Georgia: Authorities enforcing tightened COVID-19 domestic and international entry measures as of Dec. 1 /update 43

Georgia tightens COVID-19-related domestic and international entry measures as of Dec. 1.

Event

Authorities in Georgia have tightened domestic and international COVID-19 measures from Dec. 1. People must now present a “Green Pass” - providing evidence of either full vaccination, recovery, a negative PCR test result taken within the previous 72 hours, or a recent antigen test result taken within the previous 48 hours - to access certain facilities, including shopping centers, bars, restaurants, hotels, and other enclosed public spaces.

In addition, any international arrival who has visited Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe in the previous 14 days must quarantine for 14 days in a government facility after which they will be required to take a confirmatory PCR test.

Domestic Restrictions
Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and many outdoor public areas.

International Entry Restrictions
Travelers arriving by air may enter the country by producing proof of having received a full course of any COVID-19 vaccine; alternatively, these travelers may enter by presenting proof of having tested positive for COVID-19 within the 100 days before arrival and having received one dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before arrival. In addition to satisfying one of these requirements, individuals entering Georgia by land or sea must also submit a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

Unvaccinated citizens and legal residents of specifically listed countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Canada, China, EU member states, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the UK, and the US, among others, may also enter Georgia by air, land, or sea provided they comply with the following requirements:

They must travel directly from one of the listed countries, including all transit travel.
At entry, they must submit a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival.
They must undergo an additional PCR test at their own expense on the third day of their stay in Georgia.
Before crossing the border, they must complete the government's special application, detailing their travel history for the previous two weeks as well as all contact information. To access the form, click here.

For a full list of the countries from which unvaccinated travelers may enter Georgia, click here.

Unvaccinated returning Georgian residents must self-isolate for eight days on arrival; travelers able to produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival will be subject to either an eight-day self-isolation period or another PCR test taken on the third day after returning to Georgia at their own expense.

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.