Starting June 1, New 'Surprise' for Those Traveling to Georgia: Significant Fines Expected
The newspaper "Pahst" reports that starting June 1, 2024, it will be mandatory for foreigners to have life and health insurance in Georgia. This insurance will ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and coverage for accidents for tourists. In other words, any foreigner wishing to travel to Georgia, regardless of the purpose of the visit, will be required to have this insurance.
Failure to comply will result in a fine of 300 Lari (approximately 46,000 Armenian Drams) for each uninsured person. This law was passed by the Georgian parliament at the end of last year. With just a month and a half remaining before its implementation, it is noteworthy that our relevant authorities have not yet rushed to properly inform the public. However, timely notifications are crucial, particularly considering how many citizens from Armenia travel to Georgia in the summer.
Statistics show that in 2023 alone, this number reached approximately 900,000. It is worth noting that insurance companies have always offered such insurance packages for various countries, including Georgia. However, given that this requirement is becoming mandatory in Georgia, these companies should also demonstrate increased activity in informing our citizens and explaining what steps they need to take before traveling.