From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Georgia
Date: 13 Oct 1992 16:48:57 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Georgia
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Georgia - Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, is located 
at 25 Atoneli Street; telephone (7) (8832) 98-99-67 or (7) (8832) 
98-99-68.  

Areas of Instability:  unstable areas include the western regions 
of Georgia, due to sporadic violence, and Abkhazia.

Country Description:  Georgia is a nation undergoing profound 
political and economic change.  It is a newly independent nation 
still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring 
countries.  Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to 
outstanding disputes may occur without warning.  Tourist facilities 
are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken 
for granted in other European countries are not yet available.  
Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel 
shortages and other problems.

Entry Requirements:  At this time, all travelers to Georgia must 
have a visa issued by a Russian embassy or consulate.  Travelers who 
do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will be required to 
leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered.  
U.S. citizens may contact the consular section of the Russian 
Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, Washington, DC  20036, tel (202) 
939-8918, or the Russian Consulate in San Francisco for further 
information on visa requirements.


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 
persons with existing health problems may be at risk due to 
inadequate medical facilities.  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 has proved to be useful.  Additional medical 
information for the region can be found in the Department of State's 
brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia," which includes information 
on Georgia, and can be obtained from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC  20402.  
Further information on health matters can be obtained from the 
Centers for Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on 
(404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Police authority in many cities in western and 
central Georgia has collapsed.  Crime, including violent crime, is 
widespread in these cities and in Tbilisi.  Foreigners have been the 
targets of criminal activity.  Useful information on guarding 
valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is 
provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington DC 20402.

Currency Information:  Georgia is a cash-only economy.  Traveler's 
checks and credit cards are rarely accepted.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Terrorist Activities:  Some terrorist incidents have occurred in 
the country in connection with the ongoing internal conflict.

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy in the 
Consular Section can obtain updated information on travel security 
within the country.

 No. 92-019

Organization: University Libraries - Public Services, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA