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Safety and Security

U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted in travel to Abkhazia or South Ossetia, even in the case of emergencies involving U.S. citizens. For these reasons the U.S. Government strongly advises U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to these regions.

The Department of State strongly warns U.S. citizens against travel to the Russian occupied regions of South Ossetia, and Abkhazia. These regions are not under the control of the Georgian government following civil wars in the early 1990s. Tensions remain high between the de facto authorities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the Georgian government. Russian troops and border guards continue to occupy both regions. A number of attacks, criminal incidents, and kidnappings have occurred in and around the area over the past several years.

Unexploded ordnance poses a danger near the Administrative Boundary Lines of both territories, particularly near South Ossetia. Entering the occupied regions without the proper documentation can lead to arrest, imprisonment, and/or fines by Russian, Georgian, or de facto officials. If travel to the occupied territories cannot be avoided, the U.S. Embassy recommends travelers follow applicable Georgian laws. Georgian law specifies that U.S. citizens may enter the two regions from the Georgian side, and not from the Russian side. Georgia’s “Law on the Occupied Territories” also makes it illegal to undertake:

a. Any economic activity for which a relevant license, registration, or permission has not been obtained from the Georgian government;

b. Import and/or export of military products, or products that have double designation;

c. International air, maritime and railway travel, as well as international transportation of cargo by automobile;

d. Use of national resources;

e. Organization of cash transfer; or

f. Financing or any type of support of activities listed in Paragraphs (a) – (e)...

Medical services in the occupied territories are extremely limited. Hospitals do not accept credit cards or medical insurance, have little to no infectious disease control, and lack medicine. There are no commercial airports in either region making air ambulance evacuations for medical emergencies impossible.

In the case of a crisis and/or natural disaster, U.S. citizens in Tbilisi may tune in to FM radio stations for any updated U.S. Embassy emergency message for U.S. citizens. In case of crisis or emergency citizens will be able to listen to a recorded emergency or security message on the crisis designated menu option on the Consular phone line.

Political demonstrations take place from time to time in Georgia. While these demonstrations are generally peaceful, some confrontations between the government and protesters have occurred in recent years. U.S. citizens should be aware that even peaceful demonstrations can escalate into violence with little or no notice. Security Messages for U.S. Citizens pertaining to demonstrations are posted on the U.S. Embassy Tbilisi website. Because of the possibility of violence, we urge U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay up to date with media coverage of local events, review their personal security practices, and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

To stay connected:

Terrorism: In the past, Georgia has experienced several improvised explosive device attacks and attempted attacks, both in Tbilisi and elsewhere in the country.  Most of these attacks are believed to have originated in the occupied territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, though at least one attack had its origins outside of Georgia. Targets have included government facilities, public places, and diplomatic missions.

CRIME: When traveling in Georgia, you should take the same precautions against becoming a victim of crime as you would in any large city. U.S. citizens may be targeted for economic and property-based crimes. Petty street crime, such as theft by pickpockets, has been reported throughout the country, particularly in crowded places such as tourist sites or on public transportation. Firearms are readily available in Georgia and assailants may be armed with firearms or other weapons. There are also disputes, sometimes in areas where U.S. citizens frequent, which include firearms and may endanger U.S. citizens.

Vary your times and routes, especially from places of residence to work locations. Maintain a low profile – do not carry large amounts of cash or otherwise draw unnecessary attention to yourself. Report any security-related incidents such as suspicious vehicles, individuals, or activities, to the Georgian authorities, and also inform the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible.

Due to poor and inconsistent road conditions, the U.S. Embassy recommends that if you are traveling throughout the country you do so during daylight hours only and provide a travel itinerary and contact telephone numbers to someone before you go.  See below for more details on road safety in Georgia. Personal vehicles and established (clearly marked) taxis and public transportation are generally safe for overland travel in Georgia. However, crowded and “off the beaten path” conditions of some public transportation increase passengers’ vulnerability to robbery.

U.S. citizens have reported occurrences of sexual assault in Georgia, including date or acquaintance rape. Women should avoid being alone in isolated areas with people whom they do not know well. In many of the reported cases, alcohol was involved. Avoid traveling alone in a private taxi or a “marshrutka” mini-bus, especially after dark. Victims of sexual assault should first get to a safe location and then call the local police and the U.S. Embassy. Women victimized overseas may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services, including relocation back to the United States. For further information visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. For resources on domestic violence, please see the U.S. Embassy Tbilisi Consular section handout.

Travelers should take standard safety precautions when using Automated Teller Machines (ATM). Try to use ATMs located inside banks and check for any evidence of tampering with the machine before use. Be cautious when using publicly available Internet terminals, such as in Internet cafes, as sensitive personal information, account passwords, etc., may be subject to compromise. Theft of personal items from hotel rooms can also occur. 

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are they illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. 

In order to report crimes on counterfeit money contact the Call Center of the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia at the following number (995 32) 2 299-299.  

U.S. business entities are encouraged to read the most recent Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Annual Crime and Safety Report for Georgia.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi.  We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) operates a 24-hour emergency response center similar to “911”. The emergency-response center services all of Georgia with one emergency number “112,” and transfers emergency calls to the fire and rescue service, police, and the nearest medical-emergency center. Please note that the dispatcher speaks Georgian and Russian, but will transfer a call to an English-speaking operator.

For other resources on domestic violence, please see the U.S. Embassy Tbilisi Consular section handout.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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