The Georgian government, in its efforts to minimize damage to the country’s economy as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, is already moving to ease restrictions on citizens and businesses. Announcements were made by Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia at Thursday’s presentation of the Anti-Crisis Plan to Open Tourism.

Easing Travel in Country

Georgia will lift all restrictions on entry and exit to Tbilisi from May 11. Travel restrictions will also be lifted in Rustavi and Gardabani from May 14, and in Marneuli from May 18.

However, despite the process of gradually lifting imposed restrictions, the nationwide curfew between 9 PM and 6 AM will remain in force.

Restrictions on entry and exit were imposed in Tbilisi, Rustavi, Batumi and Kutaisi on April 15.

The travel restrictions in Kutaisi and Batumi were lifted on May 5.

Easing Purchasing & Production Restrictions

All shops, except malls, clothing and shoe stores, are to reopen from next Monday.

"From May 11, we will reopen all kinds of production. In addition, retail and wholesale shops will be opened which have an entrance from the street and which do not sell clothes and shoes. This does not apply to malls, clothing and shoe stores. All other types of stores will be open from Monday,” the PM noted.

Opening the Borders

From June 15, Georgia will open local tourism services, and from July 1, the country will be ready to receive international tourists.

“We will create safe corridors on land borders with our neighboring countries and, based on bilateral negotiations, with countries that are of touristic interest to us. Talks have already begun. Georgia will be one of the first countries to open its borders and tourist infrastructure to receive guests from abroad,” the PM elaborated.

By Ana Dumbadze