Georgia Introduces Mandatory Health Insurance for All Foreign Tourists

From January 1, 2026, all foreign nationals without exception will be required to have a valid medical and accident insurance policy when entering the territory of Georgia. The new rule applies to all tourists regardless of citizenship, purpose of visit, or length of stay.

The insurance policy must cover the entire period of stay in the country. It may be presented in either electronic or paper form. The document is accepted in English or Georgian and can be issued by either a foreign insurance company or a Georgian insurer.

In the absence of valid insurance, Georgian border authorities are entitled to deny entry or require the traveler to purchase an insurance policy directly at the border crossing. This requirement will apply to all categories of foreign tourists.

Georgian authorities explained that the introduction of mandatory insurance is aimed at increasing traveler safety and reducing the burden on the healthcare system, particularly in cases of emergency medical assistance to foreign citizens.

The new regulation will become part of standard border procedures and will come into force at the beginning of 2026.