UPDATED GEORGIA TRAVEL WARNING

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 130687 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC GG SUBJECT: UPDATED GEORGIA TRAVEL WARNING ¶1. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Georgia. This travel warning replaces the one dated September 10, 2008 to note travel restrictions for official Americans in Georgia and the risk that unexploded ordnance poses in the areas where fighting took place in August 2008, including around the city of Gori in the direction of the administrative boundary with South Ossetia. ¶2. American citizens are urged not to travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and to be aware that the potential exists for gunfire, increased risk of crime, and ongoing potential for violence in these and areas adjacent to these regions. ¶3. The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi has limited travel for its employees in areas adjacent to the region of South Ossetia, to include all roads north of the M-1 (East/West Highway) that lead to the region of South Ossetia; areas adjacent to the region of Abkhazia, including the Tsalenjikha District of the Samegrelo Region; and the region of the Pankisi Gorge, north of the city Akhmeta, up to the border with Russia. ¶4. American citizens currently in Georgia are urged to continue to review their personal security situations to take appropriate action to ensure their safety. Given the recent upheaval in Georgia, American citizens should take precautions in case of an increase in violent crime. Private American citizens are encouraged to remain in close communication with the American Embassy in Tbilisi for more detailed information. ¶5. American citizens in Georgia are advised to register with the Department of State on-line at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or in person at U.S. Embassy Tbilisi so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Travel in some parts of western Georgia remains unpredictable. ¶6. American citizens should monitor the U.S. Embassy web site, http://georgia.usembassy.gov, and stay in contact with family and friends in the United States. American citizens in Tbilisi may also tune in to Radio Syndicati at FM 104.3 or throughout Georgia at Radio Green Wave at FM 107.4 for updated U.S. Embassy warden message information. ¶7. Family members and friends unable to verify the safety and welfare of U.S. citizens in the affected area should call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or from other areas via a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens in the area are urged to monitor the local news. Those residing or traveling in Georgia are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or in person at U.S. Embassy Tbilisi so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the embassy to contact them in case of emergency. ¶8. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information, and health information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). ¶9. The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is located at 11 George Balanchine Street (in Didi Dighomi),Tbilisi 0131, Georgia, tel: 995-32-27-70-00. The after-hours emergency STATE 00130687 002 OF 002 number is 995-99-57-39-69, or, if dialing locally on a mobile telephone, 899-57-39-69. ¶10. Minimize considered. RICE