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.
Approved Travel Insurance Providers for Visiting Georgia
When you’re planning a trip to Georgia in 2026, choosing the right travel insurance is more than a nice-to-have — it’s part of entry requirements. Below are three trusted providers that meet both health/accident coverage standards and common traveller needs, from short trips to longer stays. (We may earn a small commission if you book through these insurance links below.)
1. Hey Mondo — Simple, Flexible, and Traveller-Friendly
Who it’s for:
Families, vacationers, and anyone who wants clear coverage without confusing policy language.
Why we recommend them:
Hey Mondo is designed to be easy to understand and customise. You can choose add-ons like personal belongings, trip delays, or higher medical limits, which is great if you’re packing gear or planning active days. Policies are straightforward to purchase and easy to show at the border in English or Georgian.
Highlights:
- Customisable plans
- Strong support team
- Good mix of medical, baggage, and delay coverage
Best choice if: You want solid all-around protection and peace of mind for a holiday or city-to-sea itinerary.
Get a Quote + 5% Discount HERE
2. World Nomads — Adventure-Ready and Globally Trusted
Who it’s for:
Backpackers, adventure travellers, and people planning activities like hiking, cycling, or water sports.
Why we recommend them:
World Nomads is well known in the travel community for covering a wide range of activities that many insurers exclude. Whether you’re trekking in the Caucasus, chasing waterfalls, or hopping between cities, their plans tend to include higher-risk activities without extra add-ons.
Highlights:
- Broad adventure activity coverage
- Easy online purchase and claims
- Trusted by travellers worldwide
Best choice if: You’re doing outdoor activities and want insurance that won’t leave gaps in your coverage.
3. SafetyWing — Great for Long Trips and Nomads
Who it’s for:
Digital nomads, extended travellers, and people spending months abroad.
Why we recommend them:
SafetyWings’ core strength is flexibility. Policies can be bought for a month at a time and renewed easily, making it ideal if your travel dates are open-ended. Their global coverage includes emergency medical and evacuation, and plans often include COVID-related treatment — a strong plus for peace of mind on longer journeys.
Highlights:
- Monthly plans that auto-renew
- Competitive pricing for long stays
- Good medical and evacuation coverage
Best choice if: You’re travelling for several months or living abroad while you explore.
How These Fit Georgia’s Entry Requirements
All three providers offer policies that include health and accident coverage valid for entry into Georgia, provided the policy:
✔ covers your entire stay
✔ is presented in English or Georgian
✔ includes medical and evacuation protection
Make sure you download or screenshot your policy — border officials may ask to see proof before allowing entry.
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 and beyond, 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.
