Entry Rules for Foreign Citizens Traveling to Georgia

Georgia is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. The country has a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a growing economy, which make it an attractive destination for visitors. However, before planning your trip to Georgia, it is essential to understand the entry rules for foreign citizens traveling to Georgia.

Firstly, any citizen of a foreign country can enter Georgia via any route, including by air, land, and sea. It means that travelers can choose the most convenient mode of transport according to their preferences and budget.

However, there are some conditions that foreign citizens must meet to enter Georgia. Firstly, they need to have a valid passport or other travel document recognized by Georgia. The passport should be valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from Georgia. It is essential to ensure that the information provided in the application matches the information in the passport or travel document.

Secondly, foreign citizens must have a visa or an electronic visa (e-visa) to enter Georgia, depending on their nationality. Georgia has a visa-free regime with several countries, and citizens of those countries can enter Georgia without a visa for a certain period. However, citizens of many other countries need to obtain a visa or an e-visa before traveling to Georgia. It is advisable to check the visa requirements for your country before planning your trip.

Thirdly, foreign citizens must have proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Georgia. The amount of funds required may vary depending on the length of stay and the purpose of the visit. The travelers should carry a sufficient amount of cash, credit card, or other payment methods that can be used in Georgia.

Finally, foreign citizens must have a return ticket or a ticket to a third country if they are traveling through Georgia to reach their final destination. They must also have a reservation for a hotel or other accommodation during their stay in Georgia. It is also advisable to have valid health/accident insurance that covers their entire stay in Georgia.

Before planning a trip to Georgia, foreign citizens should ensure that they meet all the entry requirements. These include having a valid passport or travel document, obtaining a visa or e-visa if required, proof of sufficient funds, return ticket or ticket to a third country, and reservation for accommodation. By meeting these requirements, foreign citizens can have a smooth and hassle-free entry to Georgia.

Vaccination Requirements for Travelers

  • Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
  • Number of doses required (two doses, one dose for Johnson & Johnson vaccine)
  • Acceptable types of vaccines
  • Exemptions for children and certain medical conditions
  • Validity period of vaccination certificate
  • Requirements for booster shots (if applicable)
  • Alternatives to vaccination (such as negative COVID-19 test results)

Non-vaccinated Requirements for Traveler

Non-vaccinated travelers to Georgia are required to follow certain requirements in order to enter the country. Firstly, they must present a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours prior to their arrival in Georgia. In addition, they must undergo a second PCR test at their own expense within 72 hours of their arrival in Georgia. Until they receive the results of the second test, they must self-isolate at their place of accommodation.

If the second PCR test is negative, non-vaccinated travelers must take a third PCR test at their own expense on the 8th day of their stay in Georgia. Until they receive the results of the third test, they must continue to self-isolate at their place of accommodation.

It's important to note that non-vaccinated travelers who have been in the following countries within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter Georgia: Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, India, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

In addition, non-vaccinated travelers who have visited any country within the last 14 days where the epidemiological situation is critical, as determined by the Georgian Ministry of Health, will be subject to a mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Georgia.

Overall, non-vaccinated travelers to Georgia must comply with strict testing and isolation requirements in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Testing Requirements for Non-Vaccinated Travelers

When it comes to non-vaccinated travelers, they are required to provide a negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Georgia. It is important to note that rapid antigen tests are not accepted as a valid entry requirement. Additionally, if a non-vaccinated traveler stays in Georgia for more than 12 hours, they will be required to take a second PCR test on the third day of their stay.

It is recommended that travelers obtain their test results in English, as this will help to expedite the entry process. Georgian border officials may ask for proof of a negative COVID-19 test, so travelers should be prepared to present a hard copy or electronic version of their test result upon arrival.

It's important to note that travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 and have a certificate confirming their recovery, are not required to present a negative PCR test result upon arrival in Georgia. However, the certificate must indicate that the individual has recovered from COVID-19 within the past 6 months.

Exceptions to Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Exceptions to vaccination and testing requirements may apply to certain categories of travelers, including:

  • Children under the age of 16 who are traveling with fully vaccinated adults and are not themselves required to be vaccinated.
  • Travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 6 months and have a positive PCR test result as proof of previous infection.
  • Diplomats and members of official delegations, who are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements upon presentation of a diplomatic passport or other relevant official documents.
  • Airline crew members who have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 6 months and can provide a positive PCR test result as proof of previous infection.
  • Transit passengers who do not leave the airport transit area and do not pass border control are not subject to vaccination and testing requirements.

It is important to note that these exceptions may be subject to change and travelers should always check the latest requirements before their trip. Additionally, even if travelers are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements, they may still be subject to other entry requirements such as completing a health declaration form or providing proof of travel insurance.

Quarantine Rules for Travelers

Foreign citizens entering Georgia are subject to quarantine and testing rules depending on their vaccination status and country of origin. The rules are as follows:

Vaccinated travelers:

Fully vaccinated travelers with a document confirming the full course of vaccination (two doses, one dose in case of Johnson & Johnson) are not subject to quarantine upon arrival in Georgia.

Non-vaccinated travelers:

Non-vaccinated travelers from the green zone countries (countries with less than 500 cases per 100,000 population) are not subject to quarantine, but they are required to take a PCR test upon arrival in Georgia.

