Estonia Revokes Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Officials as EU Tightens Policy

Effective May 8, 2025, Estonia has officially ended visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports, requiring them to obtain a visa prior to entry. The decision was confirmed in a formal statement released by the Estonian government.

This move aligns with a broader European Union directive that requires each member state to incorporate the restriction into its national legislation. Estonia’s compliance signals growing concern across the EU regarding recent developments in Georgia, particularly around democratic standards and civil liberties.

EU Reviews Broader Restrictions on Georgian Citizens

Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, indicated that the EU is also evaluating the possibility of revoking visa-free travel for Georgian citizens with biometric passports, which could mark a significant escalation in the bloc’s response to political developments in Georgia.

EU Partially Suspended Visa Facilitation Agreement in January

The policy shift stems from a January 27, 2025, decision by the Council of the European Union to partially suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Georgia. This change specifically affects diplomatic and official passport holders, who are now subject to standard Schengen visa requirements. These include:

• Payment of the full visa fee
• Submission of additional supporting documents
• Longer processing timelines

The decision followed a proposal by the European Commission, and reflects growing EU dissatisfaction with Georgia’s internal policies, particularly concerning governance and rule of law.

Georgia Rejects EU Justification for Visa Restrictions

In response, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botochorishvili condemned the EU’s decision as "groundless" and "politically misguided", asserting that Georgian diplomats do not pose any security or public order threat to EU countries.

She argued that the move contradicts the principles and values that the EU claims to uphold, suggesting it sends the wrong message amid ongoing reforms within Georgia.

Diverging Reactions from EU Member States

Several countries—including Germany, Poland, France, and Norway—have already implemented the suspension, ending visa-free travel privileges for Georgian officials. However, Hungary has taken a different stance, refusing to follow suit.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó publicly stated that “the future of Georgia should be decided in Georgia, not in Brussels”, signaling Budapest’s resistance to EU-wide pressure tactics.