EU-Georgia visa-free agreement takes effect

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The European Union’s visa-free travel agreement with Georgia has entered into force.

What does the change mean? Effective immediately, Georgian nationals who hold biometric passports will be able to travel visa-free to Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Implementation time frame: March 28.
• Visas/permits affected: Schengen visa waivers.
• Who is affected: Nationals of Georgia traveling to the Schengen Area.
• Business impact: The visa exemption will ease business travel and promote closer ties between Georgia and the EU.

Background: The European Parliament approved the visa waiver for Georgia last month and the agreement was subsequently finalized. The waiver allows travel by Georgian nationals to all Schengen Area countries, including four Schengen candidate countries of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. It does not cover travel to Ireland or the United Kingdom, which are not part of the Schengen Area. It does cover travel to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, which are part of the Schengen Area but not the EU.

BAL Analysis: Travelers are reminded that the visa waiver is appropriate for business, family and tourist purposes; those conducting work activities, however, must obtain an appropriate work permit.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network partner in Georgia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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