Georgia v Scotland – Euro 2016 Qualifier: Travel Advice

For those travelling to Georgia, Find below notes from the British Embassy in Tbilisi ( via SFA security Officer) bit more info than the SSC notes.

Summary

The following advice is intended to help all those planning to visit Tbilisi for the Georgia v Scotland Euro 2016 qualifier match, to be held on Friday 4 September 2015. Kick off time: 8pm local (BST +3)

Main Information

British Nationals visiting Georgia should read the FCOs Travel advice for Georgia  

The British Embassy strongly advise all those intending to visit Georgia for the match to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-insurance

Tbilisi airport

Tbilisi International Airport is accessible at any time of the day. The airport complex is connected with the City by a modern railway. The airport railway station is located right in front of airport passenger terminal, next to the car park. Train ticket price is only 0.5 Gel (Georgian Lari) = 15p. Journey time: 20-30 minutes. You can buy train tickets in the railway station ticket office or directly from a train conductor inside the train. For more information about Tbilisi International Airport, please visit: www.tbilisiairport.com and www.airport.ge

Railway Information Centre: (+995 32) 2 199 010

City Bus

City Bus No 37 operates daily routes between the city and airport; ticket price is 0.50 Gel  = 15pThe bus is available between 7am and 9:30pm every day.

Airport Taxi

Airport taxis are located at the curb side of arrival and departure lounges. They provide a service to all parts of the city throughout the day. Price from airport to city center is around 30 GELContact phone numbers for taxi company: (+995 32) 2 51 11 11

Lost or Stolen Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen report the loss to the local police as soon as possible and get a copy of the police report. You can’t travel back to the UK without a valid travel document. You’ll need to apply to the Consular Section of the British Embassy, Tbilisi for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). https://www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document

The Emergency Travel Document is a temporary travel document which will allow you to return to the UK. You’ll need to produce the following:

  • a copy of the police report reporting the passport stolen
  • an acceptable form of identification, if possible (eg driving licence and/or photocopy of your lost passport)
  • one passport-size photograph
  • a fee of 247 GEL
  • details of your return travel arrangements to the UK (copy of your flight ticket)

If you lose your wallet or purse, try to cancel your credit cards as soon as possible. British consular officials can’t give you money to help you return home. You can transfer money from the UK using many of the commercial money transfer agencies in Tbilisi, including Western Union and Moneygram. You can also use most major credit and debit cards to get money from cash machines.

Consular Assistance

If you’re arrested British consular officials can visit you in prison (if you request it) and can put you in touch with local lawyers, if you need one. We can’t get you out of prison, represent you in court or pay your bills. If you wish to see a consular official please make this request clear to the local police authorities.

Getting to the Stadium: Boris Paichadze Dinamo National Stadium

Bus: Bus number 31 from Freedom Square will take you to the stadium viaRustaveli and  Melikishvili Avenue.

Metro: From the Rustaveli metro station proceed down the escalator and wait for a train on the left platform. Get off at the second stop(Vagzlis Moedani), and turn left off the train, leaving at the exit with the big sword over the arch. Once at street level turn right down Tevdore Mgvdeli St then first left down G. Tsabadze Street where the stadium will become visible on your right. The walk will take you about 10 minutes.

Please note that the SFA concerns re the Tbilisi Metro were due the reliability of the network, it is prone to power outage. Given the modest cost of taxis they were identified as best option. the metro will operate until midnight after the match.

Taxi: Taxis are cheap and plentiful. A typical fare costs between 5 and 10 Lari and agree a price before journey. If the driver doesn’t seem to know where he’s going or the car is unsafe  choose  another taxi. Don’t use unauthorized taxis.

Make sure any taxi you take has a yellow taxi sign or clear taxi branding on it. A couple of taxi numbers are 00995 32 2 511 111 and taxi APP ordering service called TAXIFY.EU. For a directory enquiries service dial 118 09 or 118 08.

At the match: Stadium Security..

Scotland will be accommodated in the North Stand of the stadium in sections 10, 11 and 12 – through gates 14 and 15 situated on Tseretlei Avenue. Access to the stadium can be slow. There will be electronic ticket checks. You don’t need to present your ID/Passport, but you should  get to the stadium early.

In addition to items which would usually be prohibited in the UK, please note the following items that will also not be allowed to be taken into the stadium: flares, fireworks, alcohol, cans, glass, plastic bottles or containers, coins, lighters – if you do bring any of these items they will be confiscated by the Georgian authorities.

USEFUL LINKS TO MAPS / WEBSITES

Tbilisi Maps: http://www.info-tbilisi.com/tbilisi/map/

Tbilisi Street Maps: http://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=15/41.7035/44.8182&layers=T

Tbilisi Bus Schedules: http://transiten.ttc.com.ge/?page=live

LOCAL INFORMATION

Road Safety: Pedestrians should be vigilant at all times when crossing roads. Red traffic lights do not necessarily mean a car will stop. Use the underpasses where available

There are very few public toilets in the city so you’ll have to go into a café/pub and buy something to use the facilities. It is an offence to urinate in the street, so don’t do it.

Language – The main language is Georgian, Russian is also widely spoken.

Photos – Don’t take pictures of military bases or power installations.

To call  the UK dial 8, wait for the second tone, dial 10 then 0044 and the number minus the first zero. To call Tbilisi from the UK dial 00995 32 2 then a six digit number. Check with your mobile phone provider that it will work in Tbilisi. SIM cards can be bought either from official mobile phone shops, like Geocell, Beeline or some souvenir shops on Rustaveli Avenue. You can buy credit for Georgian phones  from Pay-boxes which you can find  almost everywhere.

The average temperature in September is around 15-20ºC. During the autumn months it can be rainy and cloudy. In September Georgia will still be 3 hours ahead of the UK.

The supply can be unreliable.  Take a two-pin European adaptor with you if you want to use electronic equipment.

Tbilisi isn’t the kindest to the disabled traveller. The pavements, even on the main roads, are difficult to negotiate for those with disabilities.

Local Customs – Georgians are, as a general rule,quite shy to begin with but do like practising their English with you once you get chatting. They’re very helpful, friendly and generous people. Whenever there’s a church in sight they like to cross themselves, bow and repeat the process over and over. If you make friends with our hosts don’t be surprised if they greet you or say goodbye to you with three kisses on the cheek.

Personal Security

Look after your personal belongings, in particular your passport and your money. Carry a photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport and keep it in a safe place separate from your passport. Contact details of the British Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia

British Embassy Tbilisi, address:  51 Krtsanisi Street, Tbilisi, 0114, Georgia

Embassy telephone number: +995 (32) 227 47 47

Email: Tbilisi.ConsularEnquiries@fco.gov.uk

Travel Advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/georgia

The Consular Section of the British Embassy in Tbilisi is open to the public from 9 amto 2mp Monday to Friday. On Saturday 5th of September, the Consular Section of the Embassy will be open exceptionally from 9 am to 2pm.

If there is a genuine emergency during your visit to Tbilisi (e.g. one involving accident, injury or loss/theft of your passport) please call +995 (32) 227 47 47

We hope you enjoy the game and your visit to Tbilisi