Orientation briefing in Georgia

The region of present-day Georgia once contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis (known as Egrisi locally) and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries A.D., and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Persian, Arab, and Turk domination was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was cut short when the Mongols invaded in 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1921 and regained its independence when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

In 2003, mounting public discontent over rampant corruption, ineffective government services, and a government attempt to manipulate parliamentary elections touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, who had been president since 1995. In the aftermath of this "Rose Revolution," new elections in 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI and his United National Movement (UNM) party into power. SAAKASHVILI made progress on market reforms and governance, but he faced accusations of abuse of office. Progress was further complicated when Russian support for the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia led to a five-day conflict between Russia and Georgia in August 2008, which included Russia invading large portions of Georgian territory. Russia initially pledged to pull back from most Georgian territory but then unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and Russian military forces have remained in those regions.

Billionaire Bidzina IVANISHVILI's unexpected entry into politics in 2011 brought the divided opposition together under his Georgian Dream coalition, which won a majority of seats in the 2012 parliamentary elections and removed UNM from power. Conceding defeat, SAAKASHVILI named IVANISHVILI as prime minister and left the country after his presidential term ended in 2013. IVANISHVILI voluntarily resigned from office after the presidential succession, and in the years since, the prime minister position has seen frequent turnover. In 2021, SAAKASHVILI returned to Georgia, where he was immediately arrested to serve six years in prison on outstanding abuse-of-office convictions.

Popular support for integration with the West is high in Georgia. Joining the EU and NATO are among the country's top foreign policy goals, and Georgia applied for EU membership in 2022, becoming a candidate country in December 2023. Georgia and the EU have a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, and since 2017, Georgian citizens have been able to travel to the Schengen area without a visa.

9 September marked the 650th consecutive day of protests. Some of these have led to violent confrontation between police and protesters. In Tbilisi the demonstrations are now mainly focused on the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, but they can spread to other areas, particularly on Saturday evenings/nights and on the anniversaries of significant political events. Demonstrations also take place in other cities and towns. Demonstrations may lead to travel disruption.

Tensions can escalate without warning. You should:

• check local media
• avoid large gatherings and demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities

If you participate or engage in political demonstrations, you may face additional questioning on exit or be refused re-entry to Georgia. 

If you have unpaid fines, you may be refused exit until these are paid.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

South Ossetia and Abkhazia

For security reasons, FCDO advises against all travel to the Russian occupied regions of:

• South Ossetia
• Abkhazia

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to areas immediately next to the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

FCDO cannot provide face-to-face support to British nationals travelling in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as UK government employees are restricted from travelling there.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

If you have been impacted by travel disruption and need to review your visa contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

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Follow FCDO: 

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This guide also has safety advice for regions of Georgia.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Georgia

Terrorist attacks in Georgia cannot be ruled out. Attacks could happen anywhere and affect western interests and places visited by foreigners, such as tourist sites and cultural events.

Political situation

9 September marked the 650th consecutive day of protests. Some of these have led to violent confrontation between police and protesters. In Tbilisi the demonstrations are now mainly focused on the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, but they can spread to other areas, particularly on Saturday evenings/nights and on the anniversaries of significant political events. Demonstrations also take place in other cities and towns. Demonstrations may lead to travel disruption.

Tensions can escalate without warning. You should:

• check local media
• avoid large gatherings and demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities

If you participate or engage in political demonstrations, you may face additional questioning on exit or be refused re-entry to Georgia. 

If you have unpaid fines, you may be refused exit until these are paid.

Crime

Crime levels are low. You should:

• take sensible precautious to avoid pick-pocketing, particularly in crowded places
• not leave valuables unattended
• stay aware of your surroundings
• always keep your mobile phone charged and with you

Georgian law protects everyone’s human rights and equality, but ethnic minorities and LGBT+ people may face discrimination. Harassment and assault based on race does take place. Those perceived as being part of or supporting the LGBT+ community may face harassment and assault.

If someone attempts to assault you or you feel threatened, call the emergency number 112 and ask for the police.

