Artvin is a rugged mountain province in northeastern Turkey, bordered by Georgia to the east and the Black Sea coast to the north. The province shelters a remarkable concentration of medieval Georgian Orthodox churches and monasteries hidden in forested valleys, alongside the Çoruh River — one of the world's fastest-flowing rivers and a world-class whitewater rafting destination. Dense chestnut and pine forests cloak the slopes of the Kaçkar and Karçal mountain ranges, while high plateaus offer cool summer escapes and pastoral landscapes that have changed little in centuries.
Artvin has an excellent safety record. Petty crime is extremely rare. The primary risks are environmental: treacherous mountain roads (especially in wet or icy conditions), spring flash floods in river valleys, and cold exposure on high plateaus and Kaçkar peaks. Standard travel insurance covering mountain activities and medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Current safety advisory
Low Risk Overall. Artvin Is One Of Turkey's Safest Provinces For Tourists.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Medical facilities
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- Artvin State Hospital (Devlet Hastanesi) in Artvin city handles most emergencies. District clinics (sağlık ocağı) in Hopa, Şavşat, Borçka, and Yusufeli. For serious trauma, transfer to Trabzon may be necessary.
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- Pharmacy
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- Pharmacies (Eczane) in Artvin city centre, Hopa, and Şavşat. City pharmacies open 09:00–19:00 Monday–Saturday; one rotating 24-hour pharmacy (nöbetçi eczane) displayed on pharmacy doors.
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- Water
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- Tap water in Artvin city is treated but may have a mineral taste. Bottled water widely available (3–8 TRY / $0.09–0.24 per 1.5L). Mountain spring water is generally safe but carry a filter for backcountry hiking.
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- Altitude
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- Artvin city sits at 580 m — no altitude issue. Kaçkar peaks above 3000 m may cause mild altitude sickness; ascend gradually and descend if symptomatic.
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- Vaccinations
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- No vaccines specifically required for Artvin. Standard traveller vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus) recommended. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination considered for hikers in forested areas.
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- Insects
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- Ticks (kene) are present in forested areas May–October; use repellent and check for ticks after hikes. No malaria risk. Mosquitoes in river valleys in summer — repellent recommended.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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