Georgia: Authorities ease certain domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb. 25, international entry restrictions starting March 1 /update 29

Georgia eases certain domestic COVID-19 controls as of Feb. 25; some international entry restrictions to be eased March 1.

Event

Authorities in Georgia have eased certain COVID-19-related domestic restrictions as of Feb. 25. Intercity transport (including trains and minibuses) are allowed to resume operations. Starting March 1, conferences and training sessions will be allowed to take place. In addition kindergartens, museums and libraries will reopen. Beginning March 8, restaurants nationwide will be allowed to reopen their indoor spaces (except for Saturdays, and Sundays), and malls will be allowed to operate on weekends. Gyms, theaters, and sports clubs may reopen March 15.

Nevertheless, a number of restrictions remain in force. A nationwide 2100-0500 curfew is still in place; residents may only leave their accommodations for essential purposes during curfew hours. Face coverings are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and on public transport nationwide. Social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Cultural gatherings, such as weddings, are prohibited. Public transport services are indefinitely suspended on weekends.

International Travel
Authorities also plan to ease international entry restrictions for certain travelers. Effective March 1, travelers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus will be able to enter Georgia provided they produce a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure and take a second test at their own expense within three days of their arrival; this measure also applies to residents of EU countries, Bahrain, Israel, Saudi Arabia, US, UAE, and Switzerland. Most other foreign nationals must present a vaccination certificate to immigration officials; any recognized COVID-19 vaccine qualifies. Returning Georgian residents must either produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure or self-isolate for eight days; a test may be taken three days after arrival at the traveler's expense. There is no longer any requirement for foreign nationals arriving by air to self-isolate for any period.

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.