Drink spiking

There have been reports of drink spiking in Georgia. Be wary of strangers approaching you to take you to a restaurant or nightclub. If strangers offer you food and drink these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them to avoid them being spiked.

For more information about spiking, read Travel Aware’s information on Spiking and methanol poisoning.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You are not legally required to always carry ID, but if the police or a service provider (hotel, bank etc) ask you for ID you are expected to show your passport.

Dress codes and behaviour in public

Tbilisi is a cosmopolitan city. There can be more conservative attitudes in rural areas. When travelling outside cities, be aware of cultural sensitivities around modest dress (particularly in places of worship) and showing affection in public.

Money

Prices may be quoted in US dollars and euros, but goods and services must be paid for in local currency (lari).

Travellers’ cheques are rarely accepted. Outside major towns, you may not find ATMs or be able to use credit and debit cards. Take enough cash in lari if travelling to rural or remote areas.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence of 5 to 25 years and heavy fines for possessing, using, or smuggling of illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Georgia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras

Do not photograph sensitive sites like military bases and power installations.

Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing churches and other religious sites.

Using Drones

You must register any drone with a video or audio recording system at the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency before it can be used in a public place. To register you need your passport and a valid email address. Foreign nationals cannot register drones online, so you will need to do this in person at the Civil Aviation Agency office.

You must get a special licence from the Civil Aviation Authority for any drone that weighs more than 250g but less than 25kg, even if it does not have a video or audio system.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Georgia, and there are anti-discrimination laws, but same-sex relationships are still not widely accepted.

Showing affection in public may result in discrimination or harassment. Homophobic harassment and assault take place.

Pride marches in 2019 and 2021 were cancelled because the police did not guarantee security. In 2023, a Pride event was cancelled after a violent protest.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Surrogacy

The Georgian Parliament is expected to adopt a law banning surrogacy for foreign couples soon. Keep up to date and get emails when we update Georgia travel advice.

If you’re visiting Georgia to arrange an international surrogacy, consider the risks and challenges involved. Surrogacy is a complex, lengthy process. You should:

• make sure you’re aware of the facts and well-prepared before starting the process
• get specialist legal advice on Georgian and UK laws before making any arrangements
• read FCDO and Home Office guidance on surrogacy overseas
• research clinics and hospitals thoroughly to make sure they are safe and reputable

The British Embassy cannot get involved in surrogacy arrangements or recommend hospitals or clinics.

Commissioning a surrogacy will not automatically mean that the child holds British citizenship. To bring your child born through surrogacy from Georgia to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport. You need a Georgian birth certificate for this. Check the Public Service Hall and Service Development Agency websites and research the rules for leaving the country with children (some legal details are in Georgian only). You can stay visa-free in Georgia for a continuous period of up to one year. The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has more information.

Trade with South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Anyone trading with Abkhazia and South Ossetia must have a licence issued by the Georgia government. This includes buying and selling property and most financial transactions. Anyone trading without a licence may face penalties under Georgian civil and criminal law.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Make sure your travel insurance covers your activities.

If you get into trouble during hiking, skiing, adventure travel or extreme sports, the emergency response may be limited.

Off-piste skiing is very dangerous. It can be difficult to get accurate information on mountain conditions, including avalanche risks. Read preparing for winter sports abroad.

If you’re doing extreme sports, consider going with specialist guides. Many insurance policies will not cover damage to rental equipment or skiing off-piste without a guide.

Be aware that safety standards in Georgia may not be as high as those in the UK. For example, several people were injured when a ski lift at Gudauri malfunctioned in 2018 and a tourist helicopter crashed near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) in 2019.

If you plan to hike close to the administrative boundary lines, consider hiring a professional guide.

Transport risks

Take usual precautions after dark in unfamiliar areas.

Street lighting away from main roads can be poor and pavements uneven. There may be occasional short power cuts – consider carrying a torch.

Taxis

Taxi provision and safety has improved significantly. To stay safe using taxis:

• do not flag taxis in the street
• try to pre-book taxis through an app
• check the taxi has working seatbelts

Road travel

If you’re planning to drive in Georgia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Georgia guide.

