Insurance of 30,000 GEL is a legal entry condition since January 2026, not just a good idea. Tap water is safe in Tbilisi and the mountains, and private hospitals in Tbilisi have English-speaking staff.
- Your insurance is now an entry document - at least 30,000 GEL of health and accident cover, valid for the whole stay, since 1 January 2026.
- No vaccinations are required, and there is no malaria or dengue anywhere in Georgia.
- Tap water is safe and genuinely good in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and the mountains. In Batumi most visitors stick to bottled because of variable coastal plumbing.
- Private hospitals in Tbilisi and Batumi have English-speaking staff - MediClubGeorgia, American Hospital Tbilisi and Evexi are where visitors are usually directed.
- Georgia restricts more medicines than you would expect. Anything with codeine, tramadol, pseudoephedrine or a psychotropic agent needs a certified prescription translated into English or Georgian.
Your insurance is now an entry document. Since 1 January 2026 every tourist must hold health and accident cover of at least 30,000 GEL valid for the whole stay. Have the certificate on your phone alongside your booking.
- No vaccinations are required. Keep tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, and MMR current.
- No malaria and no dengue anywhere in Georgia.
- Tap water is safe in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and the mountain areas, and it is genuinely good. In Batumi, most visitors stick to bottled water because of variable coastal plumbing.
- Food and ice in licensed urban restaurants are reliable.
Hospitals and pharmacies
- Private hospitals in Tbilisi and Batumi have English-speaking staff and modern facilities: MediClubGeorgia, American Hospital Tbilisi and Evexi are the ones foreign visitors are usually directed to. Regional public hospitals have older infrastructure and limited English.
- Pharmacy chains are everywhere: PSP, Aversi, Pharmadepot and GPC all sell paracetamol and ibuprofen over the counter.
Bringing your own medication
Georgia restricts more than you would expect. Medicines containing codeine, tramadol, pseudoephedrine or any psychotropic agent are tightly controlled. Bringing them in without a certified doctor's prescription translated into English or Georgian can lead to detention at customs and criminal prosecution. Pack the paperwork with the pills, not in the hold.
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