Poland Pushes EU to Suspend Visa-Free Access for Georgia
Poland Pushes to Restrict Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Citizens Over Security and Democratic Concerns
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has confirmed that his government is lobbying European Union member states to reconsider Georgia’s visa-free access to the Schengen Area, citing growing concerns over security and democratic backsliding.
Tusk revealed that efforts are underway to build a coalition within the EU to suspend or at least limit the current visa-free regime for Georgian citizens. While acknowledging that many Georgians align with European values, he emphasized the need for urgent action.
"We are building the necessary majority to limit or suspend visa-free travel with Georgia, among others. Yes, this is also my intention, in full knowledge that a third of Georgians are people who would very much like to share our values. But we know what the problem is," Tusk stated.
Not Just Georgia: A Wider Push for Tighter Visa Controls
Tusk made it clear that Georgia is not being singled out. Instead, his stance forms part of a broader effort to tighten visa-free access for all countries that, according to him, fail to meet EU democratic standards or pose a risk to public security.
"It is not just about Georgia. I apologise to Georgians who may feel offended, but in general, I am a strong advocate of restricting visa-free travel from countries which, as in the case of Georgia, no longer respect standards regarding authoritarian governance or from which migration poses a direct threat to law and order in our country or in Europe," he added.
Diplomatic Passport Holders Already Face Restrictions
While Georgian citizens holding regular passports still enjoy visa-free entry to the EU, Georgian diplomatic passport holders have already faced restrictions.
In early 2025, the Council of the European Union partially suspended the visa facilitation agreement with Georgia, specifically targeting diplomatic and service passport holders. Under this suspension, Georgian officials must now apply for a visa, follow standard processing times, and pay the full Schengen visa fee.
Several member states — including Poland, Germany, France, Lithuania, and Estonia — have already implemented the Council's decision.
Background: EU-Georgia Relations Under Strain
These developments come amid heightened scrutiny of Georgia’s domestic political direction, with EU institutions and several member states voicing concerns over democratic governance, rule of law, and alignment with EU standards.
The current visa-free regime for Georgian citizens has been in place since 2017, allowing short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Any suspension or limitation would mark a significant shift in EU-Georgia relations and could impact thousands of travelers.
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