If Georgia is on the travel list for 2026, UAE residents will need to plan a little more carefully.
Starting 1 January 2026, all tourists travelling to Georgia must carry valid health and accident insurance to enter the country. The rule applies to UAE passport holders and residents who currently enjoy visa-free access to the country.
For Dubai travellers, Georgia has long been a quick escape. Short flights, flexible visas, and affordable stays made it a popular option for long weekends, Eid breaks, and last-minute plans. The destination itself remains unchanged. What’s new is the paperwork.
From next year, travel insurance will be checked at entry. No coverage could mean no entry.
What Exactly Is Changing From January 2026?
Georgia’s new rule is simple but strict.
Tourists must show proof of health and accident insurance that meets specific conditions. The insurance must:
- Cover the full duration of the trip, including arrival and departure days
- Be written in English or Georgian
- Be available in digital or printed form
- Provide minimum coverage of 30,000 Georgian Lari, roughly AED 40,900
Immigration officers may ask for proof on arrival. Travellers should be prepared to show it instantly, just like hotel bookings or return tickets.
Diplomats and freight drivers are exempt from the rule. Regular tourists are not.
Need for Georgia for Making Insurance Compulsory
Travel insurance rules are becoming more common globally. Georgia is following a path already taken by many European and Asian destinations.
The idea is simple. If a tourist needs medical care, emergency treatment, or evacuation, the costs should not fall on the local healthcare system.
For UAE travellers, this makes practical sense. Many visit Georgia for skiing, hiking, or road trips through mountain regions. Accidents happen, especially in winter resorts like Gudauri or Bakuriani.
Insurance ensures tourists can get proper treatment without delays or heavy expenses.
Also check out: UAE Introduces New Worker Health Insurance – Social Kandura
for Dubai and UAE Travellers
For most UAE residents, buying travel insurance is not new.
Anyone travelling to Schengen countries, Turkey, or parts of Asia already does this. Georgia simply joins that list now.
The difference is that Georgia was often chosen for quick, unplanned trips. That’s where travellers need to adjust.
From 2026 onwards, insurance can’t be an afterthought. It needs to be arranged before flying.
Many UAE-based insurance providers offer short-term travel policies that cover 3, 5, or 7 days. These are ideal for Georgia trips. Some premium credit cards also include travel insurance, but travellers should double-check coverage limits and documentation language.
Saving a digital copy on the phone and carrying a printed backup is a smart move.
Georgia Remains a Top Holiday Pick for UAE Residents
Despite the new requirement, Georgia’s popularity is unlikely to drop.
It still offers visa-free access, direct flights from Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, and a climate very different from the UAE. Summers are green and cool. Winters bring snow and ski season. Food is affordable, and cities like Tbilisi have a relaxed, walkable vibe.
Families, couples, and solo travellers from the UAE continue to choose Georgia for its balance of culture, nature, and value.
Travel insurance is a small addition to the checklist, not a dealbreaker.
How This Affects Last-Minute Travel Plans?
Dubai travellers are known for spontaneous holidays. Georgia was perfect for that.
From next year, last-minute trips will still be possible, but insurance must be arranged quickly. The good news is that most policies can be issued online within minutes.
What travellers should avoid is reaching the airport without coverage. Airlines or immigration officers may deny boarding or entry if documents are missing.
This is similar to recent travel updates covered under local news, where destinations are tightening entry rules even for visa-free travellers.
A Quick Checklist Before Flying to Georgia
Before boarding a flight to Georgia in 2026, UAE travellers should make sure they have:
- A valid passport
- Confirmed return ticket
- Hotel booking or accommodation details
- Health and accident travel insurance meeting Georgia’s requirements
Keeping documents organised avoids stress at immigration and makes the arrival smoother.
The Bottom Line for UAE Tourists
Georgia is not becoming difficult to visit. It is simply setting clearer travel rules.
For UAE residents, the message is clear. Travel insurance will be mandatory from January 2026.
Plan ahead, choose the right coverage, and keep documents ready. That’s all it takes.
Georgia remains open, welcoming, and easy to explore. Just better prepared.
Read More:
- 5 Reasons Why Georgia Should Be On Your Eid Holiday List – Social Kandura
- Solo Traveler’s Guide to Dubai: Independent Adventures – Social Kandura
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