EU Official Journal Publishes Regulation on Georgia’s Visa-free Travel

Georgia’s visa-liberalization with the European Union (EU) will be implemented on March 28, after the legislation lifting visa-requirements for Georgia was published in the Official Journal of the EU on March 8.

This means that all Georgians holding biometric passports will be able to enter the Schengen Area, which includes 22 EU member states (excluding Ireland, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria) in addition to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, for 90 days within any 180-day period for vacation, business, or any other purpose except work.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Georgia confirmed the publishing of the regulation on the Georgia-EU visa-free travel by the European Council, saying that, according to the 539/2001 regulation amendment, Georgia has been put on the list of countries able to enjoy visa-free travel within the EU. “The regulation will come into force 20 days after publication,” they added.

“We congratulate each citizen of Georgia on this significant decision. We are glad to see that the Georgian government’s efforts in terms of reforms have resulted in a tangible benefit for Georgia’s population,” the statement of MFA reads.

The ministry explained that visa-free travel will provide Georgia’s citizens with new opportunities, such as travelling to EU countries without obstacle, getting acquainted with these countries and establishing new contacts.

“Visa-free travel will promote tourism development, deepen business ties, and intensify student exchange programs and partnership contacts. All the benefits of visa-free travel will also be available for our citizens living on the occupied territories,” the ministry stated.

Moreover, the MFA said that the result confirms that the EU is devoted to its principles and responds to its partners’ efforts with relevant steps, giving additional stimulus to the Georgian government to continue legislative and institutional reforms.  

“Every single Georgian citizen should take responsibility for his or her own commitments and follow the terms and conditions of visa-free travel thoroughly,” the ministry said.

The EU-Georgia Visa Liberalization Dialogue was launched on June 4, 2012 and the Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP) was presented to the Georgian authorities on February 25, 2013.

After years of effort and hard work from the Georgian government, the European Parliament voted in favor of visa-free travel for Georgian citizens to the Schengen Area at a plenary session on February 2nd.

The regulation was signed on March 1st in Brussels by the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, and the Parliamentary Secretary of Malta, Chris Agius.

Thea Morrison

Photo: Getty Images