Movement of Physical Persons Restricted from Iran to Georgia & Vice Versa

The Government of Georgia has imposed restrictions on the movement of individuals from Iran to Georgia and vice versa, in relation to the recent coronavirus outbreak, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports. 

The ministry explained that at this stage, airlines will not be allowed to carry passengers from Iran to Georgia, but airlines will be able to enter Georgian airspace with empty planes and take Iranian tourists who are currently staying in Georgia back to their homeland.

“On the day the news of the spread of coronavirus in the People's Republic of China and around the world was heard, an inter-governmental group was set up by the Prime Minister of Georgia, coordinated by the Ministry of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia. The team monitors the current state of the world in terms of the spreading virus and monitors it 24/7 so as to be able to take concrete steps to prevent the spread of the virus on the territory of Georgia and to maximally protect the population. To this end, the Georgian government suspended direct air traffic with China at the initial stage of the virus outbreak.

"The Georgian government has also taken appropriate steps to ensure the safety of Georgian citizens residing in China. The Government is in constant contact with both the World Health Organization and the international community to obtain updated information on the scale of the virus.

"Currently, the highest prevalence of coronavirus after China has been reported in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Government of Georgia is in constant contact with the Iranian authorities to obtain information on the situation in general and possible preventive measures. Reportedly, the Iranian government is taking all measures to prevent further growth of coronavirus cases, as well as screening passengers leaving Iran. However, given the current situation, the Georgian government has decided to restrict the movement of individuals from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Georgia and vice versa. The flows of passengers from Iran to Georgia will be stopped at this stage. Airlines will be able to enter Georgia with empty planes so that Iranian tourists can return home. 

"At present, the land border will remain open for movement, though strict restrictions will be imposed and we will actively work with neighboring countries in this regard. The Georgian government is monitoring developments and is continuing to work with neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan. In the future, if the need arises, we will not exclude the restriction of movement through the land border. The Ministry calls on the Georgian citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran in the near future and asks the citizens of Georgia who are currently visiting Iran to contact the Georgian Embassy in Tehran, if necessary, at +989122997726," reads the statement released by the Interior Ministry. 

By Ana Dumbadze 

Related Story: Georgia Considers Cancelation of Direct Flights from China