Georgia : Safety by CityTbilisi is the capital and the largest city of Georgia and also, according to many, one of the safest cities in Europe.
Tbilisi is a gorgeous city, whose main attraction comes from its streets filled with history and the spirit of what it once was.
Namely, even though it has been destroyed and rebuilt some 29 times, the layout of the Old Town is, for the most part, still intact with narrow alleys and big crooked houses built around courtyards.
The city has a rich history, undeniable charm and unique spirit that makes you feel free, and while it might not be as attractive in the traditional way, like some European capitals cities or megalopolises, Tbilisi is worth to be given a try.
Warnings & Dangers in Tbilisi
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Tbilisi is overall safe to travel to, with considerably low crime rates and even pickpockets not being that much of an issue. However, it is advised that you remain vigilant at all times, just like anywhere else.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transport is generally safe and reliable in Tbilisi, and it has improved significantly during the past decade, but be careful on public transport, since that's where pickpockets operate and watch your valuables in Tbilisi metro.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Pickpocketing exists but it is not too big of an issue. There are specific areas to watch out for such as the Tbilisi metro and public transport that is notorious for pickpockets. Be careful and keep your valuables close by your side.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
There are threats from natural disasters in Tbilisi, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, wildfires, and floods, happening regularly.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
It is not likely you will get mugged or kidnapped in Tbilisi. Crime rates are very low, and violent crime against tourists is highly unlikely. Plus, there's police everywhere. Still, don't let your guard down and stay away from dark and deserted areas of bigger cities.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Tbilisi's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There is the issue of scams in Tbilisi, just like in any other city, and the most common ones are credit card scams and online scams. Always negotiate everything in advance, double check your change and never pay anything upfront. Never accept drinks from strange people or leave your drink unattended.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Tbilisi is safe for solitary females. Just use your common sense and have your wits with you. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night and finding yourself in places filled with drunken people.
So... How Safe Is Tbilisi Really?
Tbilisi is very safe for travelers, with crime rates among the lowest in Europe.
First of all, the hospitality and warmth that Georgians have towards foreign visitors are truly astonishing.
Their hospitality in general, not just towards foreigners, is something that I think truly sets their culture apart from the culture in the US.
Both crime and corruption have been almost eradicated.
There are pickpockets and petty theft on the streets of Tbilisi, and especially in the Tbilisi metro, but they are far less of a problem than in other countries in Europe, and in cases of trouble, there are police cars patrolling the streets of the capital regularly, and you can trust them and ask for help anytime.
If you keep your wits about you and use common sense (watching your stuff in crowded places, etc), you will find it to be very safe.
There is a danger from motorists that have zero tolerance for pedestrians.
They often disregard them completely, and the same applies to cars: if you find yourself at an intersection and you have the right of way, do not expect anyone to stop and let you cross the street – be it in front of a crosswalk or a green traffic light.
How Does Tbilisi Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Tbilisi | 80 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
Useful Information
Visas
Many countries do not need a visa to enter Tbilisi and may stay without one for 360 days. Other countries do not need a visa for stays shorter than 90 days. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Georgian embassy for further details.
Currency
Georgian Lari is the official currency in Tbilisi. ATMs are available in most areas of Tbilisi and as for credit cards, they are accepted at some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's not that common outside of Tbilisi.
Weather
Tbilisi has a mild and rainy climate on the coast and in the western areas, though it's more continental in the central and eastern inland areas. The mountain regions are colder, though, as expected.
Airports
Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, formerly known as Novo Alexeyevka International Airport, is the main and busiest international airport in Georgia. It located 17 km southeast of the capital of Tbilisi.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Tbilisi since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Tbilisi Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 5 | 6 | 11 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 29 | 25 | 18 | 12 | 7 |
| Low °C | -3 | -2 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| High °F | 41 | 43 | 52 | 64 | 73 | 81 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 64 | 54 | 45 |
| Low °F | 27 | 28 | 36 | 45 | 52 | 59 | 64 | 63 | 57 | 46 | 37 | 30 |
Georgia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Tbilisi | 80 |
What a beautiful Orthodox Christian country. So much history and culture to explore here. It’s great to see that it is relatively safe to travel to this charming city.
