Is Georgia Safe for Tourists in 2026? Common Safety Concerns & Helpful Tips

Georgia’s popularity as a tourist destination has grown exponentially in recent years. Yet for many who are unfamiliar with the region, travelling in Georgia and the Caucasus is still somehow perceived as unsafe.

Some of these misconceptions stem from Georgia’s geographic location. Others are tied to the country’s past and present geopolitical tensions. And in many cases, it’s simply because Georgia remains relatively unknown on the world stage – and we tend to fear what we don’t understand.

In reality, Georgia is one of the safest countries I’ve travelled to or lived in. I feel safer in Tbilisi than I do in almost any capital city in Western Europe. Whenever I leave Georgia, I have to consciously remind myself to put my guard back up. Living here has lulled me into a sense of security that has almost caught me out on a few occasions when I’m travelling.

Of course that’s not to say there is nothing to be mindful of.

In this post, I’ll walk through some of the biggest safety concerns travellers typically have when visiting Georgia for the first time. I’ll also share practical safety tips based on my experience living and travelling here for several years.

My aim is to help you understand the real risks, put common fears into perspective, and make informed decisions during your visit.

Protests, political context & what travellers should know in 2026

My advice in this area is the same as it was in 2025. Georgia has been in the international news frequently over the past few years, and many travellers are understandably concerned about the ongoing protests.

For context: In November 2024, demonstrators started taking to the streets of Tbilisi following Georgia’s parliamentary elections. These demonstrations have continued on a nightly basis, and are ongoing at the time of writing. There are a range of complex issues (and a whole lot of historical context) at play, information about which is readily available online.

It is important to note that protests are not unusual in Georgia. Public demonstrations take place regularly in Tbilisi, particularly during election cycles and in the summer months.

Below are my observations on safety, based on my experience as a foreigner who lives in Georgia and travels around the country regularly.

What is the situation on the ground?

At the time of writing, demonstrations are still taking place in Tbilisi. These are almost exclusively confined to nighttime gatherings along Rustaveli Avenue, near Parliament. Smaller, organised protests have also occurred in other cities around Georgia.

There have been occasional daytime actions in Tbilisi as well, including marches in other parts of the city, short-lived business strikes, and limited attempts to block traffic.

Is there any danger to my personal safety?

Although the first days of the demonstrations were unfortunately marked by violence, gatherings have largely been peaceful since.

For visitors, the main safety consideration is to avoid the demonstration area at night. In practical terms, this means steering clear of Rustaveli Avenue near Parliament after dark.

Outside of this area, there are no heightened safety risks for tourists. Knowing that there is no place on earth that offers a 100% guarantee of safety, relative to other cities, Tbilisi remains extremely safe.

Most official travel advisories reflect this assessment and have not issued anything close to a ‘do not travel’ warning for Georgia. If you have concerns, it’s always sensible to check the guidance issued by your own government.

Are businesses still open? Will I be able to do everything I want to do when I visit Georgia?

Yes – businesses are operating as normal in Tbilisi and across Georgia.

There were some temporary closures at the end of 2024 and start of 2025, mainly affecting bars, clubs and theatres, but these have since reopened. Public transport is running as usual, and tourist attractions continue to operate normally.

Are tourists still welcome in Georgia? Is there any anti-foreign sentiment?

There is no anti-foreign sentiment in Georgia tied to these events. Tourists are not only welcome, but they are actively needed.

Tourism is a vital part of Georgia’s economy, and many businesses have been openly encouraging visitors to return after what has been a difficult year.

Throughout this time, I have never heard a Georgian express a desire for tourists to stay away. Quite the opposite. Most Georgians I know want the world to better understand what is happening in their country, and recognise that tourism plays an important role in maintaining international connection and visibility.

The bottom line:

This is an important moment for Georgia, but the current political situation does not directly concern tourism, nor does it directly impact tourists.

For visitors, the overall safety situation in Georgia remains unchanged. My advice – to exercise common-sense personal safety precautions and to avoid public demonstrations – is the same advice I’ve been giving since I first published this guide in 2020.

While some risk-averse travellers have chosen to cancel or postpone their trips – a decision I fully understand – many others have continued to visit Georgia as normal throughout this period.

Once again, I strongly recommend you follow your local travel advisory for any updates related to safety.

Do you need travel insurance for Georgia? (Yes!)

I always recommend taking out travel insurance no matter where in the world you’re going. Even though Georgia is a safe place for tourists, I personally would not consider travelling here without insurance.

