Lithuania Ends Visa-Free Access for Georgian Diplomats Following EU Decision

By Staff, Agencies

Lithuania has officially halted visa-free entry for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders, aligning with a January 2025 decision by the EU Council to partially suspend its visa facilitation agreement with Georgia.

Under the new policy, Georgian diplomats, officials and their families must now apply for visas and can no longer benefit from simplified or reduced-cost procedures for short- or long-term travel to Lithuania.

The Lithuanian government confirmed the resolution and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the European Commission and all EU member states within five working days.

This move mirrors similar actions recently taken by Estonia and comes after the European Commission recommended a partial suspension of visa privileges for Georgian officials, citing unspecified concerns.

In response, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botochorishvili strongly criticized the EU Council’s decision, calling it unfounded, politically misguided, and in contradiction to European values. She emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting Georgian diplomats pose any risk to EU nations.