Georgia has officially introduced a new entry rule for international visitors, effective January 1, 2026, and if you’re planning a trip this year, you’ll want to be prepared. The change is simple, but important: all tourists must now have valid health and accident insurance covering their entire stay in the country.
This applies to everyone visiting for tourism, including travellers from visa-free countries. It’s a straightforward update, but since border officials will be checking documentation on arrival, or we’ve also had reports of airlines checking prior to boarding flights to Georgia. The main thing is that having the right information ahead of time will make your entry smooth and stress-free.
Why has Georgia introduced this requirement?
Georgia’s tourism industry has expanded rapidly over the past decade, and with millions of travellers arriving each year, ensuring that visitors have access to medical coverage has become part of modernising the country’s border policies. It’s a common standard in many destinations around the world, and Georgia is now aligning with those international norms.
The new regulation doesn’t change how you enter the country — visa-free travel remains in place for over 90 nationalities — but it does mean you’ll need to organise insurance before you fly.
What type of insurance do you need?
The rule is intentionally flexible, but there are a few key requirements:
- Your policy must cover the full duration of your stay in Georgia.
- It must be valid in either English or Georgian so it can be checked at the border.
- You must be able to present the policy — physical or digital — when asked.
There’s no mandated provider, no requirement to buy insurance in Georgia, and no specific price point, as long as the policy meets the minimum health and accident criteria.
Who does this apply to?
Pretty much all tourists. Whether you’re coming from the EU, UK, US, Australia, Gulf countries, or any other visa-free region, the requirement is the same.
A small number of categories, such as diplomats or official delegations, may be exempt — but for the vast majority of holidaymakers, insurance is now part of the entry checklist.
How will this affect your arrival?
If you’ve visited Georgia before, the process will feel familiar. Immigration officers will continue to scan passports as usual — the only difference is that they may ask to see your insurance certificate.
To keep things moving quickly:
- Have a screenshot or PDF ready on your phone.
- Keep a copy in your email or cloud storage as backup.
- Make sure the dates on your insurance match your travel dates.
Travellers who arrive without insurance may be asked to purchase a policy before being allowed through, so it’s far easier (and usually cheaper) to sort it out in advance.
What if you’re already in Georgia?
If you entered the country before January 1, 2026, you aren’t suddenly required to buy insurance mid-trip. The rule applies at the point of entry, not retroactively. But if you plan to leave and re-enter — for example, a quick hop to Armenia or Turkey — you’ll need coverage for your return.
Is this going to affect tourism?
Probably not in any meaningful way. Most travellers already carry insurance, especially given rising global medical costs. For those who don’t, the new rule simply standardises something that’s been recommended for years.
If anything, it offers peace of mind: you’re protected during your trip, and Georgia avoids situations where visitors face emergencies without coverage.
If Georgia is on your travel list for 2026, this new requirement is easy to check off. Secure a basic travel insurance policy before your arrival, keep it accessible, and you’re all set.
The country remains one of the most accessible, welcoming, and affordable destinations in the region — and now, just a little more organised at the border.