From January 1, 2026, medical and accident insurance is compulsory for all international visitors to Georgia. This is a legal entry requirement, and travellers may be asked to show proof of insurance either before departure or on arrival. Find the full details here.

If you’re looking for a suitable policy, my preferred travel insurance provider is HeyMondo. Their policies meet Georgia’s insurance requirements, and you can save 5% by using my referral link.

Safety in Georgia: What does the data say?

A lot has changed since I moved to Georgia in 2020 – not to mention since I first travelled here in 2017. Anecdotally, crime has increased in recent years. But taken as a whole, Georgia remains a very safe destination relative to many other countries.

To put this into context:

According to the Numbeo Crime Index, Georgia ranks 21st globally for safety, placing it just behind countries such as Monaco, the Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia and Croatia. This is only one data point – and it’s worth noting that Georgia ranked as high as 4th place in 2020 – but it is still indicative of a strong safety profile.

Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is consistently cited as one of the safer large cities worldwide. In the 2026 Numbeo Safety Index by City, it ranks 49th out of 380 cities.

The World Travel Index, which states that it draws on more than five million data points, ranks Georgia 26th globally for offering good safety conditions for travellers.

In the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Georgia performs above the global average across most indicators, including order and security and absence of corruption.

Meanwhile, the Gallup Law and Order Index gives Georgia a score of 86 out of 100, placing it among the top 35 safest countries out of 140 surveyed. This index is particularly interesting because it is perception-based, asking questions such as: ‘Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live?’

Finally, data from the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) shows a multi-year downward trend in total recorded crimes, with early figures from 2025 suggesting a continued decline.

What do official travel advisories say?

Official travel advisories issued by governments such as the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada paint a similar picture of the safety situation in Georgia.

None of these advisories advise against travel to Georgia as a whole. Instead, they recommend exercising normal caution, with a particular emphasis on staying informed about protests, avoiding demonstrations, and taking care on the roads.

Most official sources highlight the same key points:

• Public demonstrations can occur, particularly in Tbilisi, and may cause temporary disruption. Travellers are advised to avoid protest areas and follow instructions from local authorities.
• Abkhazia and South Ossetia are designated as ‘do not travel’ areas due to safety, security and legal risks (more info below).
• Road safety is consistently flagged as a concern, reflecting driving standards and road conditions rather than crime or targeted risk to tourists (more info below).

Things can change at short notice, so it’s important to check the advisory issued by your own government shortly before you travel. But taken together, official guidance supports what most visitors experience in practice – that Georgia remains a safe destination for tourists who exercise common-sense precautions.

Everyday safety concerns in Georgia

No statistics or advisories – however positive – are a reason to abandon common-sense when it comes to personal safety. Georgia may be safe by international standards, but you should still remain alert and take sensible precautions, just as you would anywhere else.

Petty crime

As mentioned above, Georgia – and Tbilisi in particular – rank very low in terms of petty crime. Pickpocketing and burglaries do happen, as they do everywhere, but tourists are very rarely targeted.

In Tbilisi, it’s not unusual to hand your wallet to a stranger so they can swipe a bus card, or to leave your bag/laptop unattended at a cafe while you use the restroom. There is a baseline level of trust in public spaces that many visitors find surprising.

Even in larger cities, there is a strong sense of social familiarity and informal accountability – a feeling that people are generally aware of what’s happening around them, and respectful of personal space. Georgia’s recent history, including the shared hardships of the 1990s and the legacy of communal living during the Soviet period, has shaped a society where opportunistic street crime remains relatively uncommon.

That said, common-sense precautions still apply. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, particularly in busy tourist zones and on public transport, and I do recommend you avoid leaving valuables unattended – just as you would anywhere else.

In summer, there are occasional bag-snatching incidents in Tbilisi. Take extra care if you’re sitting outside at bars or restaurants late at night, and be mindful of your belongings in hostels. Look for accommodation that offers secure storage, and use reputable left-luggage services.

As always, lock your doors and windows at night and when you leave your accommodation, and avoid walking alone in quiet or poorly lit areas after dark.

Police, emergency services & getting help

Back in 2003, Georgia’s police force underwent major reforms, which significantly reduced corruption and improved public trust. While no system is perfect, this period marked a turning point for law enforcement in Georgia and contributed to a long-term decline in crime.

Today, there is a visible police presence in most cities, and CCTV and security cameras are widespread in public spaces.

If you do need to report a crime, police are generally professional and helpful when dealing with foreigners. English-speaking officers or interpreters are available at most police stations.

It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with Georgia’s emergency numbers:

• 112 – General emergency
• 112 1 – Police and fire service

I also recommend downloading the 112 Georgia app, which allows you to contact emergency services directly and send your GPS location if you need assistance.

