Latvia Reinstates Visa Requirement for Georgian Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders

As of June 17, 2025, Latvia has officially suspended its bilateral visa exemption agreement with Georgia, meaning that Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders are now required to obtain a visa to enter Latvian territory.

The decision, adopted by Latvia’s Cabinet of Ministers, marks a shift in the country’s stance on official travel from Georgia and aligns it with a growing number of Schengen member states taking similar steps.

Latvia Joins Other Schengen States in Tightening Rules

Latvia is not alone in taking this step. A total of 11 EU countries have now either suspended or are preparing to suspend visa-free entry privileges for Georgian diplomatic passport holders. These countries include:

• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Estonia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• The Netherlands
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Sweden

This wave of policy shifts comes amid growing tensions between Georgia’s government and the EU, particularly over democratic backsliding and controversial legislation.

EU: Ordinary Georgian Citizens Will Not Be Affected

Despite restrictions on diplomatic passports, the EU has reassured Georgian citizens that visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders is not under threat.

Speaking to media in Tbilisi, EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski clarified that most EU member states oppose removing visa-free access for regular Georgian citizens.

“We don’t want to make ordinary people pay for the decisions, actions, and legislation enacted by the Georgian authorities,” — EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski

He emphasized that Georgia’s stalled EU integration process is a source of concern, especially compared to progress made by Ukraine and Moldova. He warned that Georgia risks losing its historic chance at EU membership if it continues on its current trajectory.

Poland Leads Calls for Broader Visa Restrictions

Meanwhile, Poland is taking a more hardline stance. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has publicly stated that visa-free travel for all Georgian citizens should be reconsidered, not just for government officials.

“I apologize to Georgians who may feel offended, but I believe we must tighten visa rules for countries whose governments undermine democratic standards or pose a migration threat,” — Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk

He added that Georgia is not the only country being considered for possible visa liberalization rollback, suggesting a broader reevaluation of current Schengen visa-free regimes may be underway.

What Comes Next?

While no changes are expected for Georgian tourists or business travelers, the trend of revoking visa privileges for diplomatic and official passport holders signals a clear message from the EU: continued integration depends on upholding democratic values.

As EU–Georgia relations continue to evolve, both sides are expected to closely monitor policy decisions that may impact travel, cooperation, and future accession talks.