Last update: September 28th, 2021.
Georgia’s borders are open for vaccinated citizens from the EU and 40 other countries.
The country of Georgia has rolled out vaccine certificates and certain restaurants begin requiring them for entry.
Vaccine uptake has not been as swift as expected, and the government is trying to motivate people to get vaccinated, as they have plenty of stock and vaccines are free.
The Georgian government went as far as banning public transport in an effort to lower the infection rate as the country faced its fourth, and most devastating, wave in July and August.
COVID vaccine certificate regulations in Georgia
Georgia is offering Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and Sinovac vaccines to its citizens.
They have also made vaccines available to foreigners who have been in Georgia for longer than 3 months, or who are part of the “Work Remotely from Georgia” scheme.
COVID vaccine eligibility in Georgia extends to everyone over the age of 18 and bookings can easily be made online. There are new vaccination centers opening countrywide aiming to vaccinate more people with increased efficiency.
After the first dose, patients receive a physical card indicating the batch number, basic personal details of the patient, and the date of vaccination.
People can then download the Georgian COVID pass from covidpass.moh.gov.ge, fourteen days after receiving their second dose. They can also go to the public service hall to receive a physical printout of the pass.
It has been said that restaurants, gyms, and beauty salons will need to make Georgia’s vaccine passport mandatory for entrance, but this has not been fully implemented yet.
Instead, a few bars and restaurants require proof of vaccination, but requirements have not been standardized by the government. It is expected that more stringent rulings will come after the local elections on October 2nd.
Georgia lifts COVID restrictions
Georgia has seen various levels of restrictions ranging from a full-scale lockdown to only mask mandates for indoor venues.
At the beginning of September, the Georgian government stopped public transport and only taxis were permitted to operate.
On September 14th, public transport was reinstated as the government deemed the epidemiological situation favorable.
Restaurants and bars have to close at 10 pm and nightclubs are still prohibited both indoors and outdoors. There is no curfew imposed on citizens but masks are to be worn at all times indoors and outdoors.
Can I travel to Georgia with my COVID certificate?
Borders in Georgia have been open since June 1st and vaccinated travelers are allowed into the country.
If only a PCR test can be provided, individuals will need to take another PCR test 3 days after arrival at their own expense.
Those arriving with only a PCR test must also fill in a COVID-19 registration form at stopcov.ge before entering the country.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate is acceptable proof of vaccination as well as paper vaccination cards such as the ones issued as US vaccine passports.
Citizens from Germany, France, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania can enjoy travel without any restrictions.
Is it safe to travel to Georgia now?
By the end of September, it seemed like the 4th wave of COVID-19 in Georgia was starting to near its end.
On September 27th, 663 new cases were recorded, bringing the total number of infections to 607,155.
The total number of deaths surpassed the 8,500 mark on September 18th. This is a relatively high number considering the small population of the country and many are pointing to a correlation between the high mortality rate and low vaccination rate.
Only 20% of the population has been fully vaccinated, less than 780,000 people. Just over 1,75 million doses have been administered.