Health and safety

112Emergency number is 112

112 covers ambulance, fire and police. Canada says the 112 Georgia app offers help in English.

Sources: gov.uk, Government of Canada (2026-08-27).

ahtbilisi.comAmerican Hospital Tbilisi

A private hospital at Ushangi Chkheidze St. 17. Phone 032 2 009 009. Its site says the emergency room is open 24/7 and it has JCI accreditation.

Source: American Hospital Tbilisi.

amcenters.com/en/tbilisiAmerican Medical Centers (AMC) Tbilisi

An international clinic with English-speaking doctors that takes walk-ins. Phone +995 32 250 0020. AMC says it offers 24/7 emergency care and home or hotel visits.

Sources: American Medical Centers, ExpatHub.ge.

newhospitals.ge/enNew Hospitals

A large private hospital at 12 Krtsanisi St. Phone +995 322 190 190. Expat reviewers say most medical staff speak good English. Since December 2025 it has been a provider for International SOS members.

Sources: New Hospitals, ExpatHub.ge.

toduaclinic.ge/enTodua Clinic

A private hospital with three Tbilisi sites (Tevdore Mghvdeli 13, Iakob Nikoladze 10, Lubliana 21). Phone 032 2 57 57 57.

Source: Todua Clinic.

evex.ge/en, aversiclinic.geEvex and Aversi have many clinics

Evex is one of the largest private hospital groups, with clinics in every Tbilisi district. Aversi runs several medical centres in Tbilisi. English varies, so call ahead.

Sources: Evex, Aversi Clinic, ExpatHub.ge.

112Call 112 for ambulance, police or fire; it is free from any phone.

Operators answer in Georgian and usually in English and Russian.

Sources: gov.uk, Madloba.info (checked 2026-10-03).

Most hospitals in Georgia are private.

About 90 percent are privately owned after state hospitals were sold from the 2000s.

Source: GeorgiaExpats.com (2026-02).

The state Universal Healthcare Programme (since 2013) is for Georgian citizens; most foreigners are not covered.

Recognised stateless persons, refugees and registered asylum seekers are covered like citizens.

Sources: GeorgiaExpats.com (2026-02), UNHCR Georgia.

Good medical care is available in Tbilisi but can be expensive, and facilities outside the capital are limited.

Source: gov.uk.

You or your insurer pay for treatment when you get it.

The UK, for example, has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Georgia.

Source: gov.uk.

Large private providers in Tbilisi include Evex Clinics, New Hospitals and MediClub Georgia.

Evex is the largest chain, with about 35 facilities in Georgia. MediClub is reported to have the strongest English.

Source: GeorgiaExpats.com (2026-02).

A GP visit costs about 30 to 60 GEL and a specialist about 50 to 120 GEL at private clinics.

Single guide (February 2026). Prices vary by clinic.

Source: GeorgiaExpats.com (2026-02).

40 to 90 GEL/monthLocal private health insurance costs roughly 40 to 90 GEL a month, or about 500 to 700 GEL a year for basic plans.

Figures from guides, not insurer price lists. Get quotes.

Insurers include GPI Holding, Imedi L, Aldagi, TBC Insurance, Ardi, IRAO and Unison. A residence permit is not needed to buy a policy.

Sources: GeorgiaExpats.com (2026-02), Just Advisors.

International health plans cost about USD 200 to 500 a month.

Sources disagree or are thin. Check before you rely on this.

Source: GeorgiaExpats.com (2026-02).

Big pharmacy chains are PSP, Aversi and GPC, and many branches are open 24 hours.

Source: GeorgiaExpats.com (2026-02).

Antibiotics and strong painkillers are officially prescription-only (Group II) since September 2014, and prescriptions are now electronic.

Conflict: guides say many medicines, including antibiotics, are still sold over the counter in practice. We found no 2026 official text.

Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting (2014).

Emergency medical aid has been stated to be free for Georgian citizens and visitors.

Based on a 2022 statement by a deputy health minister. Hospital treatment after the emergency is not free; insurance applies.

Source: First Channel (2022).

Do not buy medicines from markets or unlicensed sellers because of fake drug risk.

Source: Noonsite.

Safety Index 73.68 (updated 2026-09-21)Numbeo rates Tbilisi as fairly safe

Numbeo scores Tbilisi at 26.32 for crime and 73.68 for safety. This is a perception survey of 452 contributors over 5 years, not police data. Walking alone at night scores 69.82 (High) and in daylight 85.24 (Very High). The score for crime increasing in the past 5 years is 55.74 (Moderate).

