Imagine arriving in Georgia in 2026 with one extra document added to your travel plans.
From January 1, Georgia will require all foreign tourists to carry health and accident insurance.
Insurance Becomes Mandatory
First, the rule will apply to visitors of every nationality and travel duration.
Border officers will check proof at airports, land crossings, and seaports.
Next, travellers may present insurance digitally or on paper in Georgian or English.
The policy must provide at least 30,000 lari, roughly $11,000.
In addition, the coverage must include emergencies, hospital care, and accident treatment.
Travellers may buy insurance from Georgian or international providers meeting official standards.
Why The Rule Changed
However, authorities warn that missing details may cause entry problems.
Policies must clearly list travel dates, coverage periods, and Georgia as the destination.
Meanwhile, officials emphasise safety rather than tourism restrictions.
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Tourism continues to support a large share of Georgia’s economy.
In recent years, public hospitals have faced growing pressure from uninsured foreign patients.
As a result, medical bills often caused disputes over responsibility and payment.
Therefore, the new rule aims to protect visitors and reduce strain on public healthcare.
At the same time, the law includes several exemptions.
What Travellers To Georgia Should Expect
For example, diplomats and international organisation staff do not need insurance.
Likewise, logistics drivers crossing borders for work remain exempt.
For most tourists, insurance now joins passports, tickets, and visas on travel checklists.
Consequently, officials advise travellers to purchase coverage before departure.
Despite the change, Georgia continues to promote easy access for visitors.
Citizens from over 90 countries can still enter visa-free for up to one year.
Otherwise, travellers can apply through the e-Visa system, often approved within days.
Globally, many countries now link entry to proof of medical coverage.
Finally, Georgia is preparing wider migration reforms beyond tourism.
From March 2026, most foreign workers will need formal work permits.
Even so, Georgia maintains one of the region’s most liberal entry systems.
