Filipinos urged by Philippine Embassy to secure insurance before Georgia trips

UAE residents planning leisure trips to Georgia are being advised to prepare additional documentation following updated entry conditions that place travel insurance at the center of border checks.

According to an advisory circulated by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, all tourists entering Georgia are now required to carry valid health and accident insurance for the entirety of their stay. The policy may be presented either in printed form or electronically and must be issued in English or Georgian by a local or foreign insurance provider.

Authorities require a minimum insurance coverage of 30,000 Georgian lari, equivalent to about USD 11,153.81. Coverage must be valid from the date of arrival through the date of departure, with no gaps in effectivity during the visit.

Beyond coverage limits, travelers are expected to ensure their insurance documents clearly state key contractual details. These include the parties to the agreement, the geographical scope of coverage, the subject of the insurance, the insured risks, coverage limits, and the full duration of the policy. Payment terms and the stated insurance premium must also be indicated in the policy.

The reminder comes as Georgia continues to be a favored short-haul destination for expatriates living in the UAE, particularly for quick holidays. Its proximity, direct flight options, and comparatively lower travel costs have long made it an accessible alternative to European trips. Many UAE residents are drawn to the country’s cooler climate, mountain landscapes, winter snowfall, historical sites, cuisine, and established wine culture—features that are difficult to experience locally.

Travel demand has also been supported by competitively priced hotels and tour packages marketed in the UAE, alongside strong word-of-mouth recommendations within expatriate communities. While entry has historically been straightforward for UAE residents, travelers are now being urged to review requirements carefully ahead of departure.

Not all travelers are covered by the new insurance mandate. Exemptions apply to holders of diplomatic and special visas, as well as diplomatic, official, service, and special passports. Accredited staff of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and international organizations in Georgia, including their registered family members, are also excluded. Additional exemptions extend to individuals entering under international treaties and agreements, and to drivers involved in international freight and passenger transport.