[UPDATED 9th June 2021]
Many people have decided to visit Georgia this year for a variety of different reasons. Of course, the pandemic adds some messiness in traveling these days: Different rules whoever you ask, vague requirements on government websites, etc. We decided to put all together some useful information and frequently asked questions and answers for people who want to travel to Georgia.
Who can enter Georgia right now?
Vaccinated citizens of any country can enter Georgia as long as they are traveling by plane and can produce a document at the border confirming a full course of vaccination (two doses for most, one dose of Johnson & Johnson). Click for updates here.
Citizens of all countries, traveling from any country are able to enter Georgia, if they:
While traveling by airΒ present the document confirming the full course (two doses, one dose in case of Johnson&Johnson) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia.
While crossing the land and sea borderΒ of Georgia present the document confirming the full course (two doses, one dose in case of Johnson&Johnson) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia, as well as the negative PCR test taken in the last 72 hours prior to the visit to Georgia.
*Except for any person traveling from the Republic of India (regardless of citizenship and full course of vaccination) as well as persons having a history of travel to the Republic of India for the last 14 days. They are subject to a negative PCR test conducted in the last 72 hours prior to the visit to Georgia at the border and then – a mandatory 14-day quarantine (in the case of foreigners, at their own expense).
For non-vaccinated foreigners:
Citizens and residence permit holders of the following states may enter Georgia by air, land and sea under the conditions mentioned below:
- European Union Member States
- State of Israel
- Republic of Turkey
- Swiss Confederation
- Kingdom of Norway
- United States of America
- Canada
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- State of Qatar
- State of Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates
- Kingdom of Bahrein
- Republic of Armenia
- Republic of Azerbaijan
- Ukraine
- Republic of Moldova
- Republic of Kazakhstan
- Russian Federation
- Republic of Belarus
- Republic of Uzbekistan
- Republic of Tajikistan
- Republic of Kyrgyzstan
- Turkmenistan
- Peopleβs Republic of China
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- The Sultanate of Oman
- They must travel directly from the above-mentioned countries, including transit travel through third countries;
- At the border checkpoint they shall present a negative result of the PCR test conducted in the last 72 hours prior their visit to Georgia;
- On the 3rd day of their stay, they are obliged to undergo PCR-examination at their own expense;
- Before crossing the state border, they must complete the special application form, indicating the travel history of the last 14 days, contact details (address, phone number, email etc.)Β https://registration.gov.ge/pub/form/8_protocol_for_arrivals_in_georgia/tk6157/β;
- All individuals who have travelled to the Republic of India within the last 14 days will be placed in a mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon entry at their own expense. In this case, PCR-examination on 3rd day of their stay will be waived.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You will be asked to produce a negative PCR test before check-in. Don’t get to the airport without a PCR test. The rules can change overnight (as they did on 1st June 2021, before which you only needed to prove you were vaccinated to enter Georgia by air), so go ahead and deal with the minor inconvenience of getting the test. Yes, it is annoying.Β Save yourself the hassle of being denied boarding and get the test. Arguing with airlines will not work, nor will trying to βproveβ you are right by showing the airline employee what their website says.
*** If your country is not in the list above, and you want to fly to Georgia for business orΒ work reasons check this out: information regarding the project “Remotely from Georgia”Β and Information on foreign citizens who travel to Georgia on business purposeΒ
See entry updates here.
How can I physically travel to Georgia?
You must travel to Georgia by plane from the countries above. Those traveling from the above countries also have the right to use 3rd countries for transit travel. Land and sea border crossings are not allowed right now.
UPDATE: Land border is open from 1st of June.
Do I need a visa and how long can I stay in Georgia?
U.S. citizens, EU members and many other countries (full list of visa-free countries) can enter Georgia without a visa for 365 days. To renew your visa and get an additional 365 days, you just need to go out of the country and return (which will be much easier when international land borders are open again). However, you will need a visa if you are from one of the 66 countries listed here.Β
Do I need to have a return or onward ticket?
If your country is listed in the visa – free list and has a right to stay 365 days in Georgia, then you don’t need an onward ticket. Please, note, some travelers experienced inconvenience caused by not well-trained staff, for instance in Bulgaria and Poland, and were asked to show onward ticket, so they had to buy refundable ticket and cancel it when arrived in Georgia. For other countries check with your embassy, recommended to check with their embassies.
I am not vaccinated, what do I need to enter Georgia?
You must present a negative PCR test result taken within the past 72 hours prior to your visit to Georgia. On the 3rd day after arrival, you will need to get a follow-up PCR test at your own expense. Before crossing Georgiaβs state border, foreign nationals must complete a special e-questionnaire listing personal identifying information, designated locations of your stay in Georgia and contact information.Β
Where can I get a PCR test in Georgia?
I did mine at NeoLab before a recent trip, but almost every lab can do PCR tests. Some other options are MegaLab, Synevo and MyLab.
What about airport transfers, especially if my flight arrives very late or very early?
If you arrive during curfew time which starts atΒ 11PM and ends at 4AM, you should plan to use services like www.flytaxi.ge. They work 24/7 and they have permission from the government to work during curfew. The approximate price is 55-65 GEL. For flight arrivals during other times of the day, you can download Bolt, a popular ride hailing app (in English) and a ride to central Tbilisi will cost you approximately 30-40 GEL.
If you need to go to the airport for an outbound flight, the same curfew rules apply. If you have booked a driver ahead of time, you can call 144 and ask for ride permission indicating the names of you and your driver, and your flight number.
Do I need to complete any applications before I travel to Georgia?
Yes, all travelers except nationals of Georgia must complete an application form at least 48 hours before arrival. The information includes whether you are a business traveler, traveler involved in the project βWork From Georgia,” a foreign student or a tourist. Visit https://stopcov.ge/en/Protocol
Is the Public Service Hall open during a pandemic? What if I want to open a business or buy property?
Yes, but you need to make an appointment. You can book an appointment here.
Is the public transportation operating?
Yes. Face masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces, including taxis, buses and trains.
Can I travel outside of Tbilisi?
Yes, you can. There are no restrictions on intercity or interstate travel.
What should I do about accommodations?
For short term stays up to 60 days, it is best to check Airbnb. For longer-term stays, there are plenty of apartments available for a reasonable price. Check www.myhome.ge or www.ss.ge for longer-term accommodations. You can also reach out Helen (that’s me!) for a free consultation on neighborhoods, prices and questions about specific properties or to schedule showings. (I speak Georgian, Russian and English)
Are the bars, shops, restaurants, theaters and cinemas open?
Shops are operatingΒ 7 days a week. Cinemas are open since April 8th, with all required safety rules. Bars and restaurants are open only on weekdays. However, we heard about speakeasies that work all week and in curfew time as well. It’s up to you if you want to stay overnight at the bar.
UPDATED: Bars and restaurants are open seven days a week.Β
What else do I need to know?
Stay healthy and welcome to Georgia. π If you are not vaccinated and want to be vaccinated, there are many folks like you who are making “vaccination runs” to Armenia where they seem to have a surplus of vaccines. We don’t have any specific advice about that, but we know it’s happening so ask around and do your own research. It sounds like an easy process from our anecdotal evidence.
Feel free to leave a comment and ask questions. We will respond as soon as we see it.
Hello, if you have more questions, feel free to comment here.
Best
Helen
This is an excellent review. Thank you. I arrived in TBS from the US on April 3rd and I have been vaccinated with Moderna for months and I can confirm that you still need a PCR to present which Iβm glad that I had completed. I was also wondering where I can get tested when I leave Georgia so I appreciate you putting those in the links.
This is an excellent review. Thank you. I arrived in TBS from the US on April 3rd and I have been vaccinated with Moderna for months and I can confirm that you still need a PCR to present which Iβm glad that I had completed. Looking forward to your updates.
Hello, thank you for your comment. We will do our best
Thank you for this very valuable information.
I have one query – “Do I need to complete any applications before I travel to Georgia?
Yes, all travelers except nationals of Georgia must complete an application form at least 48 hours before arrival. The information includes whether you are a business traveler, traveler involved in the project βWork From Georgia,β a foreign student or a tourist. Visit https://stopcov.ge/en/Protocol“.
I am an Australian passport holder and will be fully vaccinated and travel with a PCR test result. However, although in the protocol form you link to, apart from the first drop down box, Australians cannot complete this form? It looks like it is designed for unvaccinated travellers.
Grateful for your advice. Thank you.
Hello Penelope, thank you for your comment. According to the statement any vaccinated visitor can enter Georgia. and other regulations apply regarding origin country visa regulation. As we know, Australian citizen doesn’t need visa to enter Georgia for one year. If you were not vaccinated you had to go with freelance/work/ business visa. But as long as vaccination solves problem of entering – should be fine.
We suggest to message to Australian Embassy in Turkey https://turkey.embassy.gov.au/
“vaccinated travellers arriving by air who present the document confirming the full course (two doses) of any COVID-19 vaccination will be allowed entry from any country.”
I would also suggest to check with airlines, as I mentioned in the blog they give controversial regulations.
Stay safe!!! Update me too.
Dear Helen,
Thanks so much for your prompt reply. Yes, that form does not apply to vaccinated Australians -and yes, I will travel with a valid PCR test. (Germany requires the test to have been administered within 48 hours of arrival into Germany – even for transit passengers!).
Sometimes the world is very small. This morning I was at the hairdressers in the village where I live, about 100kms from Sydney. I was talking about my upcoming move to Georgia and another client there, John Dee, mentioned that he knows Tbilisi and that there is a thriving jazz scene there. He gave me your name.
I suspect you know the person whose apartment I bought in Vera – Tamuna Shengelia. As I said, the world is small indeed…
Cheers, penelope
oh so it was you?! how wonderful! See u in Tbilisi then! John is amazing person <3 this world is too small, indeed.
You know where to find me https://www.instagram.com/helen.realestate.tbilisi/
Hope, we will meet.
Hi. Good day. Iβve seen your post about Georgia and Iβm flying to there in 3 days. Iβve already filled up the pre registration form since yesterday but I havenβt get any confirmation yet. I just would like to ask if I really need to present any printed approval? Or may I know how many days does it take to get the approval? Thank you.
Hello Ken!
Thank you for asking. I think, this question is better to ask directly at Ministry of Foreign affairs website.
If its about Nomad Visa application. If it is a general form, you should receive confirmation via e-mail.
Safe travel!
Hi – I have an Australian passport but have not been there for years. I live and work in China and have resident and work permits in my AU passport. I will be flying from China via Turkey to Georgia. I have had two shots of Sinovac Vero and will provided a negative PCR test before flying with Turkish airlines. Will I be able to get into Georgia?
Hello Bunny π
what I read in updated information ( 15 Apr 2021) is:
Citizens of all countries, traveling by air from any country may enter Georgia if they present the document confirming the full course (two doses) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia.
in Georgian version it is also written that you won’t be asked for quarantine, no need to for filling up protocol forms and PCR test at the checkpoint ( please, consider I mean only Georgian checkpoint not airlines, they will ask the test anyway). As it is not written in English, I don’t know what airlines will require, please check regulations with them too.
You can find recent updates on this page
https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/newsFeed/nId/247
P.S. Note! Airlines will ask you to provide PCR test anyway, even if you have Vaccination certificate.
Bests,
Helen
Hi, which bolt app for riding hailing? I see a few different ones on the App Store.
Also any other apps you can recommend for transportation or food recommendations or useful info?
this should help
What about airport transfers, especially if my flight arrives very late or very early?
If you arrive during curfew time which starts at 9PM and ends at 5AM, you should plan to use services like http://www.flytaxi.ge. They work 24/7 and they have permission from the government to work during curfew. The approximate price is 55-65 GEL. For flight arrivals during other times of the day, you can download Bolt, a popular ride hailing app (in English) and a ride to central Tbilisi will cost you approximately 30-40 GEL.
If you need to go to the airport for an outbound flight, the same curfew rules apply. If you have booked a driver ahead of time, you can call 144 and ask for ride permission indicating the names of you and your driver, and your flight number.
Very good info. Im from UK and fully vaccinated. Does this mean I dont neet to be quarantine even if I am coming from UK?
Hello Noelia, thing are changing quite fast. I just read something new, but can’t check it with the source. This update says that traveling from UK to Georgia, visitor doesn’t need 12 -days quarantine but to produce negative PCR test 72 hours before arrival, and PCR test on the third day after arrival. As long as I can’t fid English version on govt websites, can’t confirm, but waiting English pages to be updated. and of course to fill up registration form prior to arrival. https://registration.gov.ge/pub/form/8_protocol_for_arrivals_in_georgia/tk6157/
Hi , I am planning to come
to Georgia from USA just to visit a friend in Tbilisi . I will be vaccinated from both the doses of Pfizer vaccine by the 7th of May . Is it possible to enter Georgia with my USA F1 student visa and vaccine certificates ? Do I need to fill any forms or get government approval or anything ?Thank you .
The vaccine certificate will help you avoid a mandatory quarantine upon arrival, but you will still need a PCR test (airline regulation). The F1 visa shouldn’t matter unless your passport is from a country that has Georgian entry restrictions, and even then it should be fine if you can show that you are living in the US and traveling from there. What passport do you hold?
Hello π
Thank you for the information!
I have a UK passport but I’m living in Vietnam. I’m not vaccinated.
I want to come to Tbilisi from Vietnam. If I fly to one of the approved countries, stay in airport transit and hop on to a flight to Tbilisi will I be accepted?.
I’m seeing lots of mixed answers whether this is ok.
Thank you
Hello Chrissie, sorry for late reply.
Foreign citizens from a limited number of countries, including the UK, are now allowed to enter Georgia by air under the following conditions:
(1) Unrestricted entry for citizens of any country, including the UK, who have documentary proof of having received a full course of COVID vaccination. (but PCR should be done anyway to avoid misunderstandings)
(2) Other UK citizens can enter Georgia provided your travel to Georgia originates in the UK or one of the other countries listed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. (https://mfa.gov.ge/MainNav/CoVID-19-sakitkhebi/sazgvris-kvetis-regulaciebi.aspx) You must travel direct by air (updated land borders are open since 1st of June 2020) and submit a travel history in advance (forms are mentioned in the blog), present on arrival a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours and take a further PCR test at your own expense on your third day in Georgia. Mandatory 14-day quarantine is imposed on anyone who has been in India in the previous 14-day period.
Unfortunately, entering with a Hong Kong (HKSAR) passport is not easy. According to the embassy, one needs to go to Beijing in person, then apply and wait for up to thirty days, with unknown outcome. That whole trip can easily take more than two months, quarantine in both directions included. That’s not really feasible. Now, it’s possible to enter Georgia with a visa from one of the visa-free countries. However, most of these countries are visa-free for Hong Kong people. So basically the only other option is to get a US visa, which is a big pain in itself. Many applications get rejected. It would be nice if there was an easier way to travel to Georgia as a Hong Kong passport holder.
We have heard reports that it’s tough to travel to Georgia from Hong Kong. I hope you find a way! Perhaps getting somewhere else in the region that has friendly relations with Georgia would help? I’m not sure that solves the passport issue, but it might be worth exploring.
Thanks for the info. This line is a bit vague “They must travel directly from the above-mentioned countries, including transit travel through third countries”.
Will flying Georgia from one of the countries on the list, with transit in another country that’s NOT on the list, require quarantine?
Thanks!
IF YOU ARE VACCINATED :
UPDATED
Citizens of all countries, traveling from any country are able to enter Georgia, if they:
While traveling by air present the document confirming the full course (two doses, one dose in case of Johnson&Johnson) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia.
While crossing the land and sea border of Georgia present the document confirming the full course (two doses, one dose in case of Johnson&Johnson) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia, as well as the negative PCR test taken in the last 72 hours prior to the visit to Georgia.
*Except for any person traveling from the Republic of India (regardless of citizenship and full course of vaccination) as well as persons having a history of travel to the Republic of India for the last 14 days. They are subject to a negative PCR test conducted in the last 72 hours prior to the visit to Georgia at the border and then – a mandatory 14-day quarantine (in the case of foreigners, at their own expense).
IF YOU ARE NON VACCINATED
Entry rules for non-vaccinated visitors
For foreigners:
Citizens and residence permit holders of the following states may enter Georgia by air, land and sea under the conditions mentioned below:
π· European Union Member States
π· State of Israel
π· Republic of Turkey
π· Swiss Confederation
π· Kingdom of Norway
π· United States of America
π· Canada
π· The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
π· Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
π· State of Qatar
π· State of Kuwait
π· United Arab Emirates
π· Kingdom of Bahrein
π· Republic of Armenia
π· Republic of Azerbaijan
π· Ukraine
π· Republic of Moldova
π· Republic of Kazakhstan
π· Russian Federation
π· Republic of Belarus
π· Republic of Uzbekistan
π· Republic of Tajikistan
π· Republic of Kyrgyzstan
π· Turkmenistan
π· Peopleβs Republic of China
π· Japan
π· Republic of Korea
π· The Sultanate of Oman
They must travel directly from the above-mentioned countries, including transit travel through third countries;
At the border checkpoint of Georgia they must present a PCR-examination certificate conducted in the last 72 hours prior to the travel to Georgia;
On the 3rd day of their stay, they are obliged to undergo PCR-examination at their own expense;
Before crossing the state border, they must complete the special application form, indicating the travel history of the last 14 days, contact details (address, phone number, email etc.) https://registration.gov.ge/pub/form/8_protocol_for_arrivals_in_georgia/tk6157/β;
All individuals who have travelled to the Republic of India within the last 14 days will be placed in a mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon entry at their own expense. In this case, PCR-examination on 3rd day of their stay will be waived.