Georgia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Georgia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated March 13, 2025
Georgia recorded 2.0 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2019, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Georgia #116 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 62% over the past decade (from 5.4 in 2009). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Georgia at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
2.0 /100k
Safety Rank
#80 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2019
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2019)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 62% over the past decade (from 5.4 in 2009). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Georgia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Georgia, the homicide rate for men is 3.4× higher than the rate for women — 4.0 vs 1.2 per 100,000 (2018).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Georgia:
Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: The Russian-occupied Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to risk of crime, civil unrest, and landmines . Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Georgia. If you decide to travel to Georgia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Georgia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 28, 2025).
Terrorism
: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations continue to plot possible attacks throughout Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) Georgia’s proximity to Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the Russian North Caucasus region (all of which have experienced some measure of recent terrorist-related activity) continues to be of concern.
Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Adjacent Areas
The United States and most other countries consider these regions part of Georgia. However, de facto local authorities claim independence, and Russian troops and border guards occupy both regions. Attacks, criminal incidents, and kidnappings have occurred in and around these areas. While none of the activity has been anti-American in nature, there is a high risk of travelers finding themselves in a wrong place/wrong time situation. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Georgia and do not travel to these regions. If you choose to travel there, you should be aware: U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to travel within five kilometers of the Administrative Boundary Lines (ABLs) dividing Abkhazia and South Ossetia from Tbilisi-administered territory unless on approved official business and with the use of a fully armored vehicle.
Pankisi Gorge
The Department of State cautions U.S. citizens against travel to the Pankisi Gorge region (north of the villages of Matane and Chorale, to the border with Russia, including the city of Duisk). There are restrictions on U.S. Embassy personnel traveling to the Pankisi Gorge region because of the current security environment and the potential for civil unrest.
Crime
: Criminals may target foreigners. Take precautions against becoming a victim of crime as you would in any large city. Alcohol consumption is prevalent and may escalate otherwise minor disputes. Carrying pocketknives or other cutting devices in Georgia is illegal . You may be detained or cited if found in violation. “Confidence” and “romance” schemes. Refuse invitations from strangers to come into bars or nightclubs. These ploys lure individuals into bars, where hustlers extort travelers for large amounts of cash, threatening physical harm if the travelers refuse to pay for exorbitantly priced drinks. There are reports of criminals using dating apps to lure unsuspecting individuals to locations that coordinate with the “date” to take advantage of the victim by extorting money. These scams are common, and the Embassy advises caution. U.S.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may happen in response to political or economic issues, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas near demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Security alerts about demonstrations can be found on the Embassy’s website here .
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobiles devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.
GPS Navigation Apps
are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Victims of Crime
: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi at (+ 995) (32) 227-7724 (after hours + 995 32 227-7000). The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) runs a 24-hour emergency response center like 911 (dial 112). It transfers emergency calls to the fire and rescue service, police, or the nearest medical center. Most dispatchers speak Georgian and Russian, but they will transfer calls to English-speaking operators.
Mobile 112 App
Any person on the territory of Georgia can download and use the 112 mobile phone app. The main advantage of the app is the ability to determine the location of the user. The app is free of charge and is compatible with Android and iOS platforms. It is available in five languages, including English.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Georgia Population & Demographics
Population of 3,699,557, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Georgia at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 2.0 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Georgia?
Georgia has an intentional homicide rate of 2.0 per 100,000 people (2019, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #116 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Georgia?
Georgia is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Georgia compare to other countries?
Georgia's homicide rate of 2.0 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Asia average of 2.0.