Non-vaccinated travelers from the red zone countries (countries with more than 500 cases per 100,000 population) are subject to quarantine for 8 days upon arrival in Georgia. On the 8th day of quarantine, they are required to take a PCR test. If the test is negative, they can leave quarantine.

Exceptions to quarantine rules:

Travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months and can provide a document confirming their recovery are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.

Additionally, travelers who can provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival in Georgia are exempt from quarantine. However, they still need to take a PCR test upon arrival in Georgia.

It is important to note that the quarantine rules are subject to change depending on the COVID-19 situation in Georgia and other countries. Travelers are advised to check the latest quarantine rules before traveling to Georgia.

Travel Restrictions for Certain Countries

Georgia has established restrictions on travel for individuals coming from countries with high rates of COVID-19 cases. Currently, these countries include India, Bangladesh, Brazil, and several African nations.

Travelers coming from these countries are subject to additional restrictions and requirements, which may include mandatory quarantine, testing, and vaccination requirements. The list of restricted countries may change depending on the situation and the development of the pandemic.

It is recommended that travelers from these countries check with the Georgian government and their airline carrier for the latest information and updates on travel restrictions and requirements. It is also important to note that even if a traveler has a valid visa, they may still be denied entry if they have been in a restricted country within a certain period of time before their arrival in Georgia.

Overall, it is essential for travelers to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest travel restrictions and requirements, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Health and Safety Measures in Georgia

Georgia has implemented several health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some of these measures include:

  • Face Masks: Wearing a face mask is mandatory in all enclosed public spaces, including public transportation, shops, and government buildings.
  • Social Distancing: People are advised to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from others in public spaces.
  • Sanitization: Hand sanitizing stations are available in many public areas, and frequent hand washing is encouraged.
  • Temperature Checks: Temperature checks are conducted at airports, border checkpoints, and some public buildings.
  • Vaccination Campaign: Georgia has launched a national vaccination campaign, and travelers are encouraged to get vaccinated before traveling.
  • Quarantine Measures: Non-vaccinated travelers may be subject to quarantine measures upon arrival in Georgia, depending on their country of origin and travel history.
  • Contact Tracing: In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case, contact tracing is conducted to identify and isolate any potentially infected individuals.

It is important for travelers to follow these health and safety measures to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Entry Rules

Foreign citizens traveling to Georgia are required to comply with the entry rules set by the government. Failure to comply with these rules may result in penalties. Penalties for non-compliance with entry rules in Georgia vary depending on the severity of the offense.

For example, a foreign citizen who does not have the required entry document, such as a visa or e-Visa, may be denied entry into the country or deported back to their home country. Similarly, a traveler who does not have the necessary health documents, such as a negative COVID-19 test result or a vaccination certificate, may also be denied entry or deported.

Furthermore, a foreign citizen who violates quarantine rules or does not comply with health and safety measures may also face penalties. This includes fines, administrative measures, or even criminal charges in severe cases.

It is important for travelers to carefully read and understand the entry rules before traveling to Georgia to avoid any penalties or legal consequences. In case of any doubt or questions, travelers can seek clarification from the Georgian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Useful Resources for Travelers to Georgia

Here are some useful resources for travelers to Georgia:

Official Georgian government website: The official Georgian government website provides information on entry rules, visa requirements, COVID-19 restrictions, and other important information for travelers.

Georgian National Tourism Administration: The Georgian National Tourism Administration provides information on travel destinations, tours, and accommodations.

Tbilisi International Airport: The Tbilisi International Airport website provides information on flight schedules, airport facilities, and other travel-related information.

Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides information on visa requirements, consular services, and other information related to international travel.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC provides information on COVID-19 travel recommendations, including testing and quarantine requirements for international travelers.

Georgian Public Broadcasting: Georgian Public Broadcasting provides up-to-date news and information on current events, including travel-related updates.

Georgia Travel Guide: The Georgia Travel Guide is a comprehensive guidebook to travel in Georgia, including information on culture, history, and attractions.

Georgian Wine Association: The Georgian Wine Association provides information on Georgian wine regions, grape varieties, and wineries.

Georgian National Museum: The Georgian National Museum provides information on Georgian history, art, and culture.

Georgian Language Learning Resources: For travelers interested in learning Georgian, there are several resources available online, including language courses, online dictionaries, and language exchange forums.

Important Point-

  • To enter Georgia, a negative result certificate of PCR examination must be provided in either Georgian, English, or Russian language. 
  • However, children under 10 years of age, regardless of their nationality, are not required to present a negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours prior to their arrival in Georgia.

FAQ

No, vaccination is not a requirement for entry into Georgia. However, non-vaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test result done within the last 72 hours prior to arrival.

No, only a negative PCR test result is accepted for entry into Georgia.

It depends on your vaccination status and country of origin. Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to quarantine, but non-vaccinated travelers from certain countries may be subject to a mandatory 8-day quarantine.

Yes, foreign citizens can enter Georgia by land, sea, or air.

The certificate must be in Georgian, English, or Russian languages.

Children under the age of 10, regardless of citizenship, are exempted from the requirement to present a negative PCR test result certificate.

 

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