Tourist scams in Georgia

Tourist scams are far less prevalent in Georgia than in most Western European countries. While dual pricing and the occasional ‘tourist tax’ are a reality, getting scammed isn’t something the average tourist needs to be overly concerned about.

That said, there are a few situations where you should exercise caution.

Dodgy currency exchange desks sometimes take advantage of tourists by offering unfavourable rates or, in some cases, shortchanging people. For this reason, I recommend avoiding exchange kiosks altogether and using your bank card to withdraw cash from an ATM instead. For more money tips, see this guide.

Overcharging can also happen. I’ve heard of people being charged inflated prices in broad daylight – for example, one foreign traveller in Tbilisi was charged 30 GEL (around 11 USD) for a glass of orange juice. While these incidents are not common, they do happen.

Another occasional nuisance involves ‘roving musicians’. A small group may approach you to perform a folk song and then demand an unreasonably large sum as payment. The best response is simply to decline at the outset and walk away.

As a general rule:

• Always ask the price before buying food, drinks or souvenirs at a market
• Check menus carefully before ordering in bars and restaurants
• Review itemised bills before you pay

I also recommend avoiding street vendors and restaurants in heavily touristed areas of the Old Town and on the pedestrianised section of Aghmashenebeli Avenue, which are known hotspots for inflated pricing.

Taxis & transport scams

Taxis are another common pressure point for tourists. Taxis in Georgia are unmetered, so if you don’t speak the same language as your driver, things can get very confusing.

Some drivers will unfortunately take advantage of tourists in these situations. This is especially common when travelling from the airport to the city, which is why I recommend avoiding airport taxis at all costs (see my guide on how to get to and from Tbilisi Airport for alternative options).

Instead of using street taxis, I highly highly recommend using a ride-hailing app. Bolt is the most widely used and reliable, with good chat support and several in-built safety features. To use it, you’ll need a local SIM card with a data package.

Occasionally, travellers report issues such as drivers taking longer routes or forgetting to end the trip, resulting in overcharges. This has happened to me as well. A simple precaution is to make sure the driver ends the trip before you exit the vehicle – Bolt also allows passengers to end the trip manually if needed.

In areas where Bolt is not available, try to organise taxis through your guesthouse. Most hosts have a few reliable drivers on speed dial.

Pre-paying for accommodation: what to watch out for

One issue that occasionally affects visitors to Georgia involves pre-paying for accommodation outside established booking platforms.

From time to time, I see situations where people transfer money directly only to have the host renege on their offer or ghost them. Sometimes people arrive and find that the accommodation no longer exists or has been double-booked. Needless to say, refunds rarely materialise.

To reduce the risk, you should only book accommodation through reputable platforms that offer payment protection and dispute resolution. Avoid making advance payments directly to hosts unless you already know them or have stayed before. Be careful with properties that request full payment upfront, and check recent reviews carefully, particularly for newer listings.

Platforms such as Airbnb and Booking are widely used in Georgia for all categories of accommodation – from big hotels to the smallest guesthouse-homestays.

Why road safety in Georgia should be your biggest concern

Road safety is, without question, my biggest safety concern in Georgia – and it’s something visitors really do need to take seriously.

Unfortunately, the situation has not improved in recent years. According to official figures reported in English-language media, road fatalities in Georgia rose by around 20% in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period in the previous year.

Contrary to what many travellers expect, it’s not the notorious mountain roads – such as the road to Tusheti – that pose the greatest risk. Many of these routes have seen significant upgrades in recent years. The bigger concern is everyday city driving and intercity travel.

Driving in Georgia is best described as fast and aggressive. High-speed overtaking on two-lane highways is common, and adherence to road rules is inconsistent. While this behaviour isn’t limited to any one group, there is often an element of machismo on the road – something I personally find very challenging.

There is a level of risk that comes with road travel anywhere in the world. In Georgia, that risk is amplified by poor road conditions, the prevalence of old and poorly maintained vehicles (and the mix of left and right-hand carriages), lack of regulation around day tour providers, the drinking culture, and the lax approach to road rules in general.

Marshrutka vans remain a practical way to travel between cities, but increased competition has put pressure on drivers, who may speed or cut corners in order to fit in extra trips. Planned reforms aimed at professionalising intercity transport and improving safety have been pushed back to 2027.

If it’s within your budget, I recommend using a reputable private driver for longer trips, especially in the mountains. GoTrip is a reliable and well-priced service for this.

