Is Georgia safe to visit? Advice, scams and health

Travel to Georgia is generally safe for tourists. Stick to well-known cities and tourist routes, keep valuables secure, and use reputable transport. Avoid the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which are outside government control.

Taxi overcharging: insist on a meter or agree on a fare before starting; many drivers will quote a higher price for tourists.

Currency exchange scams: only use banks or licensed exchange offices; street exchangers may give a poor rate or counterfeit notes.

Fake tour guides: unlicensed guides may charge high fees for short walks; verify credentials at tourist information centres.

Restaurant service charges: some places add a 10–18% charge automatically; check the bill and ask if it’s included.

US State Department (travel.state.gov) rates Georgia at Level 2 – Exercise Normal Precautions, noting occasional protests and the unresolved status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

UK Foreign Office (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) advises standard safety measures and warns against travel to the occupied territories.

Canada (travel.gc.ca) mirrors the US stance, recommending awareness of demonstrations and road conditions.

Australia (smartraveller.gov.au) and New Zealand (safetravel.govt.nz) give similar guidance, emphasizing the need for travel insurance and avoiding border areas.

Emergency number 112 connects to police, ambulance, and fire services nationwide.

Public hospitals in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi provide basic emergency care; private clinics offer higher-quality services but at higher cost.

Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended, especially for activities in remote mountain regions.