Travellers from the United Arab Emirates heading to Georgia will face a new entry requirement from 1 January 2026. Visitors must present evidence of valid health and accident insurance for the duration of their stay, with minimum coverage set at 30,000 Georgian Lari (GEL), roughly Dh40,898.
UAE visitors to Georgia 2026 requirements
The new rule applies to all travellers entering Georgia from the UAE. Authorities have made the insurance requirement mandatory at border control to ensure incoming visitors can cover emergency medical and accident expenses while in the country. Officials advise that the policy should explicitly cover both health care and accident-related costs and remain valid for the full length of the visit.
On arrival, officials may ask to see either a physical copy or a digital version of the insurance certificate. The document should include clear dates of coverage, the insured person’s name, and the level of cover. While Georgian authorities accept policies in English, carrying a translated copy into Georgian may speed up checks at immigration.
Airlines and tour operators working with UAE passengers should remind customers to secure appropriate insurance before departure. Travellers who fail to produce valid coverage risk being denied entry or facing delays at passport control. It is therefore sensible to arrange insurance at the time of booking flights or accommodation, rather than leaving it to the last minute.
Insurance products that meet Georgia’s threshold are widely available from international firms and many UAE-based insurers. Policies designed for outbound travellers typically include emergency medical treatment, repatriation, and cover for accidents. Before purchasing, travellers should confirm with insurers that their plans meet the 30,000 GEL minimum and cover any planned activities, such as skiing or hiking, which may require additional riders.
Tbilisi remains one of Georgia’s most compelling draws. The capital’s old town rewards wandering on foot through narrow streets, courtyards and markets. Visitors can sample local specialities such as khachapuri, the cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, soup-filled dumplings, visit sulphur baths, and take a cable car to fortress viewpoints. These cultural and culinary attractions are frequently cited by travellers as highlights of a Georgian visit.
Practical steps for UAE travellers preparing to visit Georgia:
- Purchase an international travel policy showing at least 30,000 GEL of health and accident cover for the entire stay.
- Carry both digital and printed copies of the insurance certificate and ensure the policy shows the travel dates and the insured name.
- Confirm with your insurer that planned activities are covered and check whether a translation into Georgian is needed.
- Verify any additional entry rules with the Georgian consulate or your airline before travelling.
These changes aim to reduce the financial risk to both visitors and the Georgian health system. They also reflect a broader international trend of requiring visitors to carry adequate travel insurance. UAE travellers planning a trip next year should treat the new rule as mandatory and complete their arrangements well ahead of travel.
Key Takeaways:
- From 1 January 2026, UAE visitors to Georgia must hold health and accident insurance with minimum cover of 30,000 Georgian Lari (GEL).
- Insurance must be valid for the entire stay; travellers should carry proof in Georgian or English and confirm coverage with their insurer.
- Visitors should check visa rules, purchase suitable international travel insurance early, and keep policy documents accessible at arrival.
