As of January 1, 2026, the requirement for mandatory life and health insurance for foreign citizens visiting Georgia has come into force. This amendment, stipulated in Article 12 of Georgia's “Law on Tourism,” requires tourists entering the country to possess a valid medical and accident insurance policy for the entire duration from entry to exit.
The new regulations are particularly noteworthy for Azerbaijani citizens who frequently visit Georgia. In this context, another point of major interest is how mandatory insurance will affect the decisions of Azerbaijani tourists wishing to visit Georgia, as well as their plans for short-term trips.
It is interesting to consider how the new requirement has currently impacted the tourist flow from Azerbaijan to Georgia. Are any changes observed in the overall demand for visits to Georgia?
In a statement to Modern.az, tourism expert Rahman Guliyev, clarifying these and other questions, stated that a fairly intensive tourist flow from Azerbaijan to Georgia is currently observed.
“As land borders are closed, travel is primarily conducted via air transport. Approximately 3-4 flights are operated daily, facilitating the travel of nearly 500 passengers in total. This category includes not only tourists but also businesspeople, individuals visiting relatives, and students.”
The expert emphasized that, according to the new regulations, the cost of travel insurance for every Azerbaijani citizen entering Georgia is not high:
“For instance, the price of insurance required for a one-week trip ranges approximately between 7-10 manats. I believe this amount will not lead to the cancellation or alteration of travel plans.
On the contrary, travel insurance is an extremely important and beneficial mechanism. In the event of any emergency, accident, or health-related problem in a foreign country, it is possible to benefit from medical services worth up to 10-15 thousand manats free of charge in exchange for an insurance policy costing only 7-10 manats.”
R. Guliyev added that travel insurance has both positive and protective aspects. In the expert's opinion, even if insurance were not mandatory, Azerbaijani citizens should definitely obtain travel insurance when traveling outside the country's borders.
It should be noted that, according to the law, the minimum amount of insurance coverage is 30,000 lari. This means that if a tourist is insured, they will be able to use medical services in Georgia up to 30,000 lari, including treatment, emergency aid, and other necessary medical expenses.
Insurance can be provided by both Georgian and foreign insurance companies. The insurance document must be in electronic or paper form, and drafted in Georgian or English.
Furthermore, medical insurance prices vary according to the scope of the insurance package. According to the information, monthly medical insurance premiums range from approximately 10 US dollars to 50 US dollars.
Travel insurance is considered internationally valid and covers expenses related to sudden illnesses, medication needs, emergency traumatological or surgical interventions during a trip.
