Car rentals in Georgia - Safety and Security

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Safety and Security

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The U.S. Embassy advises American citizens to avoid travel to the separatist-controlled region of Abkhazia where a tense truce exists between previously warring Georgian and Abkhaz military forces. In addition, there have been bombings, attacks, and kidnappings in Abkhazia. The mining of roads poses a serious threat to vehicular traffic. While Abkhaz "border officials" may demand that travelers entering the region purchase "visas" from the so-called "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia," the U.S. Government does not recognize the separatists' declaration of Abkhazia's independence from Georgia. Because of the restricted access of U.S. officials to Abkhazia, the ability of the U.S. Government to assist American citizens there is extremely limited, even in emergencies. American citizens in areas of Western Georgia near the Abkhaz border are advised to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to avoid straying off main roads or traveling after dark.

American citizens should be aware that they cannot legally cross overland between Russia and Georgia, even if in possession of valid Russian or Georgian visas.

Georgia 's armed forces have conducted operations against suspected international terrorists, Chechen fighters, and criminals who have taken refuge in the Pankisi Gorge. American citizens should avoid all travel to the Pankisi Gorge north of Akhmeta. American citizens are also advised to avoid travel to other areas of continuing security concern: specifically, the northern mountainous areas of Georgia bordering the Russian Federation, especially the Chechnya and Dagestan sectors.

Reported crimes directed against American citizens and foreigners have increased in the following areas: the region of South Ossetia (a separatist region), the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, the region of Imereti, including Kutaisi city, the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti, the upper Svanetia region, and the length of the Abkhazia-Georgia border, including Zugdidi city. When visiting or traveling through these regions, American citizens are urged to increase their vigilance, review their personal security precautions, and take appropriate security measures, e.g. traveling with a native Georgian escort familiar with the local area.

Regardless of the region in Georgia in which they are planning to travel or visit, American citizens are urged to review their personal security precautions, increase their levels of awareness, and as appropriate, take increased security measures.

Travelers are advised that the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, which is a part of Georgia, requires the presentation of photo identification at land crossings with the rest of Georgia. Also, travelers in the Autonomous Republic of Ajara may be subject to document verification at police checkpoints at which authorities may attempt to charge travelers additional fees.

Religious minorities in Georgia are frequently targets of numerous violent attacks. The victims are primarily Jehovah's Witnesses, but also include Pentecostals, Baptists, and members of the "Assembly of God." Incidents include the burning of literature, the destruction of private property and the beating (sometimes severe) of believers, including American citizens.