Georgia Travel Risk

Exercise normal precaution in Georgia.

Georgia is generally a safe destination for travelers.

• Review our Travel Guidance for Georgia to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Do Not Travel To:

• The Russian-occupied Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to risk of crime, unrest, and landmines.

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.

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.

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.

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

Georgia - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Georgia.

Regional risks

Tbilisi - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Tbilisi due to the risk of demonstrations and clashes between security forces and protestors.

The occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and surrounding areas - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the following areas due to crime, military activity, the risk of detention and the presence of landmines:

• the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
• within 5 km of the administrative boundary line with the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, excluding Highway E60

The occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

The administrative boundary lines between Georgia and the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not well defined and change frequently. The Russian military and border guards regularly patrol the area. You could be detained and arrested if you cross into these regions, even by mistake.

The checkpoints with these regions are subject to unexpected closures. Tensions are high in both occupied regions. Unexploded ordnance and landmines may pose a risk where military operations have occurred, especially in areas along the administrative boundary lines between the regions and the rest of Georgia, and near the border with Azerbaijan (Red Bridge area). There is also a risk of crime and kidnapping.

If you choose to travel to the occupied regions of Abkhazia or South Ossetia despite the advisory:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• cross only at official checkpoints
• carry valid identification with you at all times
• monitor local media to stay informed on the security situation and on checkpoint closures

Our ability to offer you consular services may be limited in these regions due to security concerns and travel restrictions.

格鲁吉亚风险等级为蓝色（低风险）