Safety in Georgia: what overland travellers should know
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 9 September 2026.
Safety
- Abkhazia and South Ossetia — Travel to the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is advised against for any purpose, and only exceptional reasons such as humanitarian work would justify going. Italy does not recognise the de facto authorities there, so consular help would be hard to deliver. Georgian law treats Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region as occupied territory, and the same applies to Kurta, Eredvi, Azhara and the Akhalgori municipality.
- Only two entry points — Foreigners may only enter those territories through Zugdidi for Abkhazia and Gori for South Ossetia. Entering from any other direction is punished under the Georgian criminal code, except in exceptional cases where an ad hoc permit is granted by the Georgian government. Entering Georgian territory from Abkhazia or South Ossetia is illegal as well.
- Northern border zones — All the areas bordering Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan need real caution, Shatili, Omalo, the Pankisi valley and their surroundings included. For these areas the ministry says to organise visits through specialised agencies.
- Landslides — The shape of the terrain makes landslides and slips frequent. Take maximum care outside towns and above all in the mountain regions of Racha and Tusheti.
- Parks and remote routes — When heading into the reserves of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, report your presence to the local authorities too and organise your movements through a specialised agency or people you trust who know the ground; registering before entering a protected area is compulsory in some cases, usually at the park Visitor Centre. Most mountain routes are unmarked and often lead where rescue is hard to reach, so carry proper clothing and kit, enough water, food and basic medicines, up-to-date topographic maps, phone credit and, if you can, a satellite phone and GPS. Check network coverage along the planned route beforehand and text your movements to someone at home.
- Demonstrations and theft — Take particular care across the country, above all in the major cities, and stay away from rallies and gatherings. Be careful in outlying or quiet areas and, in the evening, in the central districts of the capital as well, where police are however always present. Keep an eye on your belongings.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 9 September 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Georgia before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 9 September 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.