Georgia travel insurance requirements in 2026: what the law requires

Since January 1, 2026, Georgia requires most foreign visitors to carry health and accident insurance for the duration of their stay. The key point is to separate what the law clearly requires from extra recommendations that may depend on the insurer, the border officer, or the traveler's situation.

What Georgian law requires

In substance, the rule requires:

• health and accident insurance for most foreign visitors entering Georgia
• a minimum insured sum of 30,000 GEL
• cover that remains valid for the whole stay in Georgia
• a policy issued by a Georgian or foreign insurer where legally accepted
• proof that can be presented in a legally acceptable format when requested by border authorities

Certain categories of travelers are exempt under Georgian law.

What this article does not treat as universal legal requirements

This article does not describe the following as universal statutory requirements unless your own policy or provider specifically says so:

• guaranteed evacuation coverage
• guaranteed repatriation coverage
• Georgia being named explicitly in every policy wording in every case
• certified translation always being required
• guaranteed refusal of entry in every case
• a rule that border-purchased policies are always more expensive or always weaker

Practical recommendations from Georgian APPA

Even where the law is broader than some website summaries suggest, these are sensible precautions:

• carry the policy for the full length of stay, including arrival and departure dates
• keep the policy PDF on your phone and offline if possible
• make sure the insured person's name matches the passport
• keep the insurer or assistance contact details accessible
• if your policy is complicated, ask the issuer to confirm in writing that Georgia is covered

What this requirement is not

This is separate from compulsory motor insurance for foreign-registered vehicles. A traveler may need one, the other, or both, depending on how they enter Georgia and what they are bringing with them.

Sources

• Official Georgian notice on mandatory travel insurance at entry
• U.S. Embassy in Georgia notice about the 2026 requirement

This article is general information and not legal advice. Recheck official guidance close to your travel date.