Tips for staying safe on the road in Georgia:

• Never travel after dark
• Avoid trying to cover long distances in one go (3-4 hours of driving is about my limit)
• Choose tour operators carefully – don’t be afraid to question them about their road safety measures
• Always wear a seatbelt (mandatory for front-seat passengers)
• Never, ever get into a car or a marshrutka if you suspect the driver has been drinking
• If hiring a car, familiarise yourself with driving etiquette, weather conditions and avoid high-risk routes
• Approach hitchhiking and informal ride-sharing with caution, particularly in rural areas

Pedestrians should also take extra care. Zebra crossings and traffic lights are common in Tbilisi and other cities, but never assume cars will stop. Turning vehicles are especially likely to cut across pedestrian crossings.

Never attempt to cross a major road in Tbilisi without a marked crossing. Where available, use underground pedestrian passages instead – they exist for a reason.

Outdoor safety in Georgia

Hiking in Georgia

Accurate, up-to-date information on weather and trail conditions can be difficult to find in Georgia’s more remote mountain regions, so it’s important to consult locals and have a backup plan in place before setting out.

The quantity and quality of marked trails is slowly improving thanks to initiatives such as the Transcaucasian Trail, but some of these routes may be poorly signposted and not suitable for inexperienced hikers.

If you’re a solo female traveller, I strongly recommend hiking with others rather than going alone. This applies both to remote mountain trails and to urban hikes around Tbilisi.

Jozef at Caucasus Trekking is an expert on this topic – I highly recommend consulting his website before you go hiking in Georgia.

Skiing & adventure sports

Skiing and snowboarding and all kinds of other adventure activities are available in Georgia nowadays. Safety standards might not be what you’re used to, though.

I generally advise against paragliding in Georgia as the industry has historically been unregulated. In 2022, paragliding was temporarily banned in Georgia following a devastating accident in Gudauri.

There have been some positive developments since then. New safety standards have been introduced for paragliding operators, and professional liability insurance is now mandatory for high-risk tourism service providers. Even so, this is not an area where I’d recommend cutting corners.

If you’re considering adventure sports in Georgia, do your research, choose a reputable operator, and make sure your travel insurance explicitly covers high-risk activities. When in doubt, seek advice from an experienced guide or established tour company.

Street dogs & mountain dogs

There are a lot of stray dogs in Georgia. According to the latest survey, there are 30,000 street dogs in Tbilisi alone.

In the cities, many dogs have a plastic tag on their ear, indicating they’ve been vaccinated and desexed. While they may be strays, they’re generally fed and looked after by the community.

Urban street dogs in Georgia are typically calm and well-socialised. They often gather near tourist sites where they receive attention and food. Personally, I’ve never witnessed an urban dog acting aggressively towards humans (but that’s not to say it never happens).

Shepherd dogs in the mountains and rural areas are a very different story. These dogs are working animals, bred to protect livestock from predators and theft, and they take this role seriously.

If you encounter sheep or cattle when hiking or walking in rural areas, be aware that there is probably a dog nearby. Try and find an alternative route – or if that’s not possible, walk at a normal pace and with purpose – show the dog that you’re moving through, and you’re not a threat. If the dog becomes aggressive, freeze in place and call out for help – oftentimes the owner (or a more confident bystander) will be close enough to call the dog off.

If you’re concerned about dogs and you plan on doing a lot of hiking, consider investing in an ultrasonic dog deterrent zapper.

Food safety & potable water

On a much lighter note, I often get questions about food hygiene and whether or not you can drink the tap water in Georgia.

I eat out at once or twice a week – more when I’m travelling – and I’ve never had food poisoning in Georgia. Ingredients are generally fresh, and Georgian cooking tends to rely on simple, seasonal produce rather than heavily processed foods. MSG is not traditionally used.

As always, I suggest eating where locals eat (this list of Tbilisi’s best restaurants is a good place to start) to minimise the risk of a bad meal.

Georgian hospitality & personal boundaries

Interacting with locals is one of the most rewarding aspects of travelling in Georgia. Hospitality here is well known, but it’s important to understand that it’s rooted in social obligation and tradition – not in treating tourists as special guests.

In rural areas especially, people may feel compelled to share what little they have with visitors. While this generosity is genuine and deeply ingrained, travellers should be mindful not to overstep or take advantage of it, even unintentionally.

Being invited into someone’s home for food or drink is not unusual, particularly in small towns and villages. As with anywhere, exercise common sense in these situations – especially if you’re travelling alone – and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.

