Georgia Travel Safety

Road safety

Drive defensively. Poor road conditions, reduced driving standards, insufficient road markings and inadequate lighting create hazards. Traffic accidents are a common cause of injury and death. Avoid driving after dark.

General safety

Standards of police practice may differ from other countries. The conviction rate is high, regardless of whether or not you are guilty.

Precautions

Do not carry large amounts of cash and do not display signs of affluence. Keep your valuables and passports and other travel documents in a secure place. Muggings, home invasions, carjackings, sexual assaults and other violent crimes against foreigners have been known to occur. You should travel in a group. Do not walk or take the subway alone after dark. Vary your routine and lock doors to cars and residences. Avoid showing signs of affluence and exercise vigilance in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation facilities. Pay careful attention when your credit card is handled by others during payment processing. Do not visit disreputable bars and neighbourhoods, where local law enforcement may be unable or unwilling to intervene. In one scam that is particularly common in Tbilisi, locals invite tourists to bars for food and drinks, and then force them to pay a steep bill.

Hiking

Use recognized groups and organizations. Do not travel alone. Accurate information on mountain conditions can be difficult to obtain, and weather in mountainous areas can be unpredictable.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis and negotiate fares in advance. Do not share rides with strangers.

Women's safety

Georgia is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.

LGBT

Although Georgian legislation protects all people's human rights and equality, ethnic minorities and LGBT individuals may face discrimination. There have been reports of racially and sexuality motivated harassment and assaults. Georgian authorities are working to tackle discrimination and the Georgian parliament has passed anti-discrimination laws.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. There is zero tolerance of drinking and driving. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines Photographing military installations or government buildings may result in a penalty. Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs. Homosexual activity is legal but is not widely accepted in Georgian society. To export certain artwork, antiques, jewels and items considered to be of national heritage, you need a special licence issued by the Ministry of Cultur's Department of Expertise and Evaluation. Carry a prescription and declare all of your medication on your customs form. You may also be required to obtain a certificate from the Georgian Ministry of Health.

Driving

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.