Georgia: Authorities extend international COVID-19-related flight ban until Jan. 31 /update 24

Georgia extends COVID-19-related international flight ban until Jan. 31, 2021; nationwide domestic restrictions ongoing.

Event

Authorities have extended a ban on international flights, which was introduced as part of measures to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), until Jan. 31, 2021. The ban does not apply to flights connecting Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) with Berlin and Munich in Germany, Paris in France, Warsaw in Poland, Doha in Qatar, Riga in Latvia, Athens in Greece, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Vienna in Austria, or Milan, Italy. Similarly, the ban does not apply to flights connecting Kutaisi Airport (KUT) with Riga, Katowice in Poland, Vilnius in Lithuania, and Dortmund, Germany.

International entry restrictions remain in effect. Most foreign nationals are prohibited from entry with exceptions for diplomats, family members of Georgian citizens, individuals carrying out humanitarian work, and transport workers. Exemptions are also possible for business and study purposes, but require special approval from Georgian authorities. Travelers from France, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania may enter Georgia without submitting to quarantine provided they have been within one of these five countries for the previous 14 days, arrive on a direct flight, and can present evidence of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the previous 72 hours, or submit to a PCR test on arrival. Most foreign arrivals will also be required to self-isolate for eight days before taking a further COVID-19 test; visitors on business trips can forego this requirement if they undertake a PCR test every 72 hours during their stay.

As of Dec. 17, authorities are also maintaining domestic restrictions. A nationwide 2100-0500 curfew is in effect and intercity public transport has been suspended. Nonessential shops, shopping malls, and catering establishments are closed, except for takeaway services. Fitness facilities are closed, as are sports and cultural clubs. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces nationwide. Authorities intend to relax certain restrictions temporarily Dec. 24-Jan. 3, 2021 and Jan. 6-7 to enable travel and shopping over the Christmas holiday period, depending on disease activity.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.