Europe

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
 

Political Situation

 
Georgia Country Profile
 

Crime

Crime targeting foreigners is not uncommon, as they are perceived to be much wealthier than the average Georgian. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery and try not to draw attention to yourself.  There are incidents of residential break-ins, car theft, petty theft and robbery and occasionally armed crime throughout Georgia. In Tbilisi you should take precautions when visiting tourist areas and areas frequented by foreigners, such as Vake, Saburtalo and the bar area of Perovskaya near Republic Square.  You should not walk alone in the Narikala Fortress and Mother Greorgia area of Tbilisi as a number of tourists have been mugged there.
For more general information see Victims of crime abroad.

Local Travel

As the anniversary of the November 2007 demonstrations approaches, it is likely that there will be further demonstrations in Tbilisi in the coming weeks. It is unclear when they might start or what form any demonstrations may take. However, in the past, they have centred around Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square and Europe Square.  You should pay attention to the media and stay away from large crowds as far as possible.

The demonstrations which have been held in Tbilisi since 9 April 2009 have now ended.  It is unclear whether further demonstrations are planned, or what form they will take.

We advise against all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley) also known as upper Abkhazia). Unless you are carrying out essential business, such as humanitarian work, we advise against travel to areas near the Administrative Boundaries of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, in particular Zugdidi (unless transiting on the way to Svaneti) and villages north of Gori.  Tension remains high along the Administrative Border Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia and is likely to continue.  You should exercise caution if you travel along the M27 (also known as the M1) road, particularly where it runs very close to South Ossetia, i.e. between the Stepantsminda/Gudauri turnoff and Gori, where there was a kidnapping in February 2009, and between Gori and Khashuri. There remains a risk of local volunteer militia or criminal activity in these, and the area around Akhalgori. If you are entering any of the areas detailed above on essential business, you should liaise closely with the British Embassy, Tbilisi prior to travelling. We do not recommend that you use the M27 during the hours of darkness.

We advise against all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley) also known as upper Abkhazia). Unless you are carrying out essential business, such as humanitarian work, we advise against travel to areas near the Administrative Boundaries of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, in particular Zugdidi (unless transiting on the way to Svaneti) and villages north of Gori. You should exercise extreme caution if you travel along the M27 (also known as the M1) road, particularly where it runs very close to South Ossetia, i.e. between the Stepantsminda/Gudauri turnoff and Gori, where there was a kidnapping in February 2009, and between Gori and Khashuri. There remains a risk of local volunteer militia or criminal activity in these, and the Akhalgori areas. If you are entering any of the areas detailed above on essential business, you should liaise closely with the British Embassy, Tbilisi prior to travelling. We do not recommend that you use the M27 during the hours of darkness.

There is some risk from unexploded ordinance in areas where fighting took place in August 2008, or in military installations where Russian troops were present.  There have been some reports of mines and other explosions.  You should avoid these areas until they are confirmed as having been cleared.  International monitors have been shot at in the vicinity of the South Ossetian Administrative Boundary, and a mine attack near the Abkhaz Administrative Boundary killed a Georgian ambulance driver working with the EUMM on 21 June.

It is illegal to enter Georgia via South Ossetia or Abkhazia as there is no official border control.  If you do so you may face criminal prosecution, which carries a prison sentence of up to fours years.  If your passport contains entry/exit stamps from the separatist authorities the Georgian authorities may consider this as illegal entry into Georgia via an unrecognised border crossing.

You should also not attempt to enter or leave Georgia via the land borders with the Russian Federation (i.e. Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia) as this is not permitted under Russian Federation law.  We advise against all travel to the separatist regions.

Mountaineering/Hiking

If you encounter difficulties while mountaineering or hiking in Georgia, it may be difficult to organise the level of emergency/rescue assistance which you would expect in more developed tourist destinations.

It can be difficult to get accurate information on mountain conditions.  If you are considering trekking or mountaineering we advise you to contact Georgian companies that provide specialist guides.

Road Travel

You can drive in Georgia using a licence issued by an EU country or by using an International Driving Licence.

Driving is on the right.  The speed limit is 60 kph in towns and cities.  Outside of towns it is 80 kph unless sign-posted.

In Georgia a blood alcohol level higher than zero is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

If possible avoid driving at night.  Many roads are badly lit and are of poor quality.  Driving conditions are stressful, and often confusing.  The majority of cars are poorly maintained, and the standard of driving is erratic.

It is compulsory to wear seat belts in Georgia. Children under seven years of age are required to sit in child-safety seats.

Heavy rain and flooding often affect roads and bridges making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas).  When travelling outside of Tbilisi your vehicle should be suitably equipped to deal with a range of adverse situations.

If using taxis in Tbilisi, and other cities, it is safer to use licensed taxis.

For more general information see Driving abroad.

Rail Travel

If you travel by train, do not leave your valuables or the compartment unattended.  Ensure the compartment door is secured from the inside.

Air Travel

Evidence suggests that some airlines from Georgia do not always comply with international safety standards in respect of maintenance.  FCO staff have therefore been advised to avoid flying with non-scheduled or non-international airlines from Georgia if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists.  Where possible, you should fly directly to your destination on a scheduled international flight.