Risky
Women harassment incredibly much, missing foreigners and some dead. I had to leave immediately.
Missing ?? Dead??? When did you go there I’ve booked my flight because i thought it was safe there
Nice city to visit
I was shocked how much I loved it there. I knew it was a colorful and vibrant city but I didn’t expect Georgians to be so friendly, on some occasions they even overdid it trying to make sure we were perfectly accommodated. If you’re into nature and sightseeing you will have the time of your life here. Not to mention the fact that everything is more than decently priced, I would even dare say it’s cheap.
Mugging and pickpocketing
We had a bad experience on last day of our vacatin in Tbilisi. We got robbed by 8-10 young kids of about 10-12 yrs of age in front of Galleria mall today in broad day light and no once came to help. We contacted our tour guide and other tourists on the tour, and another person responded saying that he got robbed at the same spot yesterday. He filed a police complaint but police said they can’t do anything. Risk of mugging and pickpocketing seems very high in Tbilisi, not low.
We had a bad experience tonight on 1st day of our vacatin in Tbilisi. We got robbed also by 8-10 young kids of about 10-12 yrs of age in front of Galleria mall. Luckily, there are people who help us to stop those kids mugging and pickpocketing.
Their way is hug you in all parts of your body in order for you to not to moved. You need to ensure you are not in corner so you can go out and ask for help or run.
Risk of mugging and pickpocketing is very high in Tbilisi.
Never plan trip to Georgia
Same thing happen to me also on 5 Jan 2023 There are groups of thieves and kids who stick to me in front of the entrance of galleria mall of tiblis and steal my valet ,but no people help me ,They are we trained and big mafia is making all this.also around in 10 meter police was standing but they didn’t do I cont to georgian Police, and they do nothing!Only they write report, but they cannot talk in English also.so it was difficult.They stollen my credit card and cash including.Also they were using my card for purchasing i told to police also that they are using my card at this place .But no action taken.so with the help of one person I block all my credit card.later I was taken to crime branch and they told me to sit .I waited for 3 hrs in police station.then again they took my statement and tell me to sign on statement, when they found my vallet they will inform me.But any how I came to know that they already found valet in 45 minutes. So one of man ask to me that have u got ur valet.i said not yet .bcz police are telling me when they get they will contact me.he then ask to police and then finally they give me.As I lost all my money and Cards , but only I have got my EID and DL.Dont believe on Google News about no Crime in Georgia. I would request and suggest to go other place than Georgia.Also on the same day in police station I meet three people having same issue .They belongs to UAE resident,Asian and one from US .There is big gang of mafia in Georgia, Tiblis who is operating these racket.As price are saying we cannot do any thing to children as they are 14 years old or less.Also came to know people are following you and have connections outside .when go outside of mall these children are attacking tourisy.No tourist are safe.These racket are g
Operating since 2019 ,still no action taken means surely there is big people behind it .And also too much corruption I think ,So last and final words to all my friends.Avoid to travel Georgia.Bcz no body will help you there.
The crime rate of Georgia is low because the Police force tourists to file the robberies as Lost!and they take signature to close the case bcz the statement is written in their language.
Shame on you … Worst trip experience. Several almost 4 thefts occured in few minustes and Police did nothing.
Pickpocketing is common everywhere, and they almost never get caught. Pickpockets in Tbilisi are nothing compared to Barcelona, Naples or Paris, and the police there does the same in those cities. You should be pay attention to your belongings everywhere you go, not just a 100m area of Tbilisi. Important thing is that you haven’t been violently attacked. Tbilisi is safe from violent crime. If a bunch of 14 yos managed to steal your wallet, it’s on you, you should be ashamed instead of writing a paragraph telling other reasonable people (who will not wave their wallet around after leaving the shopping mall) not to go there. Pickpocketing is not a reason to discourage people to go.
Horrible
Very dangerous. Police and law enforcement are unreliable and frequently corrupt. Pickpockets and muggings are common. Government lies about their crime statistics. Tbilisi is obviously more dangerous than most western cities.
Very dangerous
It is dangerous for women
Why is it dangerous for women?
Worst place
Tbilisi is so sick
People gather around you and Rob