Georgian Diplomats Lose Visa-Free Travel to Estonia Amid Political Crackdown
Estonia Ends Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Diplomats, Aligning with EU Sanctions
As of May 8, 2025, Estonia has officially revoked visa-free entry for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports, requiring them to apply for a visa before entering the country. The move was confirmed through an official statement by the Estonian government.
This decision follows a broader policy introduced by the European Union, which previously called on member states to individually implement visa requirements for Georgian diplomatic and official passport holders, in response to concerns over democratic backsliding in Georgia.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also noted that the restriction of visa-free travel for all Georgian citizens, including those with biometric passports, is currently under discussion at the EU level.
EU Partially Suspended Visa Facilitation Agreement with Georgia in January
On January 27, 2025, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision to partially suspend the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement for diplomats and official passport holders. The decision, based on a proposal from the European Commission, removed preferential procedures for Georgian officials, including reduced visa fees and simplified documentation requirements.
Under the suspension, Georgian diplomats and officials must now pay the full Schengen visa fee and may be required to submit additional supporting documents for their visa applications.
Georgia Criticizes EU Move as Politically Motivated
In response, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botochorishvili condemned the decision as "groundless" and "politically wrong," arguing that there is no evidence suggesting Georgian officials pose a threat to public order in EU countries. She stated that the move contradicts European values and undermines the relationship between Georgia and the European Union.
Divided EU Response to Georgian Travel Privileges
Several EU and associated countries, including Germany, France, Poland, and Norway, have already implemented the visa requirement for Georgian diplomats. In contrast, Hungary has refused to follow suit. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó emphasized that Georgia’s future should be determined in Tbilisi—not Brussels, signaling a divergence in how EU member states are approaching the issue.
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