Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

  • Reviewed: 30 January 2024, 12:45 NZDT
  • Still current at: 29 March 2024

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COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and the areas near the administrative boundary lines. The threat of terrorism, crime and unexploded mines and ordnance makes travel to these areas extremely dangerous (level 4 of 4). 

Previous incidents of terrorism have included improvised explosive devices and other acts of violence in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. There is also a danger from unexploded landmines in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and mined areas may be unmarked. New Zealanders are advised not to stray off well-used roads and paths in those areas.

As these regions are not under the control of Georgian authorities, the New Zealand Government has a severely limited ability to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens.

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Georgia (level 2 of 4).

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Georgia

Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur frequently in Georgia, particularly in the capital Tbilisi. New Zealanders in Georgia are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as they have the potential to escalate with little warning.

Terrorism
Terrorist attacks continue to occur globally and attacks in Georgia cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate and target areas frequented by foreigners.  

New Zealanders in Georgia are advised to monitor the media for information on potential threats to safety and security and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Crime
Petty crime occurs in Georgia, including pickpocketing and bag snatching. Violent crime against foreigners has been reported in the past, including robbery, mugging, home invasion, carjacking and sexual assault.

New Zealanders in Georgia are advised to stay alert to their surroundings and take steps to ensure their safety, including vigilance when travelling or walking after dark, and keeping your mobile phone charged and with you at all times. It is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices, cameras and jewellery. Only use licenced or official marked taxis, avoid hailing taxis on the street, and agree to a price before starting the journey. 

General Travel Advice
It is illegal under Georgian law to enter Georgia from Russia, via Abkhazia or South Ossetia. If your passport contains stamps from the separatist authorities, this may be considered an illegal entry by the Georgian authorities and could lead to imprisonment. You should not attempt to enter or leave Georgia via the land borders with Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, or North Ossetia. We advise against all travel to these areas.

Foreign nationals have been detained on arrival for possession of prescription or over-the-counter medicines. You must carry a doctor’s prescription written in either English or Georgian if you intend to travel with medicine and declare the items on your customs declaration form.  Many items available over the counter in other countries are prescription-only, and so you should check first whether your medicines will be permitted. For more information, see the Government of Georgia’s Revenue Service website.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Photography of government buildings or military establishments can cause issues. If in doubt, don’t take a picture or ask permission.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Georgia should have comprehensive travel insurance that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Georgia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 


The New Zealand Embassy Warsaw, Poland is accredited to Georgia

Telephone +48 22 521 0500 Emergency Telephone 24/7 Consular emergency line: 0800 30 10 30 (within New Zealand) or +64 99 20 20 20 (outside of New Zealand) Email nzwsw@nzembassy.pl Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/poland

See our regional advice for Central Asia

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