Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Georgia is generally safe and welcoming for travellers. Do not approach the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and check the latest guidance before travel.
- Overall risk
- Low for most areas; petty crime is the main concern
- Avoid
- Abkhazia and South Ossetia (breakaway regions)
- Emergency number
- 112 (unified emergency)
- Tbilisi and the main tourist regions are welcoming and hospitable. Stay away from the administrative boundary lines of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and confirm current conditions with your foreign ministry and your embassy in Georgia before you go.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Avoid the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the areas along their administrative boundary lines. The rest of the country is generally safe.
- No-go areas
- Abkhazia, South Ossetia and their boundary lines
- Border zones
- Detention risk near unmarked boundary lines
- Rest of country
- Generally safe for travellers
- The administrative boundaries with Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not always clearly marked, and people have been detained for crossing them. Do not cross, and follow the latest advice from your foreign ministry and embassy in Georgia.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Georgia lies in a seismic zone and has rugged mountains. Watch for earthquakes, landslides and rockfalls, and heavy snow and avalanches in the Caucasus in winter.
- Earthquakes
- Country lies in an active seismic zone
- Mountains
- Landslides, rockfalls and flash floods
- Winter
- Heavy snow and avalanche risk in the Caucasus
- In mountainous regions such as the Greater Caucasus, roads can be blocked by snow, rockfalls or landslides. Check weather and road conditions before travelling, and avoid mountain routes in bad weather.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Healthcare is good in Tbilisi but more limited in rural areas. Tap water is generally safe in cities, but many travellers prefer bottled water.
- Healthcare
- Good private clinics in Tbilisi; limited in rural areas
- Tap water
- Generally safe in cities; bottled water common
- Emergency
- 112 for ambulance
- Private clinics in Tbilisi offer good care and often require upfront payment. Facilities are more basic in mountain and rural areas. Bring any personal medication with a prescription and consider vaccinations recommended for the region.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Violent crime against tourists is rare. Watch for taxi overcharging, currency-exchange scams and pickpocketing in crowded areas of Tbilisi.
- Main risk
- Taxi overcharging and money-exchange scams
- Hotspots
- Markets, old town, transport hubs in Tbilisi
- Advice
- Agree fares in advance; use licensed exchanges
- Some taxi drivers overcharge tourists, so agree the fare first or use a ride-hailing app. Change money only at banks or licensed bureaux, and keep valuables secure in crowds.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Georgia is generally stable, but political demonstrations do occur in Tbilisi. Avoid protests and check the latest guidance before travelling.
- Government
- Parliamentary republic; broadly stable
- Demonstrations
- Periodic protests, mainly in central Tbilisi
- Advice
- Avoid demonstrations and follow local news
- Political demonstrations can take place at short notice, mostly around central Tbilisi such as Rustaveli Avenue, and can occasionally turn tense. Avoid protests, monitor local media, and check the latest advice from your foreign ministry and embassy in Georgia.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Many nationalities can stay visa-free for up to one year. Drug laws are extremely strict, and traffic drives on the right.
- Visa
- Visa-free stays of up to a year for many nationalities
- Drugs
- Very severe penalties, even for small amounts
- Driving
- Drive on the right; carry your documents
- Georgia is not in the EU or the Schengen area. Many nationalities enjoy generous visa-free stays, but confirm the rules for your passport before travel. Drug offences carry harsh penalties, and respect customs at churches and monasteries by dressing modestly.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. English is not always spoken, so try to have your location ready.
- All emergencies
- 112
- Covers
- Police, ambulance and fire
- Tip
- Note your address or location in advance
- 112 is the single emergency number for police, ambulance and fire across Georgia. Operators may not always speak English, so keep your location details and hotel address handy.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Georgia is outside the EU, so European health cards do not apply. All travellers should carry comprehensive travel insurance.
- EHIC/GHIC
- Not valid in Georgia
- All travellers
- Comprehensive insurance with medical cover
- Include
- Mountain, hiking and winter sports cover if relevant
- Private clinics often require upfront payment, so ensure your policy covers medical treatment and repatriation. If you plan hiking or skiing in the Caucasus, confirm that mountain and winter activities are included.