Poland Calls for EU to Suspend Visa-Free Travel for Georgia

Poland is leading an initiative within the European Union to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian citizens, citing serious concerns over democratic standards and threats to security. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that his government is actively lobbying other EU member states to build a majority in favor of either limiting or suspending Georgia’s current visa-free status with the bloc.

Tusk: EU Must Act on Democratic Backsliding & Security Threats

In a public statement, Prime Minister Tusk outlined two core reasons behind the move: Georgia’s political shift away from democratic values and security risks posed by irregular migration. While acknowledging that many Georgians still share EU values, Tusk emphasized the urgency of action.

"We are building the necessary majority to limit or suspend visa-free travel with Georgia. Yes, this is also my intention, in the full knowledge that a third of Georgians are people who would very much like to share our values, but we know what the problem is."
— Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland

Not Just Georgia: Wider Review of Visa-Free Access Urged

Tusk clarified that Georgia is not being uniquely targeted. Instead, he advocates for a wider review of visa-free travel regimes, particularly with countries that show signs of authoritarianism or create migration-related risks.

"It is not just about Georgia. I apologise to Georgians who may feel offended, but in general, I am a strong advocate of restricting visa-free travel from countries which, as in the case of Georgia, no longer respect either the standards regarding authoritarian authorities or from which migration poses a direct threat to law and order in our country or in Europe."

EU Already Suspended Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Officials

Although Georgian citizens holding regular passports still enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area, Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders have already faced restrictions. In early 2025, the Council of the EU partially suspended the visa facilitation agreement with Georgia for these categories.

Under the suspension:

• Georgian diplomats must now apply for a visa to enter the EU.
• They must pay full Schengen visa fees and adhere to standard processing times.
• Member states that have enforced this decision include Poland, Germany, France, Lithuania, and Estonia.