Safety in Georgia

Travelling safely and securely in Georgia is very important for guided group tours as well as for individual travellers and self-drivers in Georgia. More and more travelers are discovering this jewel in the Caucasus. But what about safety in Georgia?

This article gives you a comprehensive overview and practical tips to make your trip to Georgia safe and unforgettable.

Georgia is considered a relatively safe country for tourists. According to Numbeo, the crime rate is low compared to many other European or neighboring countries (crime index lower than e.g. in Turkey, Spain or even Germany). Serious crimes against tourists, such as robberies, are almost non-existent.

The Georgian government and the German Foreign Office provide up-to-date travel advice for Georgia. It is advisable to check this regularly before and during your trip, as the situation can change.

Crime and personal safety

Although Georgia’s overall crime rate is low, you should take basic safety precautions, especially in larger cities such as Tbilisi or Batumi and in tourist hotspots:

• Valuables: Carry cash, credit cards and important documents safely on your person (e.g. in a money belt or a flat breast pocket). Do not display expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash.
• Luggage: Never leave your luggage unattended, especially on public transport (buses, marshrutkas) or in crowded places.
• Be aware: Be particularly vigilant in crowds (markets, public transport) with regard to pickpocketing.
• At night: Avoid poorly lit or lonely areas after dark, especially if you are travelling alone.

Crime index - Nimbeo | March 2025

Health

Food, drink & medical care

Georgian cuisine is an experience – hearty, flavoursome and often prepared with lots of dough, fat and walnuts.

• Eating: Be aware that the rich food can be a challenge for unaccustomed stomachs. Start slowly and pay attention to your digestion. Important for allergy sufferers: Many dishes contain walnuts – if in doubt, always ask!
• Drinking: Although locals often drink tap water and the quality is generally good, tourists are advised to drink bottled water. This avoids potential problems caused by unfamiliar mineral compositions. Bottled water is available cheaply everywhere.
• Medical care: The emergency number for all cases (police, ambulance, fire brigade) is 112. Medical care is acceptable in Tbilisi and larger cities, but often very limited in rural and remote mountain areas. Take a well-stocked first-aid kit with you (personal medication, painkillers, plasters, bandages, remedies for gastrointestinal problems). A list of your medication and allergies (preferably in English) can be helpful in an emergency. Check the scope of cover of your travel health insurance for health trips to Georgia.

The biggest challenge for safety in Georgia is often road traffic. Road safety in Georgia differs significantly from Central European standards.

• Driving style: Many Georgians drive spiritedly, fast and do not always adhere strictly to traffic rules. Expect unexpected manoeuvres.
• Road condition: While main roads are often well maintained, secondary roads and roads in rural areas can have potholes and poor surfaces.
• Mountain roads: These are often narrow, winding and unsecured.
• Animals: A particular danger! On motorways and country roads, you must always expect to encounter free-roaming cows, pigs, stray dogs or other animals. Drive with foresight!
• Self-drivers: Drive defensively, keep your distance, plan breaks and avoid driving at night outside cities. Check the condition of your hire car (tyres, brakes). A vehicle with four-wheel drive is often advisable for challenging mountain routes.
• Public transport: The metro in Tbilisi is safe and efficient. Marshrutkas (minibuses) are cheap, but often very full and fast. Taxis are common (use apps like Bolt for transparent prices). For longer distances or trips to the mountains, organised tours or a driver can be a more relaxed and safer option.

Hiking & Trekking

• Hiking guides and maps – inform yourself with hiking guides and work out the routes with maps
• Routes – choose routes that suit your experience and fitness level. Don’t underestimate the mountains!
  Get information – Never go on challenging tours alone. Inform your hotel or friends about your route and planned return time.
• Water – Take plenty of water, food, sun protection, rainwear, a detailed map, compass/GPS and a charged mobile phone (with power bank).
• Sheepdogs: Especially in regions such as Tusheti and Khevsureti, guard dogs may encounter hikers. Stay calm and give the herd a wide berth. Sometimes it helps to have a piece of bread ready to signal that you are not a threat. Listen to the shepherd, if present.
• Path condition: Marked paths can be washed out or overgrown by rain and do not always correspond to the map. Be flexible and ready to turn back.
• Local guides: For unknown or difficult routes, an experienced local guide is highly recommended.
  Mountaineering
• Alpine dangers: Rockfall is common, especially after rainfall or in spring. The rapidly melting glaciers change routes and increase the risk of glacier breakage (especially in late summer). There is a risk of avalanches in winter and spring.
• Information & guides: Make sure you find out about the current conditions before every tour. Hiring a certified local mountain guide is essential for challenging tours in the high mountains, regardless of your own experience.

Mountaineering

• Alpine dangers: Rockfall is frequent, especially after rainfall or in spring. The rapidly melting glaciers change routes and increase the risk of glacier fractures (especially in late summer). There is a risk of avalanches in winter and spring.
• Information & guides: Make sure you find out about the current conditions before every tour. Hiring a certified local mountain guide is essential for challenging tours in the high mountains, regardless of your own experience.

The Federal Foreign Office expressly warns against travelling to the Georgian breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and their immediate border areas. These areas are not under the control of the Georgian government and are partly controlled by the Russian military.

• Travel ban: Follow the official travel advice for Georgia and strictly avoid these regions.
• Border crossings: Even unintentional border crossings can lead to serious problems and even arrest. When travelling near the border, stick to official routes and be aware of your position. The Abkhazia-South Ossetia security advice must be taken seriously.