Georgia tightens rules. Important changes for travelers

From January 1, 2026, tourists entering Georgia will be required to have compulsory health and accident insurance (NNW), informed the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Georgia. As emphasized, failure to do so may result in consequences, including financial penalties.

The Polish embassy in this country informed in a press release about the requirement for tourists entering Georgia to have insurance.

“We would like to inform you that from January 1, 2026, there is a requirement for tourists entering Georgia to have compulsory health insurance and accident insurance, regarding a minimum insurance amount of at least GEL 30,000 (Lari – PAP note), valid throughout the entire period of the tourist's stay in Georgia,” we read.

The insurance – as emphasized – should be written in English or Georgian. “The lack of compulsory health insurance may result in unpleasant consequences, including financial penalties,” it was noted.

The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that – due to continuing demonstrations and clashes between pro-European forces and the police in larger cities of Georgia, as well as the unpredictability of potential directions of further development of the security situation and the high risk of further escalation – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends extreme caution until the situation normalizes.

The ministry – as we read – advises against all travel to the occupied territories of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region (South Ossetia).

“In particular, we advise against attempts to enter Georgia from the territory of the Russian Federation through Abkhazia or South Ossetia. According to Georgian law, entering the country from these territories is illegal and is punishable by imprisonment or a fine. At the same time, we strongly advise against crossing the administrative lines of separatist territories from areas controlled by the Georgian authorities. There is no guarantee of safety when crossing these lines,” it said.

As the ministry emphasized, it is impossible to perform consular functions in the occupied territories of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region. “Georgia does not recognize the authorities of these territories. There are restrictions on the consul's entry. It is also not possible to call telephones in Abkhazia and South Ossetia from Georgia,” we read. (PAP)

ab/sdd/