Georgia is a captivating country in the Caucasus region where ancient traditions meet stunning mountain landscapes and world-class wine culture. From the charming cobblestone streets of Tbilisi to the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus, Georgia offers extraordinary hospitality, unique cuisine, and eight millennia of winemaking heritage.
Georgia is generally a safe country for tourists with low violent crime rates and famously hospitable locals. The main concerns are petty theft in tourist areas, overcharging taxis, mountain safety, and the absolute need to avoid the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions in most of Georgia. Avoid all travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia breakaway regions and the immediate conflict zones near their administrative boundary lines.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Do not travel to South Ossetia or Abkhazia (Level 4 - Do Not Travel to those regions).
Level 1 - Low Risk
Overall Georgia is a low-risk destination. Avoid South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Take normal precautions in Tbilisi.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid occupied territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia completely
Be aware of political demonstrations in Tbilisi, especially near government buildings
Keep copies of passport and visa stamps separate from originals
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps like Bolt
Mountain areas may have limited cell coverage
Respect religious sites and dress modestly when visiting churches
Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep emergency numbers saved
Carry cash in Georgian Lari as many small establishments do not accept cards
Drink only bottled water in rural areas; tap water is generally safe in Tbilisi
Be cautious of petty theft in crowded tourist areas like Rustaveli Avenue and Dry Bridge market
Get travel insurance covering mountain rescue as helicopter evacuations in Kazbegi and Svaneti are expensive
Do not photograph military installations, border zones, or police without permission
Driving standards can be erratic; use seatbelts and exercise caution especially on mountain roads
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unlicensed taxi overcharging
Drivers waiting outside Tbilisi airport, major hotels, and tourist sites often quote fares 5-10 times the fair price to tourists unfamiliar with local rates.
How to avoid: Always use Bolt or Yandex Go apps which show the price before you get in; never take an unmarked taxi
Friendly strangers inviting to private homes
Occasionally tourists report being invited to a home for wine or food and then presented with an enormous bill, using Georgian hospitality culture as leverage.
How to avoid: Be cautious of overly insistent strangers; genuine Georgian hospitality never involves a bill
Currency exchange shortchanging
Some exchange kiosks count money quickly or offer rates lower than advertised, taking advantage of tourist unfamiliarity with the Lari.
How to avoid: Count your money carefully before leaving; use ATMs instead of exchange kiosks for better rates and transparency
Overpriced monastery taxi tours
Drivers near major tourist monasteries (Mtskheta, Ananuri) offer 'tours' at highly inflated prices, particularly to solo travelers.
How to avoid: Negotiate and agree all prices before getting in; use apps or confirm with accommodation what fair prices should be
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, flu), Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid for rural areas
- Water
- Safe to drink in Tbilisi and major cities. Bottled water recommended in rural areas. Mountain spring water generally safe.
- Food
- Traveler's diarrhea from unfamiliar food. Motion sickness on winding mountain roads. Sunburn at altitude. Insect bites in summer.
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Georgia is excellent for solo travel with safe cities, walkable tourist areas, and very friendly locals who often invite solo travelers to share a meal or wine. Mountain regions are safe but always inform someone of your hiking plans and carry adequate supplies.
Female travellers
Generally safe for solo female travelers. Georgian men can be persistent in their attentions but rarely aggressive; a polite but firm refusal is respected. Dress modestly at religious sites. Tbilisi's bar and club areas are safe at night in tourist zones; use Bolt rather than street taxis late at night.
Families
Georgia is very family-friendly with Georgians being famously warm toward children. Tbilisi, Batumi, and Borjomi are particularly suitable. Mountain regions with young children require more planning for transport and facilities. Food is family-friendly with mild options easily found.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Georgia but LGBTQ+ rights are limited and social acceptance outside Tbilisi's club scene is low. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples can attract negative attention especially in rural areas. Tbilisi has an active LGBTQ+ underground scene (centered on Bassiani club) but Pride events have faced violent opposition. Discretion is advised outside safe spaces.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 112
- Embassy
- Tourist Police