Courtesy goes a long way in Georgia. Making an effort to learn a few basic Georgian phrases, dressing appropriately for the setting, and being respectful of local norms can make interactions smoother and more comfortable for everyone involved.

Georgia’s ethnic and cultural diversity is one of its great strengths. Regions such as Pankisi Valley offer some of the most meaningful and rewarding travel experiences in the country, but it’s important to remember that customs and expectations can vary significantly between communities. Life in the mountains or rural areas follows very different social norms to urban Tbilisi.

For this reason, I always recommend dressing more conservatively in rural Georgia, both out of respect and to avoid unwanted attention.

Is Georgia safe for solo female travellers?

As a woman, I generally feel very safe in Georgia. However, I’ve noticed that travelling alone – without my husband – can sometimes be a noticeably different experience.

Georgia is a patriarchal society, and women here do face particular challenges. Awkward interactions and unwanted attention from men is the most common complaint I hear, while there have been cases of female expats and tourists being followed in public areas. Harassment and public indecency (including being flashed) are less common, but they do occur.

Solo travel and hiking is very common in Georgia. If you are planning a solo trip, I recommend being proactive and taking extra steps around your personal safety. Don’t walk alone late at night. Make sure the door to your accommodation has a lock, and always secure the door and windows at night. I also recommend you avoid apartments or Airbnbs with shared ’Italian yards’ as they offer little privacy from neighbours or common areas.

Dressing more conservatively can also help. Not because what you wear should determine how you’re treated – it shouldn’t – but because Georgia is conservative in many ways, and dressing accordingly can reduce unwanted attention and help you blend in.

You might want to avoid travelling solo in very remote mountain areas. Pairing up with other travellers is never a bad idea. It’s also good practice to have your accommodation organised in advance in these situations, and to be in touch with your guesthouse owner.

For further reading, here is an interview about travelling and hiking in Georgia solo. This website correlates first-hand reports from solo travellers in Tbilisi and is very useful for getting a picture of what it’s like on the ground.

LGBTQ travellers will find some useful insights in this article.

Is Georgia safe for kids?

While Georgia remains popular with younger travellers and backpackers, more and more families are considering it as a holiday destination. I have encountered families of all sizes and kids of all ages travelling here.

In Georgian culture, children (especially babies) are adored, so you’ll get big brownie points if you show up to a restaurant or guesthouse with a little one. 

The biggest thing to be aware of is the lack of safety barricades and rails at heritage sites such as Vardzia, Uplistsikhe and Martvili Canyon. The crumbling walls at Tbilisi’s Narikala Fortress are an accident waiting to happen (although the site is being renovated as I write this). Similarly, some hotels and guesthouses might not be set up for kids – it always pays to ask first.

Overall though, Georgia is perfectly safe for kids and there are plenty of child-friendly things to do here.

Travelling to Abkhazia or South Ossetia

If you are considering travelling to Abkhazia or South Ossetia (also referred to as Tskhinvali / Samachablo), it’s important to understand that these regions present separate safety, legal and logistical risks that do not apply to the rest of Georgia.

I know people who have travelled to Abkhazia and had a positive experience – and I’ve also heard accounts where things went badly wrong. The reality is that conditions can change quickly, and it can be very difficult for visitors to accurately assess the situation on the ground.

There is no consular assistance available in Abkhazia, meaning that if something goes wrong, foreign nationals have very limited options for support. It’s also worth noting that most standard travel insurance policies do not cover travel to Abkhazia.

It is not possible to enter South Ossetia from Georgian-controlled territory, and travellers are strongly advised to avoid the administrative boundary line altogether.

Importantly, these restrictions do not affect travel in the rest of the country. It is still safe to travel along the main east-west highway through Gori, and there are no issues travelling to destinations such as Stepantsminda or Racha. Proximity to the Russian border alone does not pose a risk.

For most travellers, the safest and most straightforward option is simply to avoid Abkhazia and South Ossetia entirely and focus on the many regions of Georgia that are fully accessible and welcoming to visitors.

Final words: Is Georgia safe?

Yes – Georgia is an overwhelmingly safe destination for travellers, and this aligns with the experience of most visitors and expats.

The main safety concern is road travel, so please take proactive steps to minimise risk: avoid night driving, limit long journeys, and use reputable drivers or transport services where possible.

Violent crime is rare, and everyday personal safety in cities such as Tbilisi is generally very good. As with anywhere, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and keep up to date with local news – particularly around demonstrations, which should always be avoided.

Solo female travellers should take extra care, especially when hiking or travelling in remote areas, but many women travel independently in Georgia without issue by planning ahead and taking sensible precautions.