Additional document requirement for Turkish citizens from that country! ID cards will no longer be enough

A new process is coming into effect after the new year for entries between Turkey and Georgia, which have long been possible with just an ID card. The Georgian administration has announced that it has made travel and health insurance mandatory for Turkish citizens entering the country. The regulation will begin to be implemented on January 1, 2026.

DECISION TO POSTPONE AND NEW OBLIGATIONS

The regulation, which was previously approved by the Parliament of Georgia and planned to enter into force on June 1, 2024, was postponed to 2026 due to technical and administrative reasons. According to the new practice, Turkish citizens will continue to enter with an ID card or passport, but these documents will not be sufficient on their own. Everyone coming to the country will be required to present valid travel and health insurance, including for day trips.

BACKGROUND OF THE DECISION: ACCIDENTS AND HEALTH ISSUES

Officials state that the traffic accidents and sudden health problems experienced by Turkish citizens in the region recently are the main reason for the decision. It is stated that these cases, which occurred without insurance, led to high treatment costs and legal disputes between the two countries. It is noted that the new regulation aims to prevent such grievances.

DAY TRIPS ALSO COVERED BY INSURANCE

The regulation also covers passengers making short-term crossings to Batumi via the Hopa-Sarp Border Gate. Thus, a mandatory insurance requirement is introduced even for the shortest visits. It is clearly emphasized that as of January 1, 2026, Turkish citizens who do not have an insurance policy will not be admitted into the country.

Evaluating the issue, Osman Demircioğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hopa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the practice should not be seen as a one-sided difficulty. Demircioğlu said the following:

"Mandatory traffic insurance has been applied for a long time for foreign vehicles entering Turkey. Therefore, Georgia's demand for similar insurance for human entries can be evaluated in terms of reciprocity between the two countries. We would like to remind you that there is a balancing factor at this point. What is important for us is that this process is managed with reasonable and accessible solutions without forcing our citizens. We demand that the implementation be carried out both to ensure safety and without negatively affecting the commercial and social mobility in the region."

News Source: İHA