EU Suspends Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Diplomatic Passport Holders Under New Mechanism

2026-02-11 - 11:47

European Union member states voted in favor of suspending visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports, RFE/RL Europe editor Rikard Jozwiak reported on X on February 11, adding that only Hungary and Slovakia opposed the decision. According to Jozwiak, the suspension is set to take effect in “early March.” The new suspension of visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders follows a new legal mechanism that ensures it applies across all EU member states. Last year’s suspension, by contrast, had to be implemented individually by each country. Under the new rules, the visa-free regime may be extended to the wider Georgian population in the future. The suspension applies to diplomatic passports but not individuals. Georgian officials also hold regular passports, which continue to benefit from visa-free travel to the EU. The move comes amid worsening relations between Tbilisi and Brussels, which criticizes what it sees as the Georgian Dream government’s anti-democratic and authoritarian actions. The European Commission warned Georgia in July to meet eight reform conditions by August, including repealing repressive laws targeting civil society organizations and minority groups, and aligning with EU visa policy. Tbilisi’s response reportedly failed to address major concerns. Georgian Dream officials have repeatedly accused Brussels of using the visa-free regime as a “blackmail tool.” Also Read: 22/01/2026 – EU Commission Launches Procedure to Suspend Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Diplomatic Passports 19/12/2025 – Georgia Could Lose Visa Free ‘Entirely’, EU Commission’s Visa Report Warns 04/11/2025 – Georgia ‘Candidate Country in Name Only’ – EU Commission Adopts 2025 Enlargement Package 17/07/2025 – Kobakhidze Says Visa-Free Travel “Not Existential” as Brussels Warns of Suspension