Travellers planning trips to Georgia should be aware of a new requirement: mandatory travel insurance. Starting January 1, 2026, all tourists entering the country will need to possess valid health and accident insurance, as announced by Qatar Airways in a recent travel alert. This new regulation, stemming from Georgian law, aims to protect visitors and ensure access to necessary medical care during their stay.
The change impacts all tourists, regardless of nationality, entering Georgia for leisure or other short-term purposes. Qatar Airways issued the alert to inform passengers booking flights to Georgia through their airline, but the rule applies to all points of entry. The Georgian government has been developing this policy for some time, with the implementation date now firmly set.
Understanding the New Georgia Travel Insurance Requirements
According to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the minimum coverage required for this travel insurance is 30,000 Georgian Lari, which currently equates to approximately 40,000 Qatari Riyal. This substantial coverage level suggests a focus on providing comprehensive protection for potential medical expenses. The policy must be valid for the entirety of the tourist’s stay within Georgia.
Policy Details and Accepted Forms
The insurance policy can be presented in either physical or electronic format. However, it must be written in either Georgian or English to be accepted by border officials. The policy documentation needs to clearly outline key details, including the parties involved in the insurance contract, the geographical coverage area, the specific risks covered, and the start and end dates of validity.
Additionally, the insurance policy must state the total insured amount and the premium paid. These requirements are designed to ensure that the insurance is legitimate and provides adequate financial security for potential healthcare needs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the importance of verifying these details before travelling.
However, certain individuals are exempt from this new regulation. Holders of diplomatic passports and those entering Georgia under the terms of international treaties are not required to obtain insurance. Similarly, drivers involved in international road freight and passenger transport are also excluded from the mandatory insurance requirement, likely due to existing professional liability coverage.
This move by the Georgian government aligns with a growing global trend towards mandatory travel health insurance. Several countries, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, have implemented similar policies to safeguard public health and protect visitors from potentially high medical costs. This also provides a financial safety net for the Georgian healthcare system.
Meanwhile, the implementation of this law could potentially impact tourism numbers in the short term, as some travellers may be deterred by the added expense and administrative burden. However, the long-term benefits of increased traveller security and a more sustainable tourism model are anticipated. The Georgian National Tourism Administration is expected to launch an awareness campaign to educate potential visitors about the new rules.
In contrast to some destinations, Georgia is not currently requiring proof of vaccination for entry, making the insurance requirement a primary health-related consideration for visitors. The country has been actively promoting itself as a tourist destination, particularly for adventure tourism and cultural experiences, and this new regulation is intended to support that growth responsibly.
Looking ahead, travellers should monitor updates from the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their respective airlines for any changes to the policy. The deadline for compliance is January 1, 2026, providing ample time for preparation. It remains to be seen how strictly the insurance requirements will be enforced and whether any adjustments will be made based on initial implementation experiences.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Qatar Airways
