Canada advises citizens to evacuate Georgia

Canada urges its citizens in Georgia to evacuate as Russian attacks spread across the country.

Canada Sunday urged its citizens in Georgia to evacuate as Russian attacks spread across the country.

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"If you have no urgent need to remain in Georgia, then you should consider leaving as soon as possible," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The situation is volatile and could deteriorate without notice. Canadians in Georgia should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety, monitor local developments, and follow the advice of local authorities."

The warning said that Canadians seeking to leave through Azerbaijan need a visa to that country, but that they could obtain a visa to Armenia at the border.

It also noted that the US embassy is organizing an evacuation convoy from Tbilisi to Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday.

The US State Department issued a travel advisory Saturday to discourage Americans from visiting Georgia or its rebel territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to the conflict with Russia.

The department said it had authorized all "eligible family members" of US embassy and consular staff to leave Georgia.