Georgia Tbilisi Situation Report 2026

The security landscape in Tbilisi is currently defined by a major regional escalation and a significant shift in domestic labor policy. As of March 2, military strikes between Israel, the US, and Iran have triggered airspace closures across the Middle East, disrupting flights to and from Tbilisi. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze is reportedly stranded in Dubai due to these cancellations. This regional instability poses immediate logistical risks for international travel and transit. Simultaneously, the ban on foreign nationals working in the gig economy (taxi, courier, tour guide sectors) without permanent residency came into force yesterday, March 1. This creates a direct legal liability for international students engaged in part-time work. Domestically, political polarization remains acute following the UK's sanctioning of pro-government channels Imedi and POSTV for spreading Russian disinformation. The ruling party has responded defiantly, with Imedi TV announcing plans to launch its own bank to bypass financial pressure. Protests continue in Tbilisi, with marches marking the Soviet Occupation Day on February 25. In the occupied territories, tensions are elevated; the de facto Tskhinvali regime has unveiled new combat drones, and Abkhazia temporarily closed the Psou border: The convergence of the March 1 labor ban and the regional air travel crisis creates a 'trapped' dynamic for expats—economic mobility is restricted locally, and physical mobility is restricted regionally. The Samgori school administration must prioritize ensuring students are compliant with the new labor code to avoid deportation risks, while advising against non-essential travel to the Middle East. Weather conditions (heavy rain history) suggest potential instability on the Up, further complicating overland travel options.

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Seismic activity detected in the region.

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