MANDATORY INSURANCE FOR TOURISTS ENTERING GEORGIA

14.01.2026

As of 1 January 2026, foreign nationals entering Georgia for tourism purposes are required to have mandatory health and accident insurance. The relevant requirements are established by a Resolution of the Government of Georgia titled “On the Approval of the Rules and Conditions for Mandatory Health and Accident Insurance of Tourists Entering Georgia.”

Below is a summary of the key aspects of the new regulation and its practical implications.

Under the approved rules, a tourist must hold a valid insurance policy covering the entire period of stay in Georgia—from the moment of crossing the state border until departure from the country, but for no longer than one year. The minimum insurance coverage is set at not less than GEL 30,000 and must cover expenses related to medical services and the consequences of accidents.

The insurance policy may be issued in electronic or paper form and must be drafted in Georgian or English. Insurance policies issued by insurance companies registered in Georgia, as well as by foreign insurance providers, are acceptable, provided that such insurers are duly authorized to carry out the relevant insurance activity in accordance with the legislation of their respective jurisdictions.

Compliance with the mandatory insurance requirement is subject to control by an authorized officer of the Patrol Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia at the border crossing point upon crossing the state border. Failure to possess a valid insurance policy may result in refusal of entry.

The mandatory insurance requirement does not apply to holders of diplomatic and official passports, accredited staff of diplomatic missions and international organizations and their family members, as well as to persons whose entry into and stay in Georgia is governed by international treaties of Georgia, including drivers engaged in international freight and passenger transportation.

Practical recommendations

In light of the upcoming changes, it is recommended to:

• arrange health insurance in advance, covering the full intended period of stay in Georgia;
• review policy terms, including territorial scope, coverage limits and insured risks;
• factor in the new requirement when planning business travel of employees and company representatives.

Tour operators and travel agencies should update contractual documentation, informational materials, and client checklists. Companies organizing short-term visits of foreign nationals (including business trips not involving employment activities) should factor the new insurance requirements into planning the entry of employees and counterparties into Georgia.

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REVERA legal team continues to monitor regulatory developments and will provide updates as further clarifications become available.

Authors: Melano Svanidze, Oksana Iashagyan.