EU May Revoke Visa-Free Access for Georgians Over Democracy Issues

As someone with over 7 years of experience in the visa services industry, I was concerned when I heard recent reports that the European Union (EU) may revoke visa-free access for Georgian citizens. This development stems from the EU’s growing concerns about the state of democracy in Georgia. In this article, I aim to provide insights into what this means for Georgian travelers and the potential implications of this situation.

The Significance of Visa-Free Access for Georgia

Georgia was granted visa-free access to the EU’s Schengen Area in 2017 after years of negotiations. This was a major achievement for the country, representing stronger ties with Europe. Georgian citizens were allowed to travel freely across most EU countries for short stays, opening doors for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.

However, this visa-free regime came with the understanding that Georgia would continue making democratic progress and combat corruption. The EU uses visa-free access as a way to encourage reforms in neighboring countries, and Georgia was no exception.

Concerns Over Georgia’s Democratic Backslide

In recent years, there has been increasing concern about a democratic backslide in Georgia, particularly under the rule of the Georgian Dream party. The EU has pointed to several worrying issues, including:

• Declining media freedom
• Political influence over the judiciary
• Failure to implement promised electoral reforms 

These concerns are not new. In both 2019 and 2021, large-scale protests erupted, highlighting how divided and polarized politics had become in Georgia.

In response, the EU has issued warnings to Georgia about the potential consequences if democratic reforms are not upheld. However, the Georgian government has defended its record, arguing that progress is still being made, leading to a stalemate between the two parties.

EU’s Potential Suspension of Visa-Free Access

Recently, the European Commission recommended suspending Georgia’s visa-free access for 12 months unless urgent reforms are implemented, particularly in relation to the appointment of Supreme Court judges. This decision could take effect as early as this summer if Georgia fails to meet the EU’s demands.

As an expert in visa services, I understand the serious nature of this threat. Visa-free access is not a permanent right; it is conditional upon the country’s adherence to democratic principles. If Georgia does not act quickly, EU member states could vote to suspend the visa exemptions.

This would not be the first time the EU has taken such action. Similar steps were taken against other Eastern Partnership countries, such as Ukraine in 2021, when it faced similar scrutiny.

The Impact of Reintroducing Visa Requirements

If visa requirements are reintroduced for Georgian citizens, it would have far-reaching consequences. Here’s how it could impact travelers:

• Added Costs: Georgians would need to pay for visa applications, which would increase travel expenses.
• More Paperwork: The process of gathering documents like bank statements, travel itineraries, and accommodation details would become mandatory again.
• Longer Processing Times: Visa approval processes can take weeks, making spontaneous trips difficult.
• Uncertainty: Visa approval is not guaranteed, which could disrupt planned business trips, holidays, or study abroad programs.

Based on my experience, a suspension of visa-free travel would likely lead to a significant decrease in the number of Georgians traveling to the EU. The hassle of obtaining a visa adds an additional layer of complexity that many travelers prefer to avoid. At a time when Georgia is looking to boost its economy and strengthen European integration, this could be a major setback.

What Georgian Citizens Should Do to Prepare

Given the uncertainty surrounding visa-free travel, it’s important for Georgian citizens to be proactive. Here are some recommendations:

1. Stay Updated on Visa Requirements

Keep a close eye on any news or announcements regarding visa-free travel to the EU. Be aware of the latest developments so you can adjust your travel plans accordingly.

2. Check Your Passport Expiration Date

If visas become necessary again, make sure your passport is valid. Many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel.

3. Gather Supporting Documents Early

Start preparing the documents you might need for a visa application, such as proof of employment, travel plans, financial statements, and accommodation bookings. Each EU country may have slightly different requirements, so check the specific guidelines of the country you plan to visit.

 4. Apply for Visas Now if You Have Upcoming Travel

If you have urgent business or personal travel to the EU, consider applying for a visa now, even if the visa-free regime is still in place. Processing times can be long, and securing a visa in advance can prevent last-minute disruptions.

5. Postpone Non-Essential Travel

If your travel plans are flexible, it may be worth postponing non-essential trips to the EU until the situation becomes clearer. Waiting until the new requirements are well-defined may reduce the risk of complications.

Conclusion: Hope for the Future

While losing visa-free access would be a setback for Georgian citizens, I remain optimistic that Georgia can take the necessary steps to safeguard its democratic values and retain this privilege. The ball is now in Georgia’s court to make meaningful reforms and strengthen its standing with the EU.

In the meantime, it’s important for Georgian travelers to stay informed, be prepared, and seek guidance from visa professionals as needed. By staying proactive, you can minimize the impact of any potential changes and continue to enjoy the opportunities that travel to Europe offers.