public transport
• commercial and public places where foreigners might be present

To reduce your risk:

• report suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for new threats
• listen to official warnings
• follow the advice of local authorities

Be alert in public places, especially around known terrorist targets, including:

• shopping areas
• places of worship
• sporting venues
• public transport
• airports and other transport hubs
• places of mass gathering

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the area in case of secondary attacks.

More information:

• Terrorism

It's difficult to get accurate updates on mountain conditions.

Emergency responses may be limited if you get into trouble while mountaineering or hiking.

Contact Georgian companies with specialist guides if you're thinking about trekking or mountaineering.

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes mountaineering and hiking.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Earthquakes and floods can happen in Georgia.

If there is a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with friends and family
• check local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• take official warnings seriously
• don't enter flood-affected areas

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Ensure you get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave, as you may be asked to provide evidence at check-in or by the immigration authorities on arrival in Georgia.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia despite our advice, you'll need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to these areas.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

More information:

• Travel insurance

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication you can buy over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Georgia has a very strict anti-drug policy. There are legal limits on how much you can take into Georgia for some medications. If you travel without the required permits, you may be detained at the border and face heavy fines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medication, you'll need to contact the Embassy of Georgia.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Georgia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is a risk in the southeastern part of Georgia.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Measles

Measles cases can routinely occur in Georgia, which is currently experiencing increased measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

More information:

• Measles Outbreak 2019 (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases occur. These include:

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• brucellosis
• rabies
• COVID-19

Sometimes serious outbreaks occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals

Get medical attention straight away if an animal scratches or bites you

Get medical advice if you think you have food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical care in Georgia can be limited, particularly outside Tbilisi.

International medical supplies are available, but the quality of services and facilities is poor.

If you become ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.

Georgia has announced it intends to ban surrogacy for foreigners. The ban was due to start on 1 January, but the bill is currently still before the Georgian parliament. Contravening this law would be a criminal offence. ​It's unclear what transitional arrangements would be in place if the bill passes. 

Babies born through illegal arrangements may be prevented from leaving Georgia. Be aware that you may not be able to get your money back if you enter into a contract for surrogacy services. 

Before you commit to a surrogacy arrangement, seek independent legal advice from a Georgian solicitor with knowledge of this area of law. See our advice on going overseas for international surrogacy.

To bring children born through surrogacy to Australia, you must apply for an Australian passport. Check the website of the Australian Embassy in Türkiye for details on how to apply. 

If you're going to Georgia for surrogacy, before leaving Australia, get prepared:

• Australians often find surrogacy in Georgia to be an extremely stressful experience. 
• Tell us about your travel - passports.complexcases@dfat.gov.au
• The entire process will likely take longer than you think. Plan for delays.
• Prepare your documents. Ensure you understand which documents you'll need and in what form (do they need to be apostilled, translated, or notarised?). Third-country documents (e.g. if your marriage certificate is not from Australia) may be scrutinised closely by the Georgian authorities and may cause delays.  
• Understand what to expect from your surrogacy agency. Couples often experience a lack of information or sympathy from their surrogacy agency. Realise your agency will be managing multiple births at the same time as yours.
• Understand your surrogacy contracts, including contracted timeframes. Be cautious of verbal agreements from your surrogacy agency that differ from your contract documents. Have funds set aside for legal costs should a dispute arise.  
• You'll need to travel to an Australian Embassy to obtain a passport for your child. Your child must stay in Georgia until you return to Georgia with the passport.
• Don't book return tickets before you have your child's passport. When to travel from Georgia to an Australian mission for a passport is your decision. We can't guarantee when a passport will be issued.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Georgia. Consular services in Georgia are limited. Obtaining a birth certificate, citizenship, and passport takes time. Processing times vary. 
• Children born through surrogacy can experience medical complications. Medical complications could extend your stay in Georgia and the costs of surrogacy. Medical evacuation is your responsibility.
• Don't expect special treatment from Georgian authorities. Georgian authorities will issue a birth certificate according to their requirements and timelines; they will not expedite your application simply because you need to leave Georgia. The embassy can't intervene with Georgian authorities on your behalf.
• Be prepared to change your plans. Due to Georgian authorities ' requirements, you may need to travel unexpectedly to Tbilisi.
• Due to language difficulties, you may find it frustrating to engage with medical and hospital staff. 
• You may meet other clients undertaking surrogacy in Georgia. Every case is different. Don't compare how long it takes for others to leave Georgia. Be cautious about taking advice from other surrogacy clients; only seek advice from official sources. 

