TRAVEL WARNING - GEORGIA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 090996 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 to include the return of U.S. Embassy eligible family members to Tbilisi, the resumption of visa services, and the status of roads within the country. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Georgia issued August 12, 2008. The Department of State authorized the return of U.S. Embassy eligible family members to Tbilisi on August 23, 2008. However, since Russian troops remain in some parts of the country near Poti, Zugidi and Senaki as well as in the conflict zones, Embassy staff and family members will travel outside of Tbilisi only with the concurrence of the Regional Security Officer. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens in Georgia to exercise caution while traveling. ¶2. 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 follow the precautions detailed below and to remain in close communication with the American Embassy in Tbilisi for more detailed information. ¶3. On August 10, 11, and 14 three Embassy-coordinated convoys departed Georgia for Armenia. There are no additional convoys currently scheduled at this time. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy suspended visa processing, but will resume visa services on August 27. The Peace Corps temporarily relocated trainees and volunteers to Armenia on August 11, however, the Peace Corps office in Tbilisi remains open for business. ¶4. 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. ¶5. 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. ¶6. 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. ¶7. 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. ¶8. 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- STATE 00090996 002 OF 002 202-501-4444. 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. Minimize considered. RICE