AZAL warns: Medical insurance required for entry into Georgia

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has issued an advisory to passengers that, starting January 1, 2026, all foreign nationals entering Georgia will be required to hold a valid medical insurance policy covering the entirety of their stay.

The requirement applies to travelers entering Georgia for tourism, business, or transit purposes, Caliber.Az reports, citing airline’s press service.

“The national carrier of Azerbaijan, AZAL, advises passengers planning trips to Georgia on or after January 1, 2026, to take the new requirements into account when preparing for their journey and to secure medical insurance prior to departure,” the airline stated.

Under the new regulations, foreign nationals must obtain a medical and accident insurance policy valid for the full duration of their stay in Georgia, from the date of entry to the date of departure. The minimum coverage must be 30,000 Georgian lari (approximately $11,170 USD).

Mandatory details that the policy must include are:

• Parties to the insurance contract
  
  

• Territory covered by the insurance
  
  

• Subject matter of the insurance
  
  

• Commencement and expiration dates of coverage
  
  

• Insured risks
  
  

• Insurance coverage limits
  
  

• Insurance premium amount
  
  

• Place and terms of payment
  
  

AZAL emphasized that this new requirement is being introduced in accordance with Georgia’s Law on Tourism. The Government of Georgia’s decree, titled “On Approval of the Rules and Conditions for Mandatory Health and Accident Insurance for Tourists Entering Georgia,” will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.

By Vafa Guliyeva