If you are planning to travel to Georgia, there is an important requirement you should add to your pre-travel checklist: health and accident insurance is now mandatory for tourists entering the country.
Effective January 1, 2026, new regulations came into force requiring international visitors to hold a valid health and accident insurance policy that meets specific requirements throughout their stay in Georgia. This requirement forms part of Georgia’s tourism regulations and is intended to provide greater protection for international visitors.
What Type of Insurance Is Required?
Travelers entering Georgia must have a valid health and accident insurance policy covering the entire duration of their stay in the country.
The policy must provide coverage of at least GEL 30,000 (Georgian Lari). It may be issued by either a Georgian or a foreign insurance company, provided that the policy complies with the requirements established by the Georgian authorities.
This means travelers do not necessarily need to purchase insurance after arriving in Georgia. They can arrange suitable travel insurance in their home country before departure, as long as the policy meets the required conditions.
Do You Need to Carry a Printed Insurance Policy?
The Georgian authorities accept the insurance policy in either printed or electronic format, allowing travelers to keep a digital copy on their smartphone or other device.
However, the insurance document must be available in Georgian or English and should contain the required information, including details of the parties to the insurance contract, geographical coverage, policy validity period, insured risks, coverage limits, and insurance premium information.
As a practical precaution, travelers are advised to keep both a digital copy on their phone and a printed copy with their travel documents. This can help avoid unnecessary delays in the event of technical issues upon arrival.
Pay Attention to the Policy’s Start and End Dates
One of the most important details travelers should check is the validity period of their insurance policy.
The insurance must cover the entire duration of the stay in Georgia, including both the arrival and departure dates.
For example, if you arrive in Georgia on September 10 and depart on September 18, your insurance policy should remain valid throughout this entire period, with no gaps in coverage.
Why Has Georgia Made Travel Insurance Mandatory?
The main objective of this requirement is to enhance visitor protection and ensure that international travelers have adequate financial coverage in the event of an unexpected illness, medical emergency, or accident during their stay.
Travel insurance should therefore not be viewed simply as an entry requirement. It is an important form of protection that can help travelers avoid potentially significant medical expenses resulting from unforeseen circumstances while abroad.
Are There Any Exemptions?
Yes. Certain categories of travelers may be exempt from the mandatory insurance requirement. These may include holders of certain visas, diplomatic, official, or special passports, accredited employees of diplomatic missions and international organizations and their eligible family members, as well as other categories covered by applicable international agreements and regulations.
Travelers who believe they may qualify for an exemption should verify their status with the relevant Georgian authorities before departure.
Before Traveling to Georgia
Do not leave travel insurance until the last minute. Before heading to the airport, make sure you have checked your passport validity, visa and entry requirements based on your nationality, flight and accommodation reservations, and a valid health and accident insurance policy that complies with Georgia’s requirements.
In summary: As of January 1, 2026, health and accident insurance has become an essential entry requirement for tourists traveling to Georgia. The policy must cover the entire duration of the trip and provide a minimum coverage of GEL 30,000.
Before you travel, make sure your policy is valid, your personal information is correct, and the coverage meets the required conditions. A few minutes of preparation before departure can help ensure a smoother arrival and allow you to enjoy your trip to Georgia with greater peace of mind.