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Czech authorities implement visa restrictions for Georgian government officials

Czech Authorities resort to Visa Restrictions for Georgian Diplomatic and Business Passport Holders, as announced by the Czech Foreign Minister

Visa requirements now compulsory for Georgian government officials in the Czech Republic
Visa requirements now compulsory for Georgian government officials in the Czech Republic

Czech authorities implement visa restrictions for Georgian government officials

The Czech Republic has reinstated visa requirements for holders of Georgian diplomatic and business passports, as announced by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky on social media. This decision, effective from September 19, 2025, is a response to perceived democratic backsliding in Georgia, according to Prague.

The visa requirement is a means of expressing disapproval for the actions of the Georgian government regarding human rights and civil society. The Czech government views Georgia's recent actions as a reason for this decision. Jan Lipavsky stated that the visa requirement is a reaction to these issues in Georgia.

The suspension of visa-free travel is a response to perceived democratic issues in Georgia, including the suppression of demonstrations and the weakening of civil society. The measure effectively suspends visa-free contact with Georgian officials and affects the ability of Georgian officials to travel to the Czech Republic without a visa.

It's important to note that the visa requirement does not affect all Georgian citizens. Only those with diplomatic or business passports will be subject to the new regulations.

The Czech government approved the introduction of the visa requirement, as proposed by Jan Lipavsky. This decision was made by the Czech government in an attempt to encourage Georgia to address the concerns raised about its human rights record and democratic governance.

While this move may cause some inconvenience for Georgian officials, it underscores the importance that the Czech Republic places on upholding democratic values and respecting human rights. It remains to be seen how Georgia will respond to this decision and whether it will lead to any significant changes in its domestic policies.

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