Last Updated: December 2025
Travel Insurance for Georgia – Mandatory Entry Requirement (From 1 January 2026)
Effective January 1, 2026: The Government of Georgia strictly enforces new tourism regulations. All international visitors must hold valid health and accident insurance for the entire duration of their stay. You may be required to present this document at Passport Control.
Short answer: Yes, travel insurance is now mandatory for almost all visitors to Georgia. On this page you will find:
- official minimum coverage limits for entry
- information about fines and border checks
- how to cover skiing, trekking and other adventure sports
- a recommended insurance policy that meets the new rules
- alternatives, FAQs and practical tips for your trip
1. Is Insurance Mandatory for Me?
YES. There are no general exceptions. This rule applies to every tourist entering the country. It does not matter which country you are travelling from or what type of passport you hold — valid coverage is required by law.
- Strict Border Control: Border officers can verify your insurance in the system or ask for a paper/digital copy. Without it, you may be denied entry.
- Full Duration: The policy must be valid from the moment you land until the moment you depart.
2. Official Requirements: What Must Be Covered?
To comply with official entry regulations, your insurance policy must explicitly meet these mandatory financial limits:
| Coverage Type | Description | Min. Limit (USD) | Min. Limit (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outpatient Care | Emergency Doctor Visits & Medicine | $5,000 | ~ €4,700 |
| Inpatient Treatment | Hospital Stay & Surgeries | $30,000 | ~ €28,500 |
| Adventure Add-on | Required for Sports (See list below) | Mandatory | Mandatory |
Friendly Tip: Ensure your policy clearly covers "accident, trauma, sudden illness, and medical repatriation" (flying you home in an emergency).
3. The Fines: Financial Penalties
Failure to present valid insurance inside the country may lead to the following penalties:
- Standard Fine: 300 GEL (approx. $110 USD) for the first violation.
- Late Payment: Unpaid fines multiply. If not paid within 30 days, the fine may increase to 900 GEL.
- Deportation Risk: Repeated violations can lead to deportation and a ban on future entry to Georgia.
4. Critical: Sports & Activities Coverage
Important: Most standard or "basic" travel insurance policies EXCLUDE sports. If you plan to do ANY of the following activities, you must usually buy an extra "Adventure Sports" add-on.
Planning an adventure? Check our official guides to prepare for your trip:
Warning: If you get injured doing these activities without the specific "Sports" add-on, the insurance company will likely reject your claim, and you will have to pay 100% of the hospital bills yourself.
Other Ways to Buy Insurance
1. Local Providers (Your Home Country):
You can buy from insurance companies in your home country.
Requirement: The policy document MUST be in English (or Georgian) and clearly state the required minimum limit.
2. On Arrival (Airports & Land Borders):
You can buy insurance at entry points like Tbilisi Airport or land borders.
Warning: This takes time (queues), coverage options are very limited (often NO sports coverage), and prices are usually 30–40% higher than online. We strongly advise arriving prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions about Georgia Travel Insurance (2026 Rules)
Is travel insurance mandatory for tourists in Georgia in 2026?
Yes. From 1 January 2026 travel insurance is a legal entry requirement for Georgia.
You must have valid health and accident insurance covering your entire stay in Georgia. Border officers may ask to see your policy at Passport Control. If you cannot show proof of insurance, you can be refused entry.
Do children also need travel insurance for Georgia?
Yes. The insurance rule applies to every traveller, including babies and children.
With SafetyWing, children older than 14 days and younger than 10 years can often be added to a parent’s policy (according to SafetyWing’s own rules). Always check the policy wording before you buy.
Does my home insurance or credit card insurance count in Georgia?
Maybe, but only if it clearly includes international medical coverage for Georgia.
- Many home and card policies cover trip delay or luggage only, but not hospital treatment abroad.
- Immigration officers check that you have valid medical insurance for Georgia, not just any card.
To avoid problems at the border, we recommend a dedicated Georgia travel insurance policy with clear medical limits.
Can I buy insurance at the border or airport upon arrival?
Yes, but it is NOT recommended.
There are bank kiosks at major entry points (Tbilisi/Kutaisi/Batumi airports and Sarpi/Larsi land borders). However, rely on this only as a last resort because:
- Long waiting time: queues can take over an hour during busy arrivals.
- Limited coverage: policies sold at the border are usually basic and often exclude activities such as skiing, horse riding or paragliding.
- Higher price: costs are typically 30–40% higher than buying online in advance.
Do I need insurance for a transit or layover in Georgia?
- Transit zone only: if you stay inside the International Transit Zone and do not pass Passport Control, you generally do not need Georgian insurance.
- Leaving the airport / driving through Georgia: if you pass Passport Control to visit Tbilisi (even for a few hours) or you transit by car through Georgia to another country, you must have valid insurance for your time on Georgian territory.
How much does insurance cost for Georgia?
Prices depend on your age and the plan you choose. For example, SafetyWing costs (as of late 2025):
- Ages 10–39, Essential plan: around $56.28 USD per 4 weeks.
- Ages 18–39, Complete plan: around $161.50 USD per 4 weeks.
Exact prices may change over time and are higher for older travellers.
What is included in health coverage?
Example: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential plan.
- Hospital & doctor visits
- Ambulance & emergency transport
- Medical evacuation
- Prescription drugs
- Emergency dental (pain relief)
- COVID-19 treatment (subject to terms)
- Physical therapy / chiropractor
Always read the official policy wording for full details and limits.
What is included in travel coverage (luggage, delays, etc.)?
Example: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential plan.
- Lost checked luggage: up to $3,000 (max $500 per item).
- Trip interruption: up to $5,000 for a ticket home.
- Travel delay: up to $100 per day (after a 12-hour delay, up to 2 days).
- Evacuation from local unrest: up to $10,000 lifetime maximum.
- Natural disaster accommodation: up to $100 per day, for 5 days.
Which sports and activities are covered in Georgia?
Coverage always depends on the exact policy you buy. Different travel insurance companies use different rules. Always read the most recent policy wording.
Lower-risk activities often covered as standard (e.g. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance): moderate hiking at lower altitude, recreational cycling, gentle kayaking, yoga classes, zip-lining in organised parks, horse riding with a guide, and resort skiing/snowboarding on marked pistes.
Higher-risk activities in Georgia, such as paragliding, quad biking (ATV), white-water rafting, heli-skiing, off-piste skiing, rock climbing and mountaineering, often need a separate Adventure Sports add-on.
Which clinics and hospitals can I use in Georgia?
You can use any licensed medical facility that is able to issue proper invoices and medical reports.
For a list of trusted hospitals and English-speaking doctors with real reviews, check the SafetyWing Care Map:
Dog bites & rabies: what should I do in Georgia?
Rabies exists in Georgia. Even dogs with ear tags may not be fully safe. If you are bitten or scratched:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
- Go as soon as possible to a clinic that provides rabies vaccination and treatment.
For example: Center for Immunization, 10a Tashkent St, Tbilisi.
Is it covered? Emergency rabies treatment is usually covered by international travel insurance plans, including SafetyWing, when medically necessary and within policy limits.
Emergency hotlines & clinics in Georgia (save this!)
Dial 112 for all emergencies (ambulance, police, fire).
If you need a hospital, major cities have excellent facilities, for example:
- Tbilisi: American Medical Centers (AMC), MediClub Georgia and other private clinics.
- Payment: Most hospitals require payment upfront unless your insurance provider guarantees payment via their hotline or assistance company.
How to pass Georgia Border Control smoothly & avoid rejection?
Don't give Immigration Officers a reason to say "No".
Border control at Tbilisi and Kutaisi Airports is strict. Missing or unclear paperwork regarding the new 2026 Mandatory Insurance Law is a common reason for questioning or denied entry. You need a policy that is instantly recognized by Georgian authorities.
We recommend SafetyWing because it provides the official proof officers look for:
- Official Visa Letter: You get an instant PDF to show at Passport Control.
- Fully Compliant: It meets Georgia's $30,000 USD requirement.
- Family Friendly: One child per adult (14 days-10 years) is included free.
Instant download. Don't fly without it.