Lithuania has suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials, requiring them to obtain visas before entering the country. This change follows a decision made by the European Union Council in January.
Previously, Georgian diplomats and officials, along with their families, could travel freely within the EU without visas, thanks to an agreement aimed at easing diplomatic travel and strengthening relations between Georgia and EU member states.
Under the new rules, Georgian diplomats and government officials holding diplomatic or service passports must now apply for a visa before entering Lithuania or any other EU country. This marks a significant shift from the earlier policy.
The change also affects their immediate family members, who will no longer benefit from simplified visa application procedures. These expedited and cost-effective processes for long-term stays will no longer be available, making official travel more complicated and expensive for Georgian officials.
