Staying Safe in Georgia
Local Laws
It's a good idea to have your passport handy, even though you're not always required to carry it. Police or places like hotels and banks might ask to see it, so keeping a copy with you is smart. When it comes to dressing, it's best to be modest, especially in more traditional areas or when visiting religious sites. Women might need to cover their shoulders and heads, and men may need to remove hats to enter certain places.
You can usually take photos, but it's a no-go for priests, monks, or inside churches. Also, steer clear of snapping pictures near military or important sites like airports – that's against the law.
When it comes to what you can bring in, leave weapons, explosives, drugs, and anything offensive to the country's politics or morals at home. Pocketknives and similar tools are also illegal to carry. You'll also need a special permit to take any national heritage items out of the country.
Georgia has strict rules about drinking and driving, with a lower blood alcohol limit than some Western countries. Your safest bet is to avoid alcohol altogether if you plan to drive.
There's a new law coming soon that will ban surrogacy for foreign couples. If you get involved in any unofficial arrangements, it could make it difficult for the baby to leave the country, so it's really important to get legal advice if you're considering surrogacy.
Georgia doesn't always recognize dual citizenship. If you have dual nationality, you might need to use your Georgian passport when entering and leaving the country.
Georgians are known for being incredibly welcoming. When you visit someone's home, it's polite to take off your shoes at the door. Showing respect to elders is also very important. Instead of pointing with just one finger, it's considered more polite to use your whole hand. When you're sitting, try not to show the soles of your shoes. Public displays of affection are generally not common, as society tends to be more reserved.
At traditional Georgian feasts, called 'supra,' wait for the host or the person leading the toasts to start. It's customary to hold your glass with both hands when someone toasts you and to make eye contact. It's also considered impolite to refuse food that's offered.
If you're invited to someone's home, bringing a small gift like flowers or chocolates is a nice gesture. You'll also want to be sure to compliment your host on their hospitality. Being on time for appointments is also appreciated.
Just a heads-up, starting January 1, 2026, all international visitors will need to have travel insurance to enter Georgia.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Georgia presents a challenging environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. While same-sex sexual activity is legal, recent legislation passed in late 2024 explicitly bans "LGBTQ propaganda," public displays of the rainbow flag, same-sex marriage, and adoption by same-sex couples, and restricts gender-affirming care.
Social attitudes are predominantly conservative, heavily influenced by the Orthodox Church, leading to widespread societal disapproval and a risk of harassment or violence. For these reasons, discretion regarding sexual orientation or gender identity is strongly advised, especially outside of specific LGBTQ+-friendly venues in larger cities like Tbilisi.
Scams
When visiting Georgia, it's good to be aware that tourists can sometimes run into scams. You might see child beggars in popular spots like Tbilisi and Batumi; unfortunately, these children sometimes use physical contact to pickpocket.
More generally, you could be overcharged or tricked. This might happen with unreliable currency exchange places or unexpected "tourist taxes" at hotels. It's a good idea to stick to well-known exchange services and always ask for a detailed bill. Street vendors might also try to charge more for things like fresh juice, so it's wise to haggle a bit or make sure you know the price upfront.
Be cautious of scams in bars and clubs too. Sometimes people are invited in by strangers and then pressured to pay very high prices for drinks. It's best to avoid accepting invitations from people you don't know to go to bars.
Taxi scams are also quite common, especially with taxis that don't use meters, leading to inflated fares, particularly from airports. Using ride-sharing apps like Bolt or Yandex, which offer fixed prices, or agreeing on your fare before you start your journey is a much safer bet.
There's also a risk of drinks being tampered with, either for theft or to force you to pay inflated amounts. Always keep an eye on your drink and never accept one from a stranger unless you see it being prepared. Sadly, romance scams on dating apps have also been reported, which can unfortunately lead to people being extorted.
Crime
When it comes to travel safety, Georgia is generally a very good choice, with low crime rates. Its capital, Tbilisi, is also known for being a safe city. While you might encounter minor issues like pickpocketing or bag snatching, these are usually not aimed at tourists.
These sorts of things tend to happen more in busy places, like crowded events, popular tourist spots, certain areas of Old Town, Aghmashenebeli Avenue, or around the Galleria shopping mall in Tbilisi. You might see bag snatching in Tbilisi during the summer months. Overall, theft and burglary are the most common types of crime.
You'll find organized crime, street gangs, and drug dealers in the cities, but they generally don't bother foreigners. Be aware that financial crimes like ATM and credit card fraud can also happen.
To help keep yourself safe, it's always a good idea to be aware of what's going on around you, especially in places that are busy or new to you. Keep your valuables secure and never leave your belongings unattended. It's also wise not to flash signs of wealth or carry a lot of cash.
If you're traveling alone, it's best to avoid walking in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas after dark. When using private taxis or 'marshrutka' minibuses, it's a good idea to be cautious, and using ride-sharing apps is generally a safer bet. It's important to stay updated on any political demonstrations and steer clear of them, as they can sometimes turn violent.
For women traveling alone, it's recommended to be extra vigilant, particularly when hiking or in more remote areas, as there have been reports of harassment. Road safety can be a concern in Georgia due to aggressive driving, varying road conditions, and drivers not always following traffic rules. So, it's wise to be careful when you're driving or crossing the street.
Finally, it's strongly advised not to travel to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These areas carry significant risks, including crime, civil unrest, and even landmines. Entering Georgia through these regions without authorization is also against the law.
