Georgia: Authorities to further ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Feb. 8 /update 28

Authorities in Georgia announce further easing of domestic COVID-19 measures from Feb. 8. Numerous restrictions remain.

Event

Authorities in Georgia have announced that some domestic measures introduced to curb coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections will be eased from Feb. 8 and 15. Public transport will resume nationwide, including in Tbilisi, Rustavi, and Kutaisi, Feb. 8. However, intercity transport remains limited, and all public transport will be suspended on weekends through February. Indoor and outdoor markets will be permitted to resume on weekdays only from Feb. 8. Additionally, schools will resume in Tbilisi, Rustavi, and Kutaisi from Feb. 15; however, scholars may still choose to attend classes from home. Finally, restaurants will be permitted to open outside seating areas on weekdays only from Feb. 15.

Authorities recently eased a number of other restrictions Feb. 1. Shopping malls and nonessential stores are permitted to reopen nationwide. Public transport resumed in Batumi, Zugdidi, Gori, Poti, and Telavi; however, it remains suspended in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Rustavi until Feb. 8. Schools, excluding kindergartens and tertiary education, have resumed in Batumi, Zugdidi, Gori, Poti, and Telavi.

Authorities also eased several international entry restrictions effective Feb. 1. International commercial air travel is now permitted; however, land and maritime borders remain restricted. Returning Georgian residents must either present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (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. Most foreign nationals must present a vaccination certificate to immigration officials; any recognized COVID-19 vaccine qualifies. Residents of EU countries, as well as Bahrain, the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Switzerland, need not present a vaccination certificate but must present proof of a negative COVID-19 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. There is no longer any requirement for foreign nationals arriving by air to self-isolate for any period.

However, a number of stringent restrictions remain in effect. A nationwide 2100-0500 curfew will be imposed until at least March 1; residents may only leave their accommodation for essential purposes during the effective period. Other restrictions that remain in effect are detailed below:

Face coverings are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and on public transport nationwide.
Social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Restaurants are limited to delivery services only until Feb. 8.
Gyms and leisure centers are closed.
Shopping malls must close on weekends.
Cultural gatherings, such as weddings, are prohibited.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice in response to government reviews and could receive updates or extensions in the coming days.

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.