From 2026 onwards, there will be new entry requirements for travelling to Georgia. The number of items to be prepared in advance, including the mandatory presentation of travel insurance, has increased, making the pre-travel check process even more important.
This article provides a complete checklist for Japanese nationals travelling to Georgia, covering pre-departure, entry and during their stay. Check one thing at a time and prepare for your trip with confidence.
Note that schemes and requirements are subject to change, so it is always advisable to check the official information for the latest information.
Always check before travelling.
Once you have decided to travel to Georgia, you should first organise the following basic information. Depending on the purpose and duration of your trip, the details you need to prepare may vary.
checklist
- Are you clear about the purpose of your trip and the duration of your stay?
- Have you checked the climate and clothing for the time of travel?
- Do you have up-to-date entry information on official information?
- Have you organised your accommodation bookings and contacts?
- Do you have emergency contact details?
Be sure to check official information from the Embassy of Japan in Georgia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially as entry requirements will change from 2026 onwards.
Passport and visa-related checks
Your passport is the basis for travelling abroad. Failure to check expiry dates and blank pages can lead to problems on the day of departure.
checklist
- Whether the validity of the passport adequately covers the period of stay
- Are there enough blank pages left?
- Is the passport in good condition (no damage or soiling)?
- Whether entry is possible according to the conditions of stay (e.g. short stay, long stay).
- If a visa is required, has it been obtained?
Japanese nationals may be able to enter the country without a visa for a short stay, but conditions may differ depending on the duration and purpose of their stay. Check in advance.
Check travel insurance (for the 2026 system).
From 1 January 2026 onwards, you will be required to present travel insurance when entering Georgia. This will be one of the entry requirements, so make sure you have it ready.
checklist
- Do you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses?
- Whether the insurance coverage covers the entire duration of the stay
- Is a certificate of insurance in English available?
- Is the certificate of insurance ready to be presented immediately on a smartphone?
- Do you also have your paper insurance certificate with you just in case?
When using credit card travel insurance, check the coverage and conditions of application in advance and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.
It is important that the insurance certificate is readily accessible as it may be required to be presented at immigration control.
Documents to be prepared for entry into the country.
In addition to your passport and insurance certificate, immigration officials may also ask for information about where you are staying and when you plan to leave the country. Organise this information in advance.
checklist
- Passport (expiry date and blank pages confirmed)
- Certificate of overseas travel insurance (in English, both paper and data)
- Accommodation information (e.g. hotel booking confirmation, accommodation address)
- Information showing planned return or departure (e.g. airline ticket booking confirmation)
- Note of emergency contacts (e.g. Japanese embassy, family members)
It is a good idea to prepare these documents in both paper and digital format. It is recommended that you also bring a paper copy in case your smartphone battery runs out or you have communication problems.
Preparation of money/means of payment
Both cash and cards are used in Georgia. Having more than one means of payment ready will make life easier in the country.
checklist
- Are credit/debit cards ready?
- Have you checked the card's international usage settings?
- Whether the credit limit is sufficient for the length of stay
- Is it based on the assumption that cash and cards are used together?
- Do you have the emergency contact details of your credit card company on file?
- Do they have several diversified means of payment?
Currency can be exchanged into local currency at the airport or at exchange offices in the city. It is common practice to exchange only what you need immediately after arrival and pay the rest by card.
It is advisable to keep your card number and emergency contact details in a separate place in case your card is lost or stolen.
Preparing for telecommunications and internet
Local communication means are needed for a variety of situations, such as map apps, translation apps and emergency contact. Make sure you are ready to use it immediately after arrival.
checklist
- Do you expect to use a local SIM or eSIM?
- Do they have a means of communication immediately after arrival?
- Have you checked the SIM unlocking of your smartphone?
- Do you have an emergency communication plan in place?
- Are you considering Wi-Fi rental or roaming services?
Local SIMs and eSIMs can be purchased from mobile shops at the airport or in the city. It is convenient to buy online in advance so that you can use it as soon as you arrive.
If you have access to communication, you can use map apps to find your way around and translation apps to communicate, making your stay more comfortable.
Living and medical preparedness during the stay
It is possible that you may fall ill or have an emergency during your stay. It is a good idea to have information on medical facilities and how to deal with emergencies in advance.
checklist
- Do they have information on the medical facilities in the area where they are staying?
- Have the emergency response procedures been confirmed in advance?
- Do you have the necessary regular medicines with you?
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition, do you have a medical certificate or prescription in English?
- Do you have the contact details of the Embassy of Japan in Georgia on file?
- Do you have the emergency contact details for your travel insurance?
It is recommended that regular medicines are brought from Japan. It can be difficult to obtain the same medicines locally.
You can also consult the Embassy of Japan in Georgia if you have any problems during your stay. Make sure you have their contact details in advance.
summary
Advance preparation is even more important for travel to Georgia from 2026 onwards, including the mandatory presentation of travel insurance. The checklist presented in this article will help you to prepare without omissions.
Check your passport, insurance certificates, accommodation information, means of payment, communication and medical preparedness one by one as you prepare. By preparing well in advance, you can enjoy your stay in Georgia with peace of mind.
Please note that the system and requirements are subject to change, so always check the latest information from the Embassy of Japan in Georgia and official information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling to Georgia.
We hope that this article will help you prepare for your trip to Georgia.
