Is it safe to travel to Georgia and Tbilisi right now?
Official US and UK travel advice.
Short answer
For a tourist, Georgia is a fairly calm country: the US State Department keeps it at Level 1, "exercise normal precautions", and the UK Foreign Office rates crime as low. The main risk is pickpocketing in crowded places. Both countries advise against travel to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If you feel threatened, call 112.
Why
- US: Level 1 for the country as a whole ("exercise normal precautions"), and Level 4 "do not travel" only for Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
- UK: "crime levels are low", with pickpocketing as the main risk and some reports of drink spiking. Travel to Abkhazia and South Ossetia is advised against entirely, and travel to areas next to their administrative boundary lines is advised against except when essential.
- The single emergency number is 112: if you feel threatened, call it and ask for the police.
Details
Terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, and possible targets include tourist sites and cultural events. Stay alert and avoid demonstrations. For emergency numbers see how to call an ambulance, police or fire service in Georgia.
On the roads, expect poor lighting, stray livestock, erratic driving, landslides and weather-related road closures. If you plan to drive, keep this in mind when planning your route. General conduct tips are in how tourists should behave in Georgia.
Tip
Save 112 in your phone, keep valuables close in crowds, buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.
What may differ
Official advice is updated, so check travel.state.gov and gov.uk or your own country's foreign ministry before you go. Risks may be higher for some groups: the UK Foreign Office mentions possible discrimination, harassment or assault against ethnic minorities and LGBT+ people.
Common misconception
All of Georgia is dangerous for tourists because of the conflict areas.
What actually happens
The "do not travel" warning covers only Abkhazia and South Ossetia. For the country as a whole the US rates it Level 1, and the UK rates crime levels as low.
People also ask
- Is Georgia a safe country?
- Is Tbilisi safe?
- Is Georgia a safe country to visit?
Sources
- US Department of State: Georgia Travel AdvisoryChecked at:
- UK FCDO: Georgia travel advice, safety and securityChecked at:
- UK FCDO: Georgia travel advice, warningsChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Official advice is updated, so check travel.state.gov and gov.uk. In an emergency, call 112.
Related questions
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What should you do if you get lost in the Georgian mountains?
If you get lost in the Georgian mountains, call 112, which is free from any phone, works around the clock and takes calls for rescue services.
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Is it safe for a woman to travel alone in Georgia?
Crime levels in Georgia are low, and the US rates the country Level 1 (exercise normal precautions).
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How to report a theft in Georgia and get a document for insurance?
Report a theft in Georgia by calling 112 or at the nearest police station, and ask for written confirmation of the report under Article 101 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
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How are tourists treated in Georgia, and how should you behave?
Tourists are welcomed in Georgia: hospitality is part of the culture, and people will happily treat a guest and point the way.