Georgia

Recommended Vaccinations For Georgia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who will live in Georgia for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, where water and food may not be safe.

Recommended Medications For Georgia

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malarial medication is not recommended. Use mosquito avoidance procedures.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Georgia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Georgia.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Georgia through contaminated food or water. 

For Some Travellers

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) may occur in this country.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Malaria

There is a limited risk for malaria from June to October in rural southeastern Georgia.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to Georgia are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Georgia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Safety & Security in Georgia

Personal Safety

Georgia generally maintains low crime rates compared to many countries. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, may occur in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation, though typically less frequently than in many comparable destinations. Scams targeting tourists happen occasionally, particularly in Tbilisi and Batumi, where visitors may be invited to bars or restaurants and presented with inflated bills. To reduce risk, it is advisable to book taxis through ride-hailing apps rather than hailing street taxis. Avoid areas along the administrative boundary lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as these Russian-occupied breakaway regions present serious security risks, including unexploded ordnance, unclear border demarcation, and the possibility of detention. Entering Georgia via these regions from Russia is illegal under Georgian law. The Pankisi Gorge region has a history of terrorist activity, though current security measures are robust. Political demonstrations occur regularly in Tbilisi, especially on Rustaveli Avenue, and can turn confrontational between protesters and police. Maintain distance from any protests and monitor local media for updates. Drink spiking has been reported in bars and nightclubs, so never accept drinks from strangers or leave beverages unattended.

Extreme Violence

Georgia has not experienced any confirmed terrorist attacks in recent years, with no incidents reported in 2023. The country maintains strong counter-terrorism legislation and capabilities, with the State Security Service of Georgia cooperating closely with international partners. In 2023, authorities arrested nine Georgian citizens and three foreign nationals for affiliation with Islamic State (ISIS). While the overall terrorism threat remains low, the Pankisi Gorge region has historical links to terrorist recruitment. The occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have experienced conflicts and illegal detentions. Landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain a risk near boundary lines. Georgia participates in international counter-terrorism efforts, and the security environment remained quite stable through 2024, supported by strengthened border-security measures.

Political Unrest

Georgia has experienced ongoing political tensions and demonstrations since October 2024 following disputed parliamentary elections. Protests occur regularly in Tbilisi, particularly on Rustaveli Avenue and around the parliament building, and in other cities, including Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, and Poti. These gatherings have sometimes turned confrontational, with law enforcement using tear gas, water cannons, and rubber-bullet rounds to disperse crowds. Several hundred demonstrators have been arrested on misdemeanour and criminal charges, with reports of ill-treatment in detention. In November 2024 the government announced it would suspend EU accession negotiations until the end of 2028, intensifying demonstrations. The government has also passed legislation criticized as restricting protest rights and expanding police powers. Violent attacks on protesters and journalists have been reported. If you participate in public demonstrations, you may face additional questioning, denied re-entry, or criminal charges. Avoid all protests and demonstrations, monitor local media closely, and follow the direction of local authorities. Transport and other services may be disrupted during protest periods.

Areas To Avoid

Do not travel to South Ossetia or Abkhazia, the Russian-occupied breakaway regions in northern and western Georgia. These areas present multiple dangers, including Russian military and border-guard presence, unclear and frequently changing administrative boundary lines, unexploded landmines and other ordnance from past conflicts, criminal activity, and the risk of detention. No consular assistance is available if you enter these territories. Crossing into these regions, even accidentally, can lead to detention or arrest by Russian security forces or by self-declared local authorities. The administrative boundary lines are often unmarked and away from roads, making accidental crossings possible, particularly for hikers close to boundary areas on the eastern side of South Ossetia. Entering Georgia via these regions from Russia is illegal under Georgian law and may be punished. Avoid areas immediately adjacent to the administrative boundary lines with these territories. Property ownership in these regions is disputed with thousands of claims from people displaced since the collapse of the Soviet Union, creating serious legal and financial risks for property transactions. Major highways through central Georgia, including the E60 corridor via Gori, remain safe for travel. Exercise caution near the Red Bridge border crossing with Azerbaijan due to potential unexploded ordnance. The Pankisi Gorge region north of Akhmeta has a history of terrorist activity, though security measures have been improved in recent years.