Introduction: Discover Georgia
Nestled at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia is a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the historic streets of Tbilisi to the beaches of Batumi and the majestic peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia attracts thousands of tourists each year. Alongside its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the country is taking steps to ensure a safer and more regulated tourism environment for visitors.
The Law on Tourism: Setting the Framework
The Law of Georgia “On Tourism” establishes the legal framework for tourism in the country. It defines the state’s tourism policy, regulates tourism activities, and sets the roles and responsibilities of tourism service providers. The law also specifies:
- The rights and guarantees of tourists as consumers
- Contractual relationships for tourism services
- Functions and obligations of state and local authorities in the tourism sector
- Mechanisms for cooperation between public and private sectors
- Tourist safety and other related matters
Under this law, a tourist is defined as someone who enters Georgia for business, leisure, or other personal purposes, stays for at least one night, and remains in the country for no longer than one year. Importantly, this definition excludes individuals employed by institutions operating in Georgia.
Who is affected?
- The mandatory insurance requirement applies to foreign tourists visiting Georgia.
- It does not apply to employees of Georgian enterprises working in Georgia or to directors of companies established in Georgia.
Mandatory Health Insurance: A New Requirement
Starting January 1, 2026, a new requirement has been added to the Law on Tourism: all foreign tourists entering Georgia must have mandatory health and accident insurance. This requirement is codified in Article 12 of the law:
“A tourist entering Georgia must have mandatory health and accident insurance”
For the purposes of the law, a tourist is someone traveling for business, leisure, or personal reasons, staying at least one night, and not exceeding a one-year period in the country, excluding employment at a local institution.
Government Decree №602: Rules and Standards
The Government of Georgia, Decree №602, dated December 26, 2025, establishes the rules and conditions for mandatory health and accident insurance for foreign tourists in Georgia. Key points of the decree include:
Scope of Application
- Applies to all foreign tourists entering Georgia.
Exemptions:
- Holders of diplomatic or special visas
- Holders of diplomatic, official, service, or special passports
- Accredited staff of diplomatic missions, consulates, international organizations, and their families
- Individuals entering under international agreements or contracts
- Drivers involved in international freight and passenger transport
Definitions
- Insurance Organization: A Georgian or foreign insurance company authorized to provide health and accident insurance
- Insured: The tourist covered by the mandatory insurance
- Insurance Policy: A document (material or electronic) confirming the health and accident coverage, including the parties, coverage area, insured events, start and end dates, insurance risks, insured sum (limits), and payment details
- Insured Sum: The maximum amount the insurance organization is liable for
- Insurance Period: From the tourist’s entry into Georgia until departure, not exceeding one year.
General Requirements
- Tourists must have at least the minimum policy issued by a Georgian or foreign insurance company
- Coverage must be maintained for the entire stay in Georgia
- Border authorities are authorized to verify the possession of the insurance policy at entry points
Coverage Requirements
- The minimum insured sum must be at least 30,000 GEL
- The policy may be issued in material or electronic form, in Georgian or English
Conclusion
With this new requirement, Georgia ensures that foreign tourists are protected in case of health emergencies or accidents while visiting the country. This measure reflects the government’s commitment to tourist safety, legal clarity, and the promotion of a secure tourism environment.
Travelers planning a trip to Georgia in 2026 or later should ensure that their health and accident insurance complies with Article 12 of the Law on Tourism and Decree №602. For professional legal advice, contact our team through a private message.
