Georgian authorities have introduced state of emergency with restrictions on freedom of movement internally and in/out of the country. The state of emergency will at least last until 22 May. For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health.
Safety
Security in Georgia is relatively good as long as you take common precautions and use common sense.
Tbilisi used to be a city with a lot of profit crime, but the situation has improved much in recent years. There is still a lot of begging. It is important to take good care of valuables such as money, passports, jewelry and photo equipment. The safe in the hotel should be used. At night, it is recommended to take a taxi if you are considering going longer distances.
There is more risk associated with moving in traffic than you are used to in Norway. The speed is often high and the vehicles poor. There is a lower threshold for taking – and exposing others to – risks in traffic. Motorists usually do not stop for pedestrians.
Along the administrative boundary of the Abkhasia breakaway republic, one should be aware of land mines. It is urged to exercise great care along the administrative boundary line to the South Ossetia breakaway republic. The boundary line is not always visible and there have been cases where people who have unconsciously crossed this have been arrested by South Ossetian de-facto authorities.
If you are traveling in the mountains in the north, it is recommended that you be accompanied by well-known people, as well as bring good equipment. The weather in the mountains changes very suddenly. In some villages in the mountains, criminal activity may occur across the Georgia-Russia border.
In general, you should consult with celebrities about wildlife or other matters to be aware of before embarking on nature walks in Georgia.
Political demonstrations take place regularly, especially in Tbilisi, and clashes between police and protesters occur. It is recommended to avoid areas where political demonstrations are taking place.
Georgia is located in an earthquake exposed area. Major earthquakes have occurred in neighboring Turkey and Armenia. The Adzhara region on the Black Sea coast is at times flood exposed. Groundgrass also occurs occasionally in exposed areas, especially after large
amounts of rainfall.
The following general precautions are recommended for short or long stays in the country:
- Use common sense
- Register at no
- If a crisis situation arises, contact the embassy in Tbilsi
- Anyone visiting Georgia should have comprehensive travel insurance
- Listen to local advice and follow the local media
- Always carry identification
- Avoid large crowds such as political mass demonstrations and demonstrations, as well as places where political demonstrations have been announced
- Show caution in traffic, where many accidents occur
Outside the working hours of the consulate and embassy, travelers can contact – UD’s 24-hour operating center on Tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegian citizens do not need a visa to Georgia for stays of up to one year. If you have any questions, you can contact the Georgia Embassy in Oslo. For more information on entry rules for Norwegians, see information from the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Upon entry/transit to Georgia, the following valid documents are accepted in addition to passports:
- Emergency passport
- refugee travel document (green travel document)
- travel document for people staying on humanitarian grounds (blue travel document)
It is not possible to cross the border between Georgia and Russia without traveling through areas covered by the Foreign Ministry’s official travel advice for the North Caucasus or similarly for Abkhazia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore advises against any travel over land between Georgia and Russia.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Cases of coronavirus infection in Georgia have been identified. The country has introduced a state of emergency with restrictions on freedom of movement internally and in/out of the country. It is not possible for foreign nationals to enter the country. The state of emergency will at least last until 22 May 2020.
The state of emergency means that there are very few opportunities to leave the country. If you are located in Georgia and would like information on travel options, please contact the Embassy by emailing emb.tbilisi@mfa.no.
Norwegian travelers who are still in Georgia should keep abreast of how the situation is developing. Follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation. Note that nightly curfews, roadside checkpoints and other strict contamination measures have been introduced. Violation or lack of respect for these can lead to prosecution.
Georgia authorities have created the Prevention of Coronavirus Spread in Georgia collection site. Note that information in English may be sparse.
Norwegian citizens residing in Georgia who are experiencing symptoms of covid-19 are asked to call the ordinary emergency number in Georgia, 112.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
***
For entry into Georgia, vaccination should be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis and hepatitis A. Admission to local hospitals is not recommended, but there are medical centers used by the international community: MediClubGeorgia, Medical Center Cito and IMSS Clinic. The National Insurance Scheme does not cover health services for tourist stays and it is therefore strongly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance when traveling to Georgia.
There are many pharmacies in Tbilisi where you can get both medical goods, cosmetics and the like. Some items that you get without a prescription in Norway can often be prescription in Georgia.
Vaccination against typhoid fever is recommended for longer stays. Depending on the nature of your stay, additional vaccines may be recommended.
HIV, tuberculosis and syphilis are a major challenge in Georgia as in other countries in the region.
For more information on vaccinations, see the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
Practical information
According to allcitycodes, international telephone code is +995 (+32 for Tbilisi). The GSM coverage is good, even in the country. The time difference between Norway and Georgia is + two hours in summer and + three hours in winter.
Georgian is the official language, with its own alphabet. Many Georgians speak Russian, and some will also speak English, especially in Tbilisi.
The majority of the population belongs to the Georgian Orthodox Church. The dress style is mainly western, but it is expected to cover the legs (both for men and women) if one wishes to visit one of Georgia’s many churches. Here, women must also cover their hair.
Power: Frequent and long-term power outages were previously common, but this is now significantly improved. The voltage variation can be large. The power supply is the best in the capital.
Transport: Public communication is cheap but of varying quality. Many foreigners use taxis, even on longer day trips outside the capital. It is wise to ask for a price before getting into the taxi. Taxi company 009 offers advance booking and usually offers reasonable prices. In Tbilisi, the taxify app is an effective way to book taxis.
Credit Cards: Most cards can be used, such as MasterCard and Visa at some of the hotels and at major supermarkets. Cash must be used in regular stores. The currency unit in Georgia is lari (GEL). In July 2019, the rate is 1 GEL = 3.03 NOK.
Holidays: January 7 – Orthodox Christmas, January 19 – Revelation, Orthodox Easter – date varies from year to year but only coincides exceptionally with Protestant/Catholic Easter, April 9 – Independence and Memorial Day, May 26 – Independence Day, 28 August – St. Mary’s Day (Mariamoba), October 14 – Svetitskhovlba (celebration of First Christian Church in Georgia), November 23 – St. Georg’s Day.
Normal opening hours are 1000-1800. Banks: 0930 – 1730
Emergency number: Police, ambulance and fire department – 112