Georgia now requires health & accident insurance for every tourist

Since 1 January 2026, every tourist entering Georgia must carry a valid health and accident insurance policy — regardless of nationality or visa-free eligibility. This is a separate requirement from Georgia's visa rules, so travellers who don't need a visa still need insurance.

What changed

The obligation was already written into Georgia's Law on Tourism (Article 12), but had no enforcement mechanism. Government Decree No. 602, in force since 1 January 2026, spells out exactly what a compliant policy must look like. The rule was originally slated for June 2025 and was pushed back to this date.

What the policy must include

• Minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL (roughly USD 11,000 / EUR 10,000)
• Cover for both medical treatment and accident-related expenses
• Valid for the entire stay, from the day of arrival to the day of departure
• Presented in paper or electronic form, in Georgian or English
• Issued by a Georgian or foreign insurance company — there's no requirement to buy a Georgian policy

Who is exempt

Accredited staff of diplomatic missions, consular posts and international organisations (and their accredited family members), people covered by an international treaty Georgia has signed, and drivers doing international freight or passenger transport.

How strictly is it enforced?

Reports are mixed. Some travellers say passport control in Tbilisi and at land borders from Armenia didn't ask for proof; others were questioned. There's no clearly published fixed fine for an ordinary tourist arriving without a policy, but consequences can include delays, being told to buy a policy on the spot (typically 30–40% pricier and with fewer options than buying online in advance), or in principle being refused entry. Given the inconsistency, the safe move is simply to travel with proof either way.

Does this change who needs a visa?

No. Georgia's visa-free arrangements are untouched — EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian and Japanese passport holders, among others, can still enter without a visa (with generous stay allowances for several nationalities). The insurance rule sits alongside visa status, not inside it.