You can drive in Georgia with a UK driving licence for up to one year. If you’re hiring a car, check with the car hire company before you travel whether they will accept the UK licence or whether you will need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP). You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Drink driving punishments can be severe. Georgia has a lower blood alcohol content limit than the UK, so avoid alcohol if driving.

Driving conditions

Take care when driving, especially at night. Be aware that:

• roads outside city centres are often badly lit and poor quality
• stray livestock can be a hazard
• road markings and the right of way can be confusing
• many cars are poorly maintained
• driving can be erratic
• heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes can affect roads and bridges making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas)
• landslides are common

Construction work is currently ongoing in the vicinity of central Tbilisi.

If you’re travelling outside Tbilisi, particularly in remote areas, make sure your vehicle is suitable for off-road driving and check weather conditions locally. Access to medical facilities may be limited in remote areas, and available facilities may not have modern medical equipment.

Rail travel

Take usual precautions with your personal safety and belongings. Compartments on sleeper trains usually have locks.

There is a daily train service between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

There are frequent small earthquakes in Georgia. The most recent significant earthquake took place in 2022 – a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck 104km south-west of Tbilisi.  

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Wildfires

Lightning and wildfires are a risk in summer, particularly in the mountains.

This section has safety advice for regions of Georgia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

South Ossetia and Abkhazia

For security reasons, FCDO advises against all travel to the Russian occupied regions of:

• South Ossetia
• Abkhazia

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to areas immediately next to the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The administrative boundary lines with the Russian occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are generally unmarked and away from roads. Take care not to cross the lines – you could be arrested by the region’s self-declared authorities.

The Georgia and UK governments do not recognise the unilateral declarations of independence by the Russian occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Following international law, the Georgian government claims the right to exercise sovereignty in these territories. The UK government, along with almost all other states, recognises Georgia’s right to do this.

Consular support is not available in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Buying property in South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Ownership of many properties in these regions is disputed. There are thousands of claims to property ownership from people displaced by conflicts following the collapse of the USSR.

Buying these properties could have serious financial and legal implications, including legal proceedings in Georgia’s courts and enforcement of court judgements elsewhere in Europe. If territorial disputes are settled, this could have consequences. For example, property may need to be returned to its original owners (property restitution).

Travel to and from Russia

It is illegal under Georgian law to enter Georgia from Russia through South Ossetia or Abkhazia. If you do this, you could get heavy fines or a prison sentence of up to 4 years. If your passport has entry or exit stamps from the self-declared authorities in these regions, Georgian authorities may see this as illegal entry through an unrecognised border crossing.

If you’re considering entering Russia by crossing Georgia-Russia land borders, check Russia travel advice. FCDO advises against all travel to Russia.

Unexploded weapons in border and boundary areas

There is some risk from unexploded weapons:

• along the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia
• near the border with Azerbaijan (Red Bridge area in particular)

Areas where there might be unexploded weapons are not always marked. Go with a local guide or tour group if visiting these areas.

Border with Azerbaijan

The land border with Azerbaijan has been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you visit the Udabno caves at the Davit Gareja monastery site, take care not to cross the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. It is unmarked in this area and disputed. There are border guides in the area – seek their advice if you’re unsure.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Georgia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Georgia, including Gudauri ski resort, Mount Kazbegi, and Mount Tetnuldi. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Health risks include:

• rabies – treatment is available in Tbilisi and major towns. If you’re bitten or scratched by a dog, get medical attention immediately.
• venomous snakes (vipers), particularly in early summer – few medical facilities outside major towns have anti-venom
• varying water quality – bottled water is widely available

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

For more information on travelling with medicines to Georgia, see Entry requirements. For information on the legal status of a specific medicine, contact the Georgian Embassy in the UK.

Healthcare in Georgia

The UK does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Georgia. You or your travel insurer will need to pay for all treatment as it’s provided.

Medical facilities in Tbilisi are available but can be expensive. Outside Tbilisi, medical facilities are limited.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Georgia where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Georgia.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.