Georgia's occupied territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia create specific and serious risks for journalists and NGOs. Political unrest in Tbilisi has escalated significantly. Regional context matters more here than in most countries.
We provide specialist cover for journalists, researchers, NGOs and field teams operating in Georgia and near its occupied territories.
Georgia is moderate risk overall but significantly higher near South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russian occupation creates specific journalist and NGO risks.
Standard travel insurance may not adequately cover the specific risks of proximity to occupied territories or the escalating political unrest environment.
Country risk context
The situation
Georgia is a small South Caucasus country that has experienced significant conflict with Russia. The 2008 August War resulted in Russia occupying and recognising South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states — a position not recognised by Georgia or most of the international community. Russian forces continue to occupy these territories and conduct regular "borderisation" operations that slowly expand the administrative boundary lines into Georgian territory. Incidental confrontations at these boundaries have resulted in detentions and deaths.
For non-combatants, Georgia presents a moderate risk environment in Tbilisi and main cities, but conditions near the administrative boundary with South Ossetia (the Tskhinvali line) and Abkhazia require significant caution. Journalists approaching these boundaries have been detained. Russian forces have in the past captured NGO workers. The risk of a further military confrontation, while not immediately imminent, cannot be excluded given the broader trajectory of Russia's regional behaviour following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Georgian political environment has also become more turbulent. Civil unrest following contested election results in October 2024 resulted in significant protests and clashes with security forces in Tbilisi. The government's alignment with Russia on some legislative matters — including restrictions on civil society organisations — has increased political tensions and protest activity. Non-combatants operating in Tbilisi should be aware of the potential for rapid escalation in protest situations.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
Russian occupation and borderisation risk near South Ossetia
Russian forces and South Ossetian authorities regularly detain individuals approaching the administrative boundary. Journalists and researchers investigating borderisation face specific detention risk. The boundary is not clearly marked in all locations, making accidental crossing a real hazard.
Political unrest and protest-related violence in Tbilisi
Georgia experienced significant civil unrest following the 2024 elections, with large demonstrations in Tbilisi resulting in clashes between protesters and security forces using tear gas and water cannon. Political tensions remain elevated and further unrest is possible.
Risk of broader regional conflict spillover
The Russia-Ukraine war has heightened anxieties about Russian military behaviour in the South Caucasus. A further military confrontation with Georgia, while not imminent, remains a planning consideration for organisations with long-term operations in the country.
Abkhazia access complexity
Abkhazia is accessible only via Russia or the Inguri crossing from Georgia, with different legal and safety considerations applying. Humanitarian organisations operating in Abkhazia face a complex environment of competing jurisdiction claims, restricted access and security uncertainty.
Emergency support
NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. In Georgia, evacuation options include Tbilisi airport for most locations, with contingencies for situations near occupied territories where access may be restricted.
24/7 response
Round-the-clock support every day of the year
Medical coordination
Coordinating care including evacuation to Tbilisi, Ankara or Istanbul
Evacuation support
Managing exit via Tbilisi International Airport
Case management
Handling the incident through to a safer outcome
Exclusions
This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
Also covered in the South Caucasus
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
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