With the exception of the conflict areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the situation in Georgia is generally calm.
While land entry via Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan can be carried out without any problems, travel over land between the Russian Federation and Georgia for foreigners is only possible via the Dariali / Hoher Lars border crossing on the M3 (“Georgian Military Road”) Capacity-related difficulties when crossing the border cannot be ruled out. Above all, however, the security situation in the North Caucasus must be taken into account: Travel to Ingushetia, Chechnya, Dagestan, North Ossetia and Kabardino-Balkaria is strongly discouraged (see Russian Federation travel and security policy).
Entry into the Georgian conflict areas of Abkhazia and South Ossetia from Russia will continue to be punished as an illegal border crossing by Georgian authorities (see below).
Security in the parts of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and near the administrative borders:
Both areas are not under the control of the government in Tbilisi. Russian troops are stationed in the areas and on their administrative borders. The situation in the conflict regions can change at any time. Therefore, find out more about the local media. The Georgian “Law on the Occupied Territories” prohibits travel, economic activities, the acquisition of land or real estate and other activities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia with only a few exceptions. Violations can result in fines or imprisonment of up to five years It is therefore strongly advised to inform yourself in good time about the relevant regulations in a specific case,
Abkhazia:
Abkhazia is closed to international travel.
As a country located in Europe according to topschoolsoflaw, Abkhazia is considered part of the Republic of Georgia under international law, but has not been under the control of the Georgian government since 1993. The security situation in this part of the country has not been predictable since then . Incidents occur, including criminal attacks. In some parts of the region there are still unmarked mines and duds.
According to the Georgian “Law on the Occupied Territories”, a border crossing from Abkhazia to Russia or vice versa is not legally possible – except in special exceptional cases with the prior consent of the Georgian government Authorities treated as an illegal border crossing to Georgia. If you then travel across the administrative border to neighboring Georgian parts of the country or if you leave through regular Georgian border crossings, there is a risk of arrest and criminal proceedings. Later trips to Georgia may also be refused entry, should the passport reveal that an illegal entry into Abkhazia / Georgia had previously taken place.
We strongly advise against traveling to Abkhazia. Consular protection cannot currently be granted to German nationals there given the current situation.
Because of the unpredictable security situation, close to the administrative border, it is strongly recommended to avoid the area or obtain the prior consent of Georgian authorities.
South Ossetia:
We urgently warn against traveling to South Ossetia and in the immediate vicinity of the conflict region. Approval from the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be obtained for entry into the region.
South Ossetia is regarded as part of Georgia under international law, but has not been under the control of the Georgian government since 1993. The situation in South Ossetia remains uncertain. After the ceasefire agreements since the 2008 war, the administrative border with South Ossetia is a restricted area. Entry is prevented by Georgian security forces. There is also an increased risk of mines and unexploded ammunition in this area. South Ossetia is also closed to international travel. A border crossing from Russia to South Ossetia and vice versa (Roki tunnel) is just as illegal under Georgian law as in the case of Abkhazia (see above).
Security in the rest of Georgia
The security situation in the rest of Georgia is generally unproblematic. There are no concerns about using the main road between east and west (M 1), which passes relatively close to South Ossetia. There are also no concerns about using the so-called “Old Georgian Army Road” (M3), which also leads close to South Ossetia to the Gudauri ski area.
Georgia is in a region of seismic activity. An earthquake in Tbilisi in 2002 claimed five lives; an earthquake about 150 km from Tbilisi reached a value of 6.2 on the Richter scale in 2009.
Crime
In general, a high level of visible police presence ensures security. To protect against robbery and theft, the same precautionary measures should be applied as in any other holiday destination. Dark, remote towns and parts of the larger cities should be avoided at night. Across the country there are occasional reports of e.g. Some also armed robbery and theft. Travelers should take appropriate precautions, avoid being alone on the street when it is dark and ensure that their accommodation is adequately secured. Particular care should be taken on lonely stretches, especially in the often remote mountain regions and hiking areas. In the event of an attack, no resistance should be offered because the willingness to use violence should not be underestimated.
It should be noted that the acceptance of same-sex partnerships – although legal in Georgia – is lower in Georgian society than in Western Europe. Therefore, violent attacks on homosexual and same-sex couples, especially when showing their mutual affection in public, cannot be ruled out.
