Articles
The US State Department's page on GEORGIA may be found HERE.
Personal Safety
AUTHORITIES IN GEORGIA PREVIOUSLY TIGHTENED MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS AND IMPOSED THE CURFEW IN SEVERAL MAJOR CITIES NOVEMBER 9, IN RESPONSE TO INCREASE IN CONFIRMED CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) CASE NUMBERS. THE NEW MEASURES HAVE BEEN ENFORCED IN TBILISI, KUTAISI, BATUMI, RUSTAVI, ZUGDIDI, GORI, AND POTI. PROTECTIVE FACE COVERINGS MUST BE WORN IN ENCLOSED PUBLIC SPACES AND OUTDOOR SPACES WHERE SOCIAL DISTANCING IS NOT POSSIBLE. AUTHORITIES PERMITTED LIMITED NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO RESUME IN NOVEMBER. HOWEVER, FLIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT SHORT NOTICE. AUTHORITIES COULD REIMPOSE, EXTEND, FURTHER EASE, OR OTHERWISE AMEND ANY RESTRICTIONS WITH LITTLE TO NO NOTICE DEPENDING ON DISEASE ACTIVITY OVER THE COMING WEEKS.
Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu.
If you are traveling to Georgia on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program by going here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here.
Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel Clinic.
The threat of civil unrest in Georgia is moderate. The threat of civil unrest in Georgia is moderate. Protests occasionally occur in Georgia and sometimes devolve into violence. Most demonstrations are related to economic conditions and political developments, such as election campaigns, impeachments, or coups. Protests are most common in Tbilisi and occasionally cause significant transportation delays.
Crime generally poses a moderate threat in Georgia. In the capital city of Tbilisi, criminal activity is most prevalent in tourist locations and the Saburtalo district.
Nonviolent crime poses a moderate threat to foreign nationals and is concentrated in heavily populated tourist areas and on public transport. Thieves typically target luggage, wallets, purses, and smartphones. These opportunistic crimes can occur anywhere, but especially on trains. Foreign nationals are typically targeted by criminals when the opportunity is right or they are perceived to be wealthy.
Crimes against foreign nationals are more likely to escalate late at night. Criminals often act alone.
Scams pose a moderate threat to foreign nationals in Georgia. Official data is unreliable due to poor government recordkeeping. ATM and credit card fraud have been reported. Roma street children and panhandlers will aggressively beg for money from strangers while trying to sneak a hand into their pockets.
Overall the threat of violent crime in Georgia is low; foreign nationals are rarely targeted by criminals. Violent crime, including assault, sexual assault, and robbery poses the great threat throughout Georgia; this may be due to the prevalence of weapons in the region and the concentration of low-income communities.
Gender-based violence and/or discrimination poses a moderate threat to foreign nationals in Georgia. Domestic abuse is common; however, the situation is improving. Anti-LGBTQ violence does regularly occur in Georgia. The LGBTQ community faces attacks and little protection from the government; homophobia is widespread.
Legal/Political
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be fined, arrested, deported, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi immediately.
- Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Georgia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
- Georgia’s customs authorities enforce regulations concerning the import or export of alcohol, tobacco, jewelry, religious materials, art or artifacts, antiquities, and business equipment.
- To export items of historical value, such as artwork, antiques, jewelry, or paintings, you must obtain a license from the Ministry of Culture.
- Firearms cannot be imported into Georgia. You may bring hunting weapons for a two-week period contingent on possession of a valid Georgian hunting license.
- The Government of Georgia considers the sale of property (land and houses) in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia illegal. Its original owners could reclaim the property in the future.
- Monitor your credit card statements. U.S. citizens in Georgia have reported incidents of credit card fraud and identity theft.
Dual nationals: Under Georgian law, U.S.-Georgian dual-national males between the ages of 18 and 27 may be subject to military conscription.
LGBTI Travelers:There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Georgia. However, traditional cultural attitudes result in LGBTI individuals often facing discrimination and harassment. In the past, some members of religious and LGBTI minorities in Georgia have been targets of attacks, and violent anti-LGBTI protest activity has occurred in Tbilisi.