Summary of changes to the system
From 1 January 2026, important changes will be made to the requirements for entering Georgia. From this date onwards, foreign nationals entering Georgia will be required to present proof of travel insurance upon entry.
This institutional change is information based on an official announcement by the Embassy of Japan in Georgia. Anyone planning to travel to or stay in Georgia should be aware of these new requirements in advance and make appropriate preparations.
This article is based on the following information published by the Embassy of Japan in Georgia.
Reference information: Embassy of Japan in Georgia (Japanese)
https://www.ge.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_01267.html
Reference information: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia (in Georgian or English).
https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/entering-georgia
Further information on the details of the system and how it operates may be added or updated in the future. It is always advisable to check the latest official information before travelling to the country.
When and who is covered?
This system will enter into force on 1 January 2026. Foreigners entering Georgia after this date are eligible.
As regards the scope of the target group, in principle, it is considered to include all foreign nationals entering Georgia. This may include not only short-term tourist travellers, but also those who plan to stay in the country for a longer period.
However, there are some aspects of the specific operation and exceptions that have not been clearly published at this stage. The following points need to await further official announcements.
Does the length of stay make a difference?
Differences in the treatment of different visa types.
∙ Exceptions due to specific nationalities or conditions.
Additional information on the detailed operation of the system may be released as the enforcement date approaches. It is important for prospective travellers to regularly check information from the Embassy of Japan in Georgia.
What travel insurance is required
For travel insurance that is required to be presented at the point of entry, the basic requirement is considered to be that it covers medical expenses.
However, at present some details are not clearly defined, such as
Is there a set minimum compensation amount?
Specific scope of coverage (e.g. treatment, hospitalisation, rescue costs)
Designations and restrictions on insurers and insurance products.
Handling of credit card supplementary insurance.
When entering the country, you will be asked to present documents proving that you have insurance. Therefore, you must be prepared to present the certificate of subscription or insurance policy issued by your insurance company.
It is advisable to check with your insurance company before you travel to ensure that the content of your policy and the format of the certificate will meet the requirements for entry into Georgia.
It is also possible that the Georgian Government will provide specific criteria for compensation in the future. Please check through official announcements for the latest information.
Anticipated methods of verification at entry into the country.
When entering Georgia, it is expected that you will be asked to show proof of travel insurance coverage at immigration checkpoints at airports and land borders.
Either paper certificates or electronic data (displayed on a smartphone or tablet) may be accepted as the method of presentation. However, there is no clear indication at present as to what specific format is acceptable.
The timing and methods of verification may include the following points
Present at immigration counters.
... may be checked at the same time as the passport.
∙ May be required to write in English or Georgian.
It is also unclear at present whether all entrants will necessarily be checked, or whether checks will be carried out on an extractive basis. However, as long as the system is introduced, it is important to be prepared to respond when asked to present it.
The measures to be taken in the unlikely event that a person is unable to present proof of insurance (e.g. refusal to enter the country, on-the-spot purchase of insurance, etc.) may also be clarified in a future official announcement.
What travellers and prospective visitors should prepare for
If you plan to travel to Georgia after 1 January 2026, we recommend that you make the following preparations
Purchase travel insurance before travelling abroad.
Take out insurance with coverage for medical expenses to ensure that you are covered for the entire duration of your stay.
... provide proof of insurance in English.
Prepare a certificate of enrolment or insurance policy in English to present at immigration. Your insurance company may be able to issue a certificate in English if you ask them to do so.
... both paper and electronic data.
As it is unclear which format will be required, it is a good idea to have both a paper certificate and electronic data stored on a smartphone or other device, if possible.
Check regularly for updates.
The details of the system and its operation may be subject to change and additional information may be released in the future. Before travelling, please check the official website of the Embassy of Japan in Georgia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas safety information.
Check with your insurance company.
It is advisable to check directly with the insurance company to ensure that the insurance policy you are considering purchasing covers the requirements for entry into Georgia.
By making these preparations in advance, you can avoid problems at entry and start your stay in Georgia with peace of mind.
summary
From 1 January 2026 onwards, when entering Georgia, it will be necessary to present proof of travel insurance. This change in the system makes it important for those planning to travel to Georgia to have the appropriate insurance and proof in advance.
At present, some aspects of the specific coverage and details of how the insurance is verified are not clearly defined. Further information on how the system operates may be added or supplemented in the future.
If you are planning to travel to Georgia, be sure to check official information from the Embassy of Japan in Georgia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling and prepare according to the latest requirements.
With proper preparation, you can avoid problems at the point of entry and enjoy your stay in Georgia with peace of mind.
