TRAVEL WARNING - GEORGIA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 086171 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER OTRA ASEC GG RS SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - GEORGIA ¶1. This Travel Warning updates information on the current security situation in Georgia. In light of the continued aerial bombings of civilian and military targets in several areas of the country, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Georgia and recommends that all U.S. citizens depart Georgia. ¶2. American citizens who remain in Georgia despite this and earlier warnings are urged to continue to review their personal security situations, to take appropriate action to ensure their safety, and should consider relocating to a safe location. Private Americans are encouraged to follow the precautions detailed below and to remain in close communication with the American Embassy in Tbilisi for more detailed information. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Georgia issued August 8, 2008. ¶3. On August 10 and 11, two Embassy-coordinated convoys of American citizens departed Georgia for Armenia. A third convoy, made up of buses and other vehicles, is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13. American citizens interested in joining the convoy should call the consular section at 995-32-27-70-00, ext. 7137 or ext. 7003, or 899-57-39-69. The Consular Section of the US Embassy has suspended visa processing at this time, but is open 24 hours for American Citizens Services until further notice. Peace Corps temporarily relocated trainees and volunteers to ARMENIA on August 11. The Peace Corps office in Tbilisi remains open for business. At this time, Embassy personnel are unable to travel to western Georgia because of the security situation. American citizens in Georgia are advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi as soon as possible to register and provide information on their current situation. Americans in western Georgia are advised to depart the country if possible. If safe departure is not possible, Americans in western Georgia are advised to remain in place and maintain contact with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi pending further guidance. ¶4. American citizens should monitor the U.S. Embassy website 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. ¶5. 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. ¶6. 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. ¶7. 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 STATE 00086171 002 OF 002 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). RICE