From 1 January 2026, the Government of Georgia has introduced a new requirement that all foreign visitors entering the country must hold valid health and accident insurance for the entire duration of their stay. This regulation has been enacted under amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Tourism” and aims to enhance traveller protection and align the country’s tourism framework with international standards of visitor safety and support.
The policy must be presented in either physical or electronic form and be available in Georgian or English. It can be issued by either a Georgian or foreign insurance provider, and must offer a minimum coverage of 30,000 Georgian Lari (GEL) — intended to cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, accident-related care, and related expenses during a tourist’s visit.
This new rule attempts to ensure that visitors have access to medical care if needed, while also helping to reduce potential strain on Georgia’s public health system. It applies to travellers arriving for leisure, business, or transit.
Key Insurance Requirements
Below is an overview of the principal stipulations of Georgia’s new tourist insurance requirement:
| Requirement | Details |
| Effective Date | 1 January 2026 |
| Applicable To | All foreign tourists entering Georgia (tourism, business, transit) |
| Minimum Coverage | 30,000 GEL |
| Issuer | Georgian or international insurance companies |
| Format | Physical or electronic document |
| Language | Georgian or English |
| Validity | Must cover entire stay (arrival to departure) |
| Mandatory Policy Contents | Parties to contract; covered territory; subject of insurance; start and end dates; insured risks; insurance sum limits; premium amount and payment terms |
What Must the Insurance Policy Include?
To be accepted at entry checkpoints (airports, land borders, seaports), the insurance document must clearly set out:
- The parties to the contract (insurer and insured)
- Geographic coverage (including Georgia)
- Subject of insurance (health and accident risks)
- Coverage duration (entry to departure dates)
- List of insured risks
- Insurance limits (coverage amount)
- Premium value, terms, and place of payment
Visitors may be asked to show proof of this policy when checking in for flights, at immigration, or during any border control procedures.
Exemptions to the Rule
While the requirement is broad, certain categories are exempt from the compulsory insurance rule:
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Accredited diplomatic personnel and family members
- Persons entering under international treaties or agreements
- Drivers engaged in international road freight or passenger transport
These exemptions are consistent with international practices that distinguish official or treaty-related travel from general tourism.
Wider Context and Implications
Georgia’s decision reflects a growing global trend of mandating traveller insurance to ensure visitor wellbeing and avoid undue reliance on domestic healthcare systems. With tourism continuing to grow — particularly from countries with visa‑free access — officials say that the requirement both strengthens protection for foreign guests and reinforces the reputation of Georgia as a safe and responsible destination.
Travellers planning visits after the implementation date are advised to confirm insurance compliance before departure, as failure to present appropriate documentation could lead to delays or complications at the border.
By embedding this rule into national tourism legislation, Georgia joins other destinations worldwide seeking to mitigate medical and accident risks while boosting confidence among international travellers.