French Foreign Ministry warns citizens that they may be denied entry to Georgia due to their participation in protests or social media activity

The French Foreign Ministry is warning its citizens that they may be denied entry to Georgia due to their participation in protests and social media activity.

The relevant statement is posted on the French Foreign Ministry’s website.

“Since November 28, demonstrations have been taking place every day in Tbilisi and several other cities in Georgia, sometimes on a large scale.

These demonstrations have often resulted in arrests and dispersal by law enforcement officers, particularly around the Parliament, between Freedom Square and Republic Square. Participation in these demonstrations can be punishable by heavy fines (5,000 GEL per fine, i.e. more than 1,600 euros, which can be accumulated in the event of multiple fines).

French citizens in Georgia are advised to avoid public gatherings.

We remind you that in the event of a police check, each person must be able to prove their identity.

Entry into the territory of Georgia may be denied even to those with the right to reside in Georgia. We encourage travelers to obtain information before traveling about factors that may put them at risk of being denied entry to the territory of Georgia. These factors include participation in protests in Georgia and their activity on social media. In the future, entry into Georgian territory may depend on the immediate payment of large fines for alleged participation in these protests,” reads the statement.