11 EU states suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passports

Eleven European Union countries have suspended visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports.

The move was confirmed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, both of whom criticised the decision as a breach of international law.

Speaking to journalists, Papuashvili described the suspension as “a violation of international law” and “a shame for the European Union.” 

“The European Commission's recommendation or decision to suspend visa-free travel for diplomatic and service passports was a violation of international law, and all countries that followed this decision are violating international law.”

According to the online publication Euroscope, the restrictions have been imposed by Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, and Italy. Sweden has had similar restrictions in place since August, while Hungary and Austria have so far maintained visa-free access. There is no confirmed information about Germany or Poland.

Kobakhidze confirmed that he and other Georgian officials have been required to obtain visas to enter some EU countries, describing the measure as “absolutely shameful” but saying Georgia was prepared to comply. He did not specify which country required a visa, though he has recently travelled to Italy and Hungary - the latter openly opposing the restrictions.

The suspension comes amid pro-European protests in Georgia, triggered by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision on 28 November 2024 not to prioritise opening EU accession negotiations in the country’s political agenda for the next four years. The demonstrations, which called for new parliamentary elections and the release of detained protesters, were met with a violent police crackdown in early December.

In response, on 16 December 2024, EU foreign ministers began discussions on restricting visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders, culminating in the decision announced on 27 January 2025.