Georgia isn’t a Strasbourg Convention signatory, so the full consular pathway applies, and one detail catches almost every family out: the paperwork isn’t just in a foreign language, it’s in a script most translators have never seen.
The Mkhedruli script problem
Georgian uses Mkhedruli, a script unique to the country and unrelated to Cyrillic or Latin alphabets. Most translation agencies simply don’t carry an accredited Georgian legal translator. What you need is specific: someone accredited for Georgian legal and administrative language, recognised by the British Embassy Tbilisi, and familiar with how the Georgian Civil Registry Agency formats its documents. Ask the Embassy for its current approved list immediately. Waiting until documents are issued to start that search adds three to five days you don’t need to lose.
Two mountain regions, two different timelines
British trekkers and climbers are drawn to Georgia’s Caucasus range in growing numbers, and two areas account for most incidents. Kazbegi, also called Stepantsminda, sits about three hours from Tbilisi and has an active, well-organised mountain rescue service. Recovery around Mount Kazbek’s main trails typically takes 24 to 48 hours in reasonable conditions.
Svaneti is a different proposition. Reached by a long mountain road from Zugdidi to the town of Mestia, the high backcountry toward Ushba or the Russian border can involve extended recovery operations. Plan for at least 72 hours, more in winter. Gudauri ski resort, about two hours from Tbilisi, is better developed, with its own resort medical facility and organised ski patrol response.
The forensic and documentation chain
The Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau in Tbilisi handles post-mortems for anything unnatural or unexplained, and does so well by regional standards, typically five to ten working days for a straightforward case. Alongside this: a death certificate from the Civil Registry Agency, closure of any police investigation, and an export permit from the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, before the certified translations even come into play.
Getting home
Wizz Air flies direct from London Gatwick to Tbilisi International Airport, and also serves Kutaisi International Airport further west. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the main backup route. Whichever carrier is used, human remains cargo needs pre-booking, so confirm the specific requirements early rather than at the point of departure.
Read how to get a foreign death certificate translated for more on the translation step, or see repatriation from Georgia to the UK for the full process.
Contact Repatriate Service on +44 7703 577246 at any hour, or use the enquiry form below.