Story perspectives

EU Suspends Visa Privileges for Georgian Diplomats Amid Rights Violations

12/22/2025

Center

Georgia's Visa Suspension

The European Commission announced on December 19, 2025, that it will suspend visa liberalization for Georgian diplomatic passport holders due to violations of democratic commitments.
Under the rules, effective December 30, 2025, the European Union can suspend visa privileges for human rights abuses.
Georgia's government has faced criticism for anti-LGBT legislation and a crackdown on political opposition.
In Gibraltar, a post-Brexit deal will allow unrestricted travel for Britons.

Right

EU Entry Delays

The European Union's new entry/exit system (EES) has caused significant airport delays, including four-hour queues at Geneva.
The EES, effective since October, requires non-EU passport holders to provide fingerprints and photographs upon entry, raising processing times by about 70%.
Airports Council International has urged EU officials to review the system, which applies across Schengen excluding Ireland and Cyprus, and is expected to affect travel next summer.

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Georgia's Visa Suspension

The European Commission announced on December 19, 2025, that it will suspend visa liberalization for Georgian diplomatic passport holders due to violations of democratic commitments.
Under the rules, effective December 30, 2025, the European Union can suspend visa privileges for human rights abuses.
Georgia's government has faced criticism for anti-LGBT legislation and a crackdown on political opposition.
In Gibraltar, a post-Brexit deal will allow unrestricted travel for Britons.

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