Source: Numbeo (2026-09-21).

Updated 2026-09-15UK FCDO: do not travel to Abkhazia or South Ossetia

The FCDO advises against all travel to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It advises against all but essential travel to areas right next to the administrative boundary lines. The rest of Georgia has no travel warning. Page updated 15 September 2026.

Source: gov.uk (2026-09-15).

650+ daysProtests in Tbilisi have gone on daily since late 2024

Protests started on 28 October 2024 after the parliamentary election and grew after 28 November 2024, when the government suspended EU accession talks until 2028. The FCDO says 9 September 2026 was the 650th day of protests in a row. They centre on Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, often on Saturday evenings and political anniversaries. Some have turned violent. Police have used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon.

Sources: gov.uk (2026-09-15), Wikipedia.

Foreigners at protests face legal risk

Canada says tourists who take part in protests can face fines, detention, deportation or entry problems later. The FCDO says participants may be questioned when they leave or refused re-entry. A December 2024 law banned masks, fireworks and laser pointers at protests, and blocking roads has led to criminal charges.

Sources: Government of Canada (2026-08-27), gov.uk (2026-09-15), Wikipedia.

Updated 2026-08-27Canada: normal precautions, but high caution in Tbilisi

Canada advises normal security precautions for Georgia, a high degree of caution in Tbilisi because of protests and clashes, and avoiding all travel to Abkhazia, South Ossetia and within 5 km of their boundary lines (except Highway E60). Updated 27 August 2026.

Source: Government of Canada (2026-08-27).

Level 1US State Department: Level 1

The US rates Georgia Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) and Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for South Ossetia and Abkhazia, citing crime, civil unrest and landmines. Reissued 13 March 2025. US government staff may not go to the occupied regions. We could not open the page directly.

Sources: US Department of State (2025-03-13), US Overseas Security Advisory Council.

Exercise normal safety precautionsAustralia: normal precautions

Smartraveller advises normal safety precautions in Georgia and says not to travel to South Ossetia, Abkhazia or nearby areas. We could not open the page directly, so the date is not confirmed.

Source: Australian Government Smartraveller.

Common scams: bar bills, romance scams, drink spiking

Canada reports romance scams and bars or nightclubs overcharging, so confirm prices and check the bill. The FCDO reports drink spiking and says to be careful of strangers who offer to take you to a restaurant or club. Pickpocketing happens in crowds.

Sources: Government of Canada (2026-08-27), gov.uk (2026-09-15).

Use app taxis, not street taxis

The FCDO says not to flag taxis in the street. Book through an app and check that the seatbelts work.

Source: gov.uk (2026-09-15).

Roads are a real risk

Canada says road crashes are a major cause of death and driving is often aggressive. Drink-driving rules are zero tolerance. Rural roads can be poor, so avoid driving after dark. The FCDO adds that roads outside city centres are often badly lit, with stray livestock and erratic drivers.

Sources: Government of Canada (2026-08-27), gov.uk (2026-09-15).

Stray dogs and rabies

Canada says rabies is present and roaming dogs are a risk. If you get bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and water for about 15 minutes and get medical care fast. In Tbilisi, many street dogs have yellow municipal ear tags. Mayhew Georgia works with the city to neuter, vaccinate and tag them. Foreign Policy reported in May 2026 on a national programme to catch about 36,000 dogs and move them to shelters, which activists dispute.

Sources: Government of Canada (2026-08-27), Mayhew Georgia, Foreign Policy (2026-05-21).

5 to 25 yearsDrug laws are very strict

The FCDO says possession, use or smuggling of drugs can bring 5 to 25 years in jail. Airport scanners also check bags in transit.

Source: gov.uk (2026-09-15).

LGBTQ+ travellers should be careful

Same-sex activity is legal, but the FCDO says public affection may lead to harassment. Pride events were cancelled in 2019 and 2021, and a 2023 event was cancelled after a violent protest. A law passed on 17 September 2024 ('family values and protection of minors') restricts the 'promotion' of same-sex relationships and gives a legal basis to ban Pride events. Canada says this can lead to criminal charges.

Sources: gov.uk (2026-09-15), Government of Canada (2026-08-27), Al Jazeera (2024-09-17).