Is pepper spray allowed in Georgia?
A gas spray device, age 18 and written consent of the MIA.
Short answer
Pepper spray in Georgia is a gas spray device that anyone 18 or older may buy, import or carry only with written consent from the regional Interior Ministry office. A licence is required for those who make, repair and sell such devices. Consent is refused, for example, to minors, to people with certain illnesses and dependencies, and to those with certain convictions or penalties.
Why
- The Law on Weapons (Article 2) defines a gas spray device as a device that temporarily incapacitates a person with tear gas or irritant substances.
- Article 5 classes the gas spray device as a self-defence weapon allowed in civilian circulation.
- Paragraphs 8³ and 8⁴ of Article 19 require written consent from the regional Interior Ministry office and list the grounds for refusal.
Details
Under paragraph 8 of Article 19, buying, importing, exporting, transferring and transporting a gas spray device does not need a separate permit or licence. Paragraph 8³ adds a condition: a person may acquire, bring into or take out of Georgia, move, mail and carry such a device only with written consent (a certificate) from the regional office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and only from age 18. A licence is required for manufacture, repair and trade (paragraph 8²).
The grounds for refusal are listed in paragraph 8⁴: age under 18, certain illnesses and disorders, dependence on alcohol, drugs or solvents, gross breaches of public order, certain criminal records, protective and restraining orders, and a real threat of an offence. Other bans for visitors are covered in What is banned for tourists in Georgia and what they are fined for.
Tip
Before bringing a spray into Georgia, ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs how to get the consent: the law requires it for importing as well.
What may differ
The grounds for refusal depend on the applicant's circumstances and are listed in paragraph 8⁴ of Article 19. The rules change: the Law on Weapons was amended in 2025, most recently on 17 December 2025.
Common misconception
In Georgia you can simply buy pepper spray in a shop and carry it in your bag like a cosmetic product.
What actually happens
The law requires written consent from the regional Interior Ministry office to acquire, bring in and carry a gas spray device, and only from age 18 (Article 19, paragraph 8³).
People also ask
- Can you bring pepper spray into Georgia?
Sources
The rules are strict and the procedure depends on a decision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If in doubt, contact the Ministry before buying or importing.
Related questions
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Fireworks in Georgia are sold and imported under permits, some categories are for certificate holders only, and breaking the rules in a public place is fined 2,500 GEL.
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