Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Georgia is a developing nation classified as lower middle income. Located in western Asia along the Black Sea (north of Turkey), the climate is classified as humid temperate (no dry season), with cooler temperatures in some high-altitude areas.
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, typhoid fever, or a one time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
(2018) Limited Malaria risk due exclusively to P. vivax may exist locally from June through October in the eastern part of the country bordering Azerbaijan. No locally-acquired cases have been reported since 2010.- Recommended prevention in risk areas: A - Very limited risk of malaria transmission. Mosquito bite prevention only.
WHO Country List footnote: When available, the date of the most recent update or confirmation is indicated in parentheses in the country list. If no date is indicated, the most recent update or confirmation was provided before 2013.
CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, Lyme disease may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include air pollution, anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, hantavirus, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, plague, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to terrorism, ongoing violence, and other ongoing security concerns, US (DOS), UK (FCO), Canada (GAC), and Australia (DFAT) advise avoiding travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions.
Terrorism Risk
Low risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country (including Tbilisi), especially in South Ossetia Region and Abkhazia Autonomous Republic. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses, public places and events, including those frequented by tourists, and transportation systems.
Crime
Moderate risk of violent crime (armed robbery, home invasion, sexual assault, and carjacking) and moderate risk of petty crime exist throughout the country, especially in areas frequented by foreigners.
Scams involving exorbitant fees for products have been reported.
Risk exists of robberies and/or assaults occurring after consuming intentionally drugged food or drink; tourists are frequently targeted.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country, especially near government offices in Tbilisi, and are generally peaceful but have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
A dangerous security environment exists and landmines and other unexploded ordnance are present in Abkhazia Autonomous Republic and in South Ossetia Region.
Outdoor Safety
Basic safety standards for adventure activities (including bungee jumping) are often not in place. Travelers should only use reputable adventure-sport operators for activities and equipment rentals.
Transportation Safety
High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Natural Disasters
Seasonal flooding frequently occurs.
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Georgia
- United States: [+995] 32-227-70-00; ge.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+995] 32-298-2072; travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates/georgia
- United Kingdom: [+995] 32-227-47-47; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tbilisi
- Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Georgia.
Georgia's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: georgiaembassyusa.org
- In Canada: [+1] 613-421-0460
- In the U.K.: www.uk.mfa.gov.ge
- In Australia: www.australia.mfa.gov.ge
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.
