TRAVEL ALERT-GEORGIA

UNCLAS STATE 085570 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER OTRA ASEC YI SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT-GEORGIA ¶1. This Travel Alert updates U.S. citizens on the armed conflict in South Ossetia between Georgian and separatist forces. U.S. citizens should avoid unnecessary travel within Georgia, defer all travel north of Gori and avoid all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This Travel Alert expires on August 30, 2008. ¶2. Armed conflict began between Georgian and separatist forces in South Ossetia on the night of August 7/8, ¶2008. At this time, media reports indicate that explosive devices were dropped on the Georgian military bases of Vaziani and Marneuli. ¶3. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs internet 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. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). ¶4. U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at http://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the embassy or consulate to contact them in case of emergency. ¶5. 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 number is 995-99-57-39-69, or, if dialing locally on a mobile telephone, 899-57-39-69. ¶6. Family members and friends unable to verify the safety and welfare of U.S. citizens n 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 http://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or in person at U.S. Embassy Tbilisi. ¶7. MINIMIZE CONSIDERED. RICE