From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Georgia Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 15:15:25 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1619 Path: world!bzs Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Message-ID: <199802201019_MC2-3415-D9EB@compuserve.com> Content-Disposition: inline Precedence: bulk Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mime-Version: 1.0 Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 156 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Georgia ============================================================ Georgia - Public Announcement February 19, 1998 On February 19, the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia issued the following information through its warden system: "A group of four international officers serving as United Nations observers were taken hostage today in the western town of Zugdidi, Georgia. In the wake of this event, the United Nations has restricted all of its staff in the area to its offices. The U.S. Embassy advises all American citizens in the region to suspend their normal activities, take extra precautions to ensure their personal safety and keep in close contact with their respective organizations and with the Embassy for further information." American citizens already in Georgia may contact the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi at telephone 011-995-32-989-967 for updated information. For further general information on travel to Georgia, consult the latest Department of State Consular Information Sheet on Georgia. This Public Announcement expires March 20, 1998. Georgia - Consular Information Sheet January 28, 1997 Country Description: Georgia is a newly independent nation. Living conditions are improving, but do not meet western standards. Tourist facilities outside of the capital are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visitors must receive a visa from a Georgian embassy abroad or upon arrival at the airport before being admitted into the country. Travelers arriving with a valid visa from Armenia or Azerbaijan are not required to have a Georgian visa unless they plan to stay more than three days. Travelers must also fill out customs declarations upon arrival and present them to customs officials when departing the country. Failure to declare currency and other items can result in fines or other penalties. For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of Georgia at 1511 K Street NW, Suite 424, Washington D.C. 20005; tel. (202) 393-6060. Airline Safety: Power outages at Tbilisi's airport have occasionally disabled the airport's guidance beacon for short periods of time. Aircraft may have to land using visual flight rules. Because of concerns about the airline's maintenance practices and other safety issues, the U.S. Embassy has instructed its employees not to use Orbi Airlines for official travel. Road Conditions: Roads generally are in poor condition and lack shoulder markings and center lines. Motorists should be cautious driving throughout Georgia. Most intercity roads are two lanes and motorists attempting to pass other vehicles may encounter oncoming traffic at high speeds. Driving at night can be especially dangerous, and there have been reports of motorists being robbed and carjacked. Travel on mountain roads is treacherous in rain and snow, and heavy snowfalls can cause some roads to become impassable. Areas of Instability: Travel in the separatist-controlled region of Abkhazia remains dangerous. There has been an increase in terrorist activity in the region with attacks on police stations and other government facilities. Land mines pose a threat to all travelers in Abkhazia. Restricted access to Abkhazia severely restricts the American Embassy's ability to assist U.S. citizens even in emergencies. Travelers to Abkhazia may also encounter so-called Abkhaz border officials who may require travelers to purchase a "visa" from the so-called "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia." The U.S. government does not recognize an independent Republic of Abkhazia separate from the Republic of Georgia. Travelers to the separatist-controlled region of South Ossetia should use extreme caution. As in Abkhazia, embassy access to South Ossetia may be restricted and its ability to assist American citizens limited, even in emergencies. Terrorist Activities: Terrorist activities have occurred in the Gali region of Georgia as a result of the conflict between Abkhazia and Georgia. These incidents have included the mining of roads and assassinations. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Georgia is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Georgia is currently experiencing an outbreak of rabies, and there is a shortage of the vaccine used to treat those who become infected. Travelers should consider receiving the pre-exposure series of the rabies vaccine before leaving the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical air evacuation, has proved to be useful. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English-speaking physicians. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559 or by visiting CDC's Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov. Crime Information: Travelers should take the same precautions in Tbilisi they would take in any large city. Petty thefts and pickpocketing are the most common crimes committed against foreigners. Travelers on the metro system are particularly susceptible to thefts. Police authority in Tbilisi has improved, and violent crime has decreased. High crime rates in South Ossetia make travel there risky. The security of overland travel in Georgia is improving, but train and vehicular traffic remain vulnerable to robbery. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: Georgia is a cash only economy. The local currency, the lari, is the only legal tender in Georgia. Traveler's checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration and Embassy Location: Americans are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within Georgia. The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is located at 25 Atoneli Street; telephone (995) 8832-989967 or (995) 8832-989968. No. 97-009 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 17, 1996, to reflect updated information on the country description, changes in visa requirements for U.S. citizens, airline safety, and an improved security situation. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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