Until the end of 2025, travel insurance for Georgia was a recommendation; since 1 January 2026 it has been an entry requirement. Under Georgia’s Law on Tourism and Government Resolution No. 602, every foreign tourist must hold a valid health and accident insurance policy for their entire stay, even if they enter without a visa. This change directly affects travellers from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, since Georgia is one of their most popular summer destinations. This guide explains what your policy must cover, what border officers check, and how to choose a suitable policy without paying more than you need to.
Mandatory insurance requirements for entering Georgia
The Georgian government has set the minimum a policy must meet:
- Cover: at least 30,000 Georgian lari, for medical expenses and the consequences of accidents.
- Duration: the entire stay in Georgia, including the day of arrival and the day of departure.
- Territorial scope: the policy must explicitly name Georgia.
- Language: English or Georgian.
- Format: a printed or electronic copy is accepted.
- Details: the insured person’s name, the insurer, the scope, the duration and the cover amount.
Note that a Schengen policy or a policy issued for another country is not enough if it does not include Georgia in its scope, even if its cover is higher than required.
Does the requirement apply to travellers from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf?
Yes. The requirement is linked to entering as a tourist, not to the visa. It applies to Saudi citizens who enter Georgia visa-free, to Gulf residents who enter with a visa or on the basis of an eligible residence permit, and to children as well. Exemptions cover specific groups, such as holders of Georgian residence permits. Visa-free entry rules themselves vary by nationality, so check them on the website of the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel.
What do border officers check?
The passport officer at Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi airport may ask you to show the policy, and checks three things: that the dates cover your stay, that Georgia is named in the scope, and that the cover amount is not below the minimum. So:
- Keep a PDF on your phone and a printed copy with your passport.
- Make the policy start on your arrival day and end one day after your departure day, in case of flight delays.
- If you are travelling with your family, make sure every member’s name appears on a policy in their name or on the family policy.
What the policy covers and what it doesn’t
| Usually covers | Usually does not cover |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical treatment and prescribed medicines | Chronic conditions that existed before travel |
| Hospital treatment | Planned treatment and routine check-ups |
| Accident injuries | Trip cancellation or flight delays |
| Repatriation for medical reasons | Dangerous sports unless specified |
Most policies, including Georgian ones, do not cover the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If you will drive a rental car or ski in Gudauri or Bakuriani, make sure these activities are included in your policy before you travel.
Individual and family insurance
Every traveller, including children and infants, needs cover in their own name. You can issue a policy for each person, or a family policy showing each traveller’s name and date of birth. A separate policy for each person is easier at inspection, especially if the family is split up in the passport queue. Details for children are in our guide to travel insurance for children.
How to choose a suitable policy at the lowest cost
The amount required in Georgia (30,000 lari) is much lower than Schengen cover, so you don’t need an expensive policy for a normal trip. Choose your actual trip length instead of a full month, a scope that includes Georgia, and read the deductible if there is one. If Georgia is part of a trip that includes Turkey or Armenia, one policy covering all three countries is cheaper than three policies.
The insurer issuing the policy
Policies are issued by Atlas, AXA and Allianz, among the best-known insurers in the world. Travelosca is an intermediary that prepares the policy and sends it to you; cover and claims are handled directly with the insurer through the emergency number on the policy. You can verify the policy by contacting the insurer with the policy number and the insured person’s name.
Order your Georgia travel insurance online. A policy in English naming Georgia in its scope, with cover above the minimum, usually delivered to your inbox within hours. Write “Georgia” and your arrival and departure dates in the notes.
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance mandatory for entering Georgia?
Yes, since 1 January 2026 for all foreign tourists, with cover of at least 30,000 Georgian lari for the whole stay.
Is a copy of the insurance on my phone enough?
Yes. An electronic policy in English or Georgian is accepted, but it is best to carry a printed copy as a backup.
Does the insurance cover trip cancellation or flight delays?
No. The required insurance covers treatment and accidents only.
Can I extend the insurance if I stay longer?
Yes. Contact us through our contact page before your current policy ends, and we will issue a policy that continues from it, as the insurance must cover every day of your stay.
Does the insurance include medical evacuation to my home country?
Yes. Policies include repatriation for medical reasons within the cover limits stated in the policy.
Sources
- Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – announcement on mandatory insurance for tourists
- Georgia’s Law on Tourism (Article 12) and Government Resolution No. 602
- Georgian National Tourism Administration