It's your choice to travel to Georgia for surrogacy, and you're responsible for your safety, the safety of your child, and any legal or medical risks. 

More information:

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• For Georgian birth certificates – the Local Government or via your surrogacy agency
• For Australian citizenship – The Department of Home Affairs (citizenship.descent@homeaffairs.gov.au)
• For an Australian Passport - the Specialised Case Management Section (passports.complexcases@dfat.gov.au) in Australia for assessment and the Australian Embassy Ankara for your passport interview and printing of the emergency passport.
• For consular assistance – the Australian Embassy in Ankara (consular.ankara@dfat.gov.au)

Local law

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include heavy fines and long prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Always carry your passport, visa or migration card (or copies).

It's illegal to take photos:

• near military sites
• of strategic sites, such as airports

You need a licence from the Ministry of Culture and Sport's Department of Expertise and Evaluation to export items of national heritage.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Georgia doesn't always recognise Australians with Georgian dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this may limit the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Georgia has compulsory military service.

Dual nationals should get advice from an embassy or consulate of Georgia before travelling.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal in Georgia but aren't widely accepted.

Consider avoiding public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI Travellers

Visa-free travel for short stays

You can visit Georgia for up to 12 months without a visa if you have an Australian passport. You'll need a visa for longer stays.

Entry and exit requirements can change at short notice. Contact the Georgian Foreign Ministry or an embassy or consulate of Georgia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia e-Visa Portal

Travelling with children

Children under 18 years travelling alone or with one parent may need a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent or parents.

They'll also need a copy of their birth certificate and passport.

Check requirements with an embassy or consulate of Georgia.

Borders

We advise against all travel to the North Caucasus region of Russia due to the high threat of terrorist activity. See our travel advice for Russia.

It's illegal to enter Georgia via Abkhazia or South Ossetia, where there's no official border control.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with X gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The local currency is the Lari (GEL).

When entering or leaving, you must declare any foreign currency worth $US10,000 or more. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

By law, all goods and services must be paid for in GEL.

Credit cards are widely used in Tbilisi, but less so in regional areas.

ATMs are available in major towns.

Traveller's cheques aren't widely accepted.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Do not travel to South Ossetia or Abkhazia and nearby areas. There's a risk of terrorist and criminal activity.

Unexploded weapons are in these areas.

We can't help Australians who are in these regions.

Driver's licence

You need an Australian driver's licence to drive in Georgia.

You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for insurance.

Before you drive in Georgia, check with your insurance and vehicle providers on what you need to do.

Vehicle insurance

Civil liability insurance is compulsory for vehicles registered outside Georgia.

You can buy insurance from centres at most border crossings.

More information:

• Compulsory Insurance Centre

Road travel

Driving in Georgia can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• poorly lit roads
• not enough signs
• drivers not following the road rules

Traffic signals and road rules are often ignored.

Mountain roads can be dangerous. Take extra care in winter.

Driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is illegal.

If you plan to drive in Georgia, check if your travel insurance will cover driving.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines arranged through your hotel.

To avoid issues with taxis:

• don't hail taxis on the street
• sit in the back seat

Public transport

Public transport can be unsafe due to poor road conditions.

Theft and assault happen on trains and around the Tbilisi station.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Georgia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you could contact:

• your family and friends
• airline
• travel agent
• tour operator
• employer
• travel insurer

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112, or contact the nearest police station.

English-speaking operators are usually available.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Georgia. For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Turkiye.

Australian Embassy, Ankara

MNG Building, 7th floor

88 Uğur Mumcu Caddesi

Gaziosmanpaşa

Ankara, Turkey

Phone: +90 312 459 9500

Website: turkey.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Turkiye

X: @AusAmbTurkiye

Limited consular assistance is also available from the British Embassy in Tbilisi.

British Embassy, Tbilisi

51 Krtsanisi Street

Tbilisi, 0114

Phone: (+995) 32 227 4747

Website: ukingeorgia.fco.gov.uk

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia