Georgia travel advice
Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.
Last updated: ET
On this page
- Risk level
- Safety and security
- Entry and exit requirements
- Health
- Laws and culture
- Natural disasters and climate
- Need help?
Risk level
Georgia - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Georgia.
Tbilisi - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Tbilisi due to ongoing large-scale demonstrations and clashes between security forces and protestors.
The border with Russia, the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and surrounding areas - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to the following areas due to crime, military activity and the risk of detention, the threat of terrorism, civil unrest and the presence of landmines:
- within 5 km of the border with Russia
- the occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia
- within 5 km of the administrative boundary line with the occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia
Safety and security
Protests related to the Transparency of Foreign Influence Law
Since April 15, 2024, thousands of people regularly gather in Tbilisi and other cities such as Batumi and Kutaisi to protest against the "transparency of foreign influence" law.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia
The administrative boundary lines between Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia are not well defined and change frequently. The Russian military and border guards regularly patrol the area. You could be detained and arrested if you cross into South Ossetia and Abkhazia, even by mistake.
The checkpoints with South Ossetia and Abkhazia are only open a few days a month and are subject to unexpected and prolonged closures.
Tensions are high in both occupied regions. Unexploded ordnance, explosions and landmines may pose a risk where military operations have occurred, especially in areas along the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia and near the border with Azerbaijan (Red Bridge area).
Terrorists have carried out attacks in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They typically use car bombs to target military and security facilities.
If you choose to travel to South Ossetia or Abkhazia despite this advisory:
- be aware of your surroundings at all times
- only cross at official checkpoints
- carry valid ID with you at all times
- monitor local media to stay informed on the security situation and on checkpoint closures
Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in these areas, due to security concerns and travel restrictions.
Russian border regions
Georgian authorities only recognize the Kazbegi-Verkhnii Lars border crossing with Russia. If you choose to travel to the Russian border regions despite this advisory, avoid crossing at unofficial land borders connecting to the following Russian republics:
- Chechnya
- Dagestan
- Ingushetia
- Kabardino-Balkaria
- Karachay-Cherkessia
Kidnapping
Kidnappings have occurred in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and other areas bordering Russia.
If you travel to these areas despite the advisories in effect:
- don’t walk alone, especially after dark
- vary your itinerary
- keep doors and windows locked at all times
- don’t show signs of affluence
- exercise vigilance in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation facilities
Terrorism
There is a low threat of terrorism, but an attack can occur at any time.
Although there have been no recent attacks, there is a terrorist threat due to the return of Georgian fighters from abroad and the use of the country as a transit route between North Caucasus and the Middle East.
Targets could include:
- government buildings
- schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Be particularly vigilant during:
- sporting events
- religious holidays
- public celebrations
- major political events, such as elections
Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.
Demonstrations
Planned and unplanned political demonstrations take place regularly in Georgia, especially in Tbilisi during international events and around election periods.
Local authorities may heighten security measures, especially around government buildings. Security forces may also strongly repress demonstrators by using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, resulting in numerous arrests and injuries.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
- Be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances
Crime
Petty crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded urban areas and at public gatherings.
- Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
- Avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
- Keep doors and windows locked at all times
Violent crime
Violent crimes targeting foreigners occur occasionally. Incidents include:
- muggings
- burglaries
- carjackings
- sexual assaults
The police patrol frequently, but their response in remote areas and outside of larger cities can be significantly longer.
During your stay:
- be aware of your surroundings at all times
- avoid travelling alone after dark
- beware of people walking behind you
- avoid inadequately lit and deserted streets
Fraud
ATM and credit card fraud occurs.
Be cautious when using debit or credit cards.
- Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
- Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
- Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
Romance scams and overcharging
Romance scams on dating sites or through social media have occurred. Typical scenarios involve locals luring tourists met online into bars or nightclubs. Tourists are forced to pay high bills after ordering expensive food and drinks.
Discussions about overcharging have turned violent. Tourists have been threatened and forced to pay the bill by the establishment's security guards.
- Beware of people who show a keen interest online
- Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
- Always confirm the price of an item before ordering
- Don’t leave an open tab at bars and nightclubs
- Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff
- Check your bill for accuracy before paying
2SLGBTQI+ persons
2SLGBTQI+ persons have been subject to harassment and violence due to their identity and sexual orientation.
There have also been violent attacks against 2SLGBTQI+ persons during the Pride festivities in Tbilisi, resulting in casualties.
2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Georgia.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Women’s safety
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.
Sexual assaults have been committed, including against foreign women.
If you’re the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy and seek medical assistance. You should also report the incident to Georgian authorities and ensure that local police will file the report with the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia.
During your stay:
- avoid deserted streets at night and isolated areas
- don’t travel by yourself in a taxi, especially at night
Useful links
- Contact information - Prosecutor’s Offices of Georgia
- Advice for women travellers
Landmines
Due to previous military operations, landmines and unexploded ordnance may pose a threat to your safety in various areas of Georgia, including:
- near the Red Bridge border crossing with Azerbaijan
- in South Ossetia, Abkhazia and along the administrative boundary lines
If you choose to travel to these areas:
- stay on main and paved roads
- avoid walking in fields
- avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
- pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance
- keep in mind that landmines and unexploded ordnance fields may not always be clearly marked
Adventure tourism
Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly.
Tour operators may not meet international standards.
If you are participating in adventure tourism:
- never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions
- consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
- obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out
- buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
- ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity
- avoid venturing off marked trails
- refrain from using equipment if you have doubts on their safety
Road safety
Road conditions
Road conditions vary considerably across the country and fatal accidents are frequent.
Roads are generally in good condition in Tbilisi and in major cities. However, they are sometimes poorly maintained and dangerous in rural areas due to:
- unpaved and uneven surfaces
- raised and sunken manholes
- stray livestock
- lack of traffic signs
- insufficient lighting
In rural areas, traffic signs may only be written in Georgian.
Driving habits
Road accidents are one of the main causes of death in Georgia. It is common for drivers to:
- fail to maintain one lane
- drive at excessive speeds
- drive under the influence
- engage in road rage
Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way. If you drive in Georgia:
- always drive defensively
- don’t engage with drivers showing signs of road rage
- plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting rural areas
- avoid travelling after dark
- always carry a cell phone and charger
Road restrictions – Roads Department of Georgia
Right of way
The right of way system is in effect in Georgia.
Drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections if they are not in a priority lane, and to vehicles entering roundabouts.
Public transportation
Taxis
In Georgia, taxis are regulated and vehicles are recognizable by their white colour and roof-mounted taxi signs. However, unofficial taxis continue to operate and drivers generally don’t use meters. They may overcharge you for the ride.
Drivers can be reckless and drive at excessive speed.
Ride-sharing apps are popular throughout Georgia.
If you choose to take taxis during your stay:
- arrange your pickup with a reputable company before arrival when travelling by air, or use authorized cabs at the airport
- order your taxi at the reception if you are staying at a hotel
- don’t use unmarked taxis
- never share a taxi with strangers
- negotiate the fare in advance
- have small bills available for payment
Buses and metro
Buses and metro are generally safe and reliable, but pickpockets may target tourists.
Mini-buses called "marshrutka" are poorly maintained and often lack security features like seatbelts.
- Always carry your valuables and identification with you
- Avoid storing bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat
- Don't take buses that look overloaded or in poor condition
Trains
The condition and cleanliness of trains vary greatly from route to route.
- Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Don’t leave your compartment unattended
- Keep the door locked from the inside
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Entry and exit requirements
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from Georgian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Georgia.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 365 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 365 days
Student visa: not required for stays of up to 365 days
If you are planning to stay in Georgia for more than 365 days, you must obtain a visa before entering the country. If you overstay your visa, you may be fined.
Useful links
- Georgian visa information – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
- Visa-free countries - State Commission on Migration Issues of Georgia
- Postponing the obligation to leave – State Commission on Migration Issues of Georgia
Abkhazia and South Ossetia
If you choose to travel to the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, you will need prior authorization from Georgian authorities who don’t recognize border crossings between Russia and the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If you enter Georgia via Abkhazia or South Ossetia at an unofficial border crossing, you could face heavy fines and jail sentences.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Children and travel
Learn more about travelling with children.
Health
Relevant Travel Health Notices
- Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
- COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.
Routine vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.
Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.
Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Influenza
The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
The flu occurs worldwide.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
- In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.
The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.
The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Rabies
In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.
If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.
Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).
Safe food and water precautions
Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
- Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
- Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
- Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.
Travellers' diarrhea
Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insect bite prevention
Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
- Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
- Minimize exposure to insects
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed
To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.
Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.
Animal precautions
Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.
Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.
Person-to-person infections
Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:
- washing your hands often
- avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
- avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
High quality medical services and facilities are generally available in major cities, such as Tbilisi and Batumi.
In rural areas, there are shortages of medical supplies and personnel. Facilities may not meet the quality standards you may be used to in Canada.
Medical services can be expensive, and immediate up-front cash payment is often required.
Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Health and safety outside Canada
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Transfer to a Canadian prison
Canada and Georgia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Georgia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Georgian authorities.
This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.
Reforms are underway to improve the efficiency and the transparency of the judicial system, but if you are arrested in Georgia, you could be detained for several months and there could be long delays to resolve your case.
Drugs
In 2017, Georgia decriminalized cannabis and various cannabis-based products for personal use. Production, distribution and sale remain illegal. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Medication
Some prescription medication may not be available in Georgia.
If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.
Georgian authorities strictly regulate the possession and import of prescription medication under special control, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and some over-the-counter medication that is commonly available in Canada.
- Bring a sufficient supply of your medication
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions along with an English translation
- Declare all medications in your possession to customs officials upon entry
- Always keep your medication in the original container
- Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
If you carry illegal prescription medication according to Georgian Law, you could face deportation and jail sentences.
Contact the nearest diplomatic representation of Georgia for more information on imports of medication.
Useful links
- Medicinal products subject to special control – Revenue service of Georgia
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
Imports and exports
You may need to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia to import or export cultural valuables.
Cultural valuables include:
- archeological items
- coins, old inscriptions and seals
- handmade canvas, paintings and drawings
- sculptures
- postal stamps removed from circulation
Cultural valuables – Revenue service of Georgia
Photography
Taking photographs of military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty.
You should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Georgia.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Georgia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
Military service
Georgian-Canadian dual citizens may be subject to military service.
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Georgia.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Georgia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Georgian court.
If you are in this situation:
- act as quickly as you can
- contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in Georgia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Useful links
- List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
- International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
- Children and travel
- The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Request emergency assistance
Driving
Georgia has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.
Penalties for drinking and driving include:
- heavy fines
- detention
- prohibition from driving for several months or years
You must carry an International Driving Permit.
2SLGBTQI+ persons
Georgian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.
However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Surrogacy
In 2023, the government of Georgia proposed a law to prohibit surrogacy arrangements to foreigners.
If you’re planning to visit Georgia for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek legal advice on Georgian and Canadian laws and citizenship procedures prior to making any arrangements.
Same-sex couples may encounter issues when engaging in surrogacy arrangements in Georgia.
The Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara is unable to provide recommendations on surrogacy arrangements.
Money
The currency of Georgia is the lari (GEL).
U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted and exchanged for local currency.
Credit cards may not be widely accepted in rural areas.
- Avoid exchanging money in unlicensed facilities
- Make sure you have cash at all times for payment
Currency declaration
There are restrictions on the import and export of currency. You must declare to customs officials if you have more than 30 000 GEL or its equivalent in your possession.
This requirement applies to:
- cash
- checks
- any other type of financial instrument
Failure to comply with this requirement could result in fines and confiscation.
Movement of currency – Revenue service of Georgia
Natural disasters and climate
Flooding
The rainy season usually extends from April to July. Heavy rains may result in significant flooding and landslides, especially in the following regions:
- Kvemo Kartli
- Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
- Shida Kartli
- Imereti
Excessive rainfall can hamper overland travel and roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.
It can disrupt the provision of the following essential services:
- transportation
- power distribution
- water and food supply
- telecommunications networks
- emergency services
- medical care
Seismic activity
Earthquakes
Georgia is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes may cause landslides in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur up after the initial tremor.
Need help?
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial 112
Consular assistance
Tbilisi - Consulate of Canada
Ankara - Embassy of Canada
Azerbaijan, Georgia. Offering consular services to Canadians in Iran.
Appointment Book your appointment onlineFor emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Disclaimer
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.
- Date modified: