Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia
From: "Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi)" <[email-masked]>
To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>
Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>, "AskConsul, Tbilisi" <[email-masked]>, Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>, Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2021 05:34:20 +0000

Thank you, but what about the issue we discussed last week?  You had said that permanent residents would be eligible, and I told you the following:

I confirm I would like you to follow up with your legal department because as explained below the vast majority of U.S. citizens who reside long-term in Georgia do not have temporary or
permanent residency.  So, perhaps the NVP could provide that foreigners lawfully admitted to Georgia under the visa-free regime or another GoG program that was in place before entry restrictions were relaxed (e.g., business traveler program) are eligible under
the NVP, of course consistent with the priorities already set for Georgian citizens (eg, healthcare workers first)?

And you told me:

Thanks for this suggestion. We will discuss at the Vaccination Board and the legal team.  I will keep you posted on a final decision.

Regards,

Kathryn

From: Tamar Gabunia

Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 9:24 AM

To: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi)

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili ; AskConsul, Tbilisi ; Alexander Khvtisiashvili ; Natia Khmaladze

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Hello Kathryn

The amendment has been finalized yesterday and agreed with the National Vaccination Board. Vaccines will be provided to all employees of diplomatic establishments and their family members. They can access vaccines
in line of their risk level as per national vaccination plan. We expect that amendment will be enacted by early next week.

With kind regards

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia,
MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) [mailto:[email-masked]]

Sent: 23 March, 2021 09:03

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Hello Tamar, I am sorry to keep following up, but we continue to receive inquiries from U.S. citizens asking for an update.  Is there any?

Thank you for all of the good work you are doing!

Regards,

Kathryn

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>

Sent: Monday, March 15, 2021 3:45 PM

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: Re: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Thank you very much!  We greatly appreciate your efforts and collaboration.

Regards,

Kathryn

From: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Sent: Monday, March 15, 2021 3:39:10 PM

To: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Kathryn

Thanks for this suggestion. We will discuss at the Vaccination Board and the legal team.  I will keep you posted on a final decision.

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia,
MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) [mailto:[email-masked]]

Sent: 15 March, 2021 15:36

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: Re: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Thank you Tamar.

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn

From: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Sent: Monday, March 15, 2021 3:25:05 PM

To: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Kathryn

Thanks for this clarification request and providing additional background information. Permanent residents will be vaccinated regardless of their employment status, in addition all employees of the diplomatic
missions and their family members will be vaccinated regardless their residency status. Is this provision would leave some US citizens living or working in Georgia behind, please kindly let us know. Our legal unit will follow up on this with you to make sure
we have full coverage.

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia,
MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) [mailto:[email-masked]]

Sent: 15 March, 2021 15:20

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Thank you Tamar, for your continued patience with my many questions.  I have another…

You say that *permanent* residents will be eligible.  (I understand employees of diplomatic missions are also covered, but that is not the focus of my question today.)

As you may know, most Americans do not pursue permanent (or even temporary) residency here, since the immigration regime allows them to stay for up to a year without a visa or residency status, and then exit the country for a day and
re-enter, thus resetting their 1-year clock.  Also, temporary residency, which was until recently good for up to 6 years, will now be good for up to 12 years.

https://1tv.ge/en/news/temporary-residence-permit-term-to-increase/

So, I just want to make sure I am understanding the policy correctly that only *permanent* residents will be eligible?  This means the vast majority of private U.S. citizens in Georgia will not qualify.  Is there any plan to expand
the NVP to non-permanent residents?

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn

From: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Sent: Monday, March 15, 2021 12:47 PM

To: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Kathryn

Many thanks for your questions. Please find responses below.

Best

Tamar

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) [mailto:[email-masked]]

Sent: 12 March, 2021 11:31

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Thank you.  I have a few follow up questions:

When you refer to the amendment, you mean an amendment to the National Vaccination Plan that it will include foreigners?
- Yes

And the substance of the amendment is that foreigners will be eligible for vaccines, following the same priority groups as Georgians?
-Yes

Will eligible recipients need to have temporary or permanent residency in Georgia, or will visitors be eligible as well?
- Permanent residents will be eligible for coverage, employees of diplomatic missions will also be covered (both diplomas and non-diplomats)

Will there be any other conditions to satisfy? – None

I’m sorry for all the questions, but we are receiving many inquiries from private U.S. citizens about this and we want to be sure we are communicating the correct information.

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn

From: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 11:24 AM

To: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Kathryn

The amendment is being processed. Meanwhile since the vaccination will first toe administered to health care workers, if there are US citizen health care workers practicing in Georgia, we will be offering the
registration within the next 2 weeks.

Thanks for your patience and cooperation.

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia,
MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) [mailto:[email-masked]]

Sent: 12 March, 2021 11:13

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Tamar, I hope you are well.  Is there any update on this?

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi)

Sent: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 10:11 AM

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Thank you. I know you are very busy, so I appreciate your response.

Regards,

Kathryn

From: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Sent: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 9:11 AM

To: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Kathryn

The work is underway, I will inform you once this is finalized.

Best

Tamar

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) [mailto:[email-masked]]

Sent: 1 March, 2021 10:09

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Hello Tamar, I hope you are well.  Now that’s it’s March (just barely, I know!), I am wondering if there is any update on this?

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>

Sent: Friday, February 12, 2021 7:01 PM

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: Re: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Thank you very much, we appreciate the clarification.

Regards,

Kathryn

From: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Sent: Friday, February 12, 2021 6:55:11 PM

To: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>; Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>;
Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Kathryn

Thanks for your e-mail. The initial decision was to consider foreign citizens within the Diplomatic agencies (diplomats and other employees) for vaccination
program in line with the National priority categories, e.g. health care workers first, followed by age groups and people living with chronic conditions, then the rest of the adult population. We’ve been elaborating details and eligibility requirements and
will get back to you once this decision is finalized.

We will have full clarity on this matter by the end of February.

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia,
MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) [mailto:[email-masked]]

Sent: 12 February, 2021 18:38

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>

Subject: Re: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Ms. Gabunia, I heard from an EU counterpart that the GoG has decided that foreigners will be eligible for the NVP, and will follow the same priority categories as Georgian citizens.
Is this true, and if so, are there any conditions? For example, does a U.S. citizen need to have official permanent residency in Georgia to be eligible, or is a U.S. citizen who lives here on the 1-year visa-free entry regime also eligible?

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi)

Sent: Monday, February 1, 2021 3:54:26 PM

To: 'Tamar Gabunia' <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Thank you very much for the quick reply.  We will look forward to more information toward the end of the month.

Regards,

Kathryn

From: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Sent: Monday, February 1, 2021 3:43 PM

To: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>

Subject: RE: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Ms Abate

Many thanks for your e-mail. As you’ve mentioned the National Vaccine Deployment Plan is not explicit about covering non-Georgian citizens residing in the country. We were approached by several diplomatic
establishments with similar questions. In close collaboration with MFA we will elaborate detailed strategies related to eligibility and mechanisms for covering foreign citizens by the end of February.

Meanwhile questions can be directed to NCDC hot line 116 001 11

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia,
MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

From: Abate, Kathryn E (Tbilisi) [mailto:[email-masked]]

Sent: 1 February, 2021 15:29

To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>

Cc: Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; AskConsul, Tbilisi <[email-masked]>

Subject: availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Georgian citizens in Georgia

Dear Ms. Gabunia,

In recognition of your very helpful advice previously on “red zones” in Georgia, I wanted to ask if you can provide any guidance on whether the Government of Georgia expects to be able to offer COVID-19 vaccinations, when they are available,
to non-Georgian citizens in Georgia?  If so, under what conditions would the vaccine be offered to foreigners (e.g., timing, cost, etc.)?  We have reviewed the national vaccination plan but do not see any discussion of vaccination for non-Georgian citizens.
We have many U.S. citizens residing in Georgia who have asked us for information on this topic.  Also, is there any Government of Georgia website, resource, phone number, etc., to which we could refer U.S. citizens resident in Georgia for further information?

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn E. Abate
w Consul
w U.S. Embassy Tbilisi
w U.S. Department of State

29 Georgian-American Friendship Avenue, Didi Dighomi, Tbilisi 0131
w
(: +995 32 227 7186
w
mobile: +995 599 959 140

*
[email-masked]
w
Website:
http://ge.usembassy.gov