Lithuania Revokes Visa-Free Access for Georgian Diplomats and Officials

Lithuania Imposes Visa Requirements on Georgian Diplomats Following EU Action

Lithuania has become the latest Baltic nation to introduce visa requirements for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders, ending their eligibility for short-term visa-free entry and simplified long-term visa procedures. This move follows similar steps by Estonia and reflects a broader policy shift within the European Union.

According to local reports, the Lithuanian government approved the new policy and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the European Commission and all EU member states within five working days.

EU Suspends Visa Facilitation Agreement with Georgia

This development comes after the Council of the European Union decided on January 27, 2025, to partially suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Georgia, specifically for official and diplomatic passport holders. The suspension was proposed by the European Commission amid rising concerns over governance and democratic standards in Georgia.

“The Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement. This may lead to Georgian diplomats and officials having to apply for a visa when travelling to the EU,”
— Council of the EU

As a result, Georgian officials must now pay the full Schengen visa fee and may need to submit additional documentation, removing the privileges they previously enjoyed.

Estonia Took Similar Action

Estonia implemented comparable restrictions earlier this year. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the policy was a response to the political situation in Georgia, particularly government actions against protesters, journalists, and civil society.

“The international community, including the EU, does not accept the repression of ordinary people... and the silencing of civil society by Georgia’s ruling party, the Georgian Dream,”
— Margus Tsahkna, Estonia’s Foreign Minister

Georgian Government Denounces EU Decision

Georgia has criticized the EU’s move. Foreign Minister Maka Botochorishvili called the decision "politically wrong" and "groundless", arguing that there is no evidence to suggest Georgian diplomats pose a risk to the EU. She added that the suspension of visa privileges goes against European values.

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