Coronavirus cases are in flux across the globe. Health officials caution that staying home is the best way to stem transmission until you’re fully vaccinated. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on January 3, 2022.
If you’re planning to travel to Georgia, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Georgia has opened back up for tourism to citizens of any country, as long as they’ve been fully vaccinated, or are partially vaccinated after a Covid-19 infection. Unvaccinated arrivals from a limited number of countries are also allowed.
What’s on offer in Georgia
Straddling the border between Europe and Asia, Georgia is one of the area’s most exciting countries. Tbilisi is one of the world’s great capital cities, with a strong cultural scene; Kutaisi, where many flights land, has a storied history; and in between there are jaw-dropping landscapes and remote mountain areas where it looks like time has stood still.
Who can go
Fully vaccinated citizens of most countries, or those who have recently recovered from Covid-19 and have been partially vaccinated, are allowed unrestricted entry.
Entry, with restrictions, is also permitted for unvaccinated arrivals from the following countries: All EU member states, Israel, Turkey, Switzerland, Norway, USA, Canada, UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Armenia, Azebaijan, Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Tajikstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, China, Japan, Korea, Oman, Monaco, Iceland, Serbia, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Andorra, Albania, Northern Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzigovina, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon.
As of November 28, 2021, any person who has visited the following countries during the last 14 days is subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine in a Georgian government facility upon entry into the country: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Maliawi.
After completing the 14-day quarantine, the traveler must undergo a PCR test.
What are the restrictions?
All vaccinated arrivals must present evidence of a completed vaccination cycle, or of recovery from Covid within 100 days alongside an initial vaccination.
Those arriving via land or sea must also present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, in Georgian, English or Russian. Children under 10 are exempt from the testing requirement.
For non-vaccinated arrivals from the countries listed above, the restrictions are tighter. They must travel direct to Georgia, with no stop-offs or transits. On arrival at the border they must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, and must take a further PCR test on day three. They must also fill in a contact tracing form.
On December 1, Georgia introduced a “Green Pass” system. Those without the mobile phone-based app will be unable to enter venues such as hotels, restaurants, cinemas, spas and gyms.
“Green” status will be granted to those who are fully vaccinated, provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test or have had a documented Covid-19 infection during the previous six months.
More info can be found on Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
What’s the Covid-19 situation?
There have been over 937,000 cases and nearly 14,000 deaths as of January 3, 2022. About 30% of the population has been vaccinated.
What can visitors expect
Face masks must be worn on public transport and in all indoor public spaces. Fines are meted out to those who don’t comply. There are no curfews or travel restrictions.
Useful links
Our latest coverage
You’ll find a heap of inspiration in our past travel coverage. Flick through some of the country’s most beautiful destinations, plan a hike in the Caucasus mountains and learn how the historic wine industry came back from the brink.