Travel Vaccines and Advice for Georgia
Georgia is a relatively small country in the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe.
Georgia borders the Black Sea and four countries: Türkiye, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. Its region has seen some turmoil in recent years. Border skirmishes, especially with Russia, have occurred. But, Georgia is still a wonderful country with much to offer visitors.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Georgia?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Georgia?
What is the Climate Like in Georgia?
How Safe is Georgia?
Visit Abanotubani
What Should I Take to Georgia?
Canadian Embassy in Georgia
Do I Need Vaccines for Georgia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Georgia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Georgia: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Proof of polio vaccination may be required. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Georgia |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Polio | Food & Water | Proof of polio vaccination may be required. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Georgia |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Georgia?
A tourist or business visa is not required for stays up to 365 days. A passport with at least 6 months validity is required. A visa must be obtained prior to entering the country. If you plan on travelling to the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, you must first obtain authorization from Georgian authorities.
Georgia Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Georgia? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Georgia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Georgia?
Georgia has a warm, temperate climate with some geographic variation. This is caused by the Greater Caucasus Mountains shielding the country from cold northern air. The Lesser Caucasus range protects the country from the hot, dry southern air.
Georgia sees summer temperatures around 16 degrees Celsius. Winters in east Georgia are a bit colder, usually around 0 degrees to 3 degrees.
When travelling to Georgia, you can expect the most rain during the spring months. But, you can expect more rain the closer you are the coast. Georgia has the best travel weather during May, June and September.
How Safe is Georgia?
Georgia has two regions, known as Abkhazia and South Ossetia, that are occupied by Russia. Avoid travelling to these areas. Travel documents are required for this region.
Outside these regions, Georgia is generally safe. Petty crime is not uncommon and armed theft does occur. Assume any and all assailants you encounter can very well be armed and dangerous. Reduce this risk by maintaining a low profile and by not carrying a large amount of cash. Avoid travelling alone or at night.
Credit card skimming and identity theft can occur. It’s common for ATMs to be tampered with and publicly-available internet terminals to be compromised. Counterfeit money crimes are also known to occur in Georgia.
Visit Abanotubani
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, wasn’t always filled with modern architecture. In fact, it wasn’t even always in the location that it is today. The Old Town of Tbilisi, now known as “Abanotubani”, is home to 11th century buildings, rich with history.
Tourists are attracted to this area because of the natural sulfur baths that can be found here. A legend surrounding the baths states that a king found the springs when his falcon landed there.
Earlier settlers built “beehive-like domes” around the sulfur baths to trap in heat. It’s believed the baths provide many benefits from the sulfur. Travellers will venture a great distance for this relaxing experience.
What Should I Take to Georgia?
Here are some essential items to consider bringing on your trip to Georgia:
- Sturdy shoes/hiking boots if you plan to spend time outdoors.
- Prescription medication in its original packaging as well as the prescription script from your doctor.
- Cash and travellers’ checks are recommended. Hotels and restaurants throughout the country may not accept credit cards.
Canadian Embassy in Georgia
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Georgia, the information for the Canadian consulate is:
Canadian Honorary Consulate in Tbilisi, Georgia
Third Floor, 34 Rusatveli Avenue
Tbilisi 0108
Georgia
Telephone: (+995) 32 218-2072
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Georgia
“I met with our nurse and she had lots of great travel advice for Georgia and was very knowledgeable and straightforward with her vaccination advice. I am also a wimp when it comes to needles, and she took her time and calmed me right down. Definitely recommend Passport Health!”
“Staff was very pleasant, knowledgeable and on-time. I feel very prepared to travel to Georgia.”