EU lawmakers clinch deal on visa-free travel for Georgians
BRUSSELS – European Union lawmakers have sealed an agreement to allow Georgian citizens into Europe’s passport-free area without visas for short stays.
Lawmakers endorsed the visa waiver Thursday by 553 votes to 66, with 28 abstentions.
It will allow Georgians with a biometric passport to enter the 26-nation Schengen area for 90 days for business, tourist or family reasons but not to work. The waiver can only begin once a mechanism is in place allowing visas to be reintroduced in emergencies like a migration surge or a security threat.
Prime Minister Georgi Kvirikashvili said on Twitter: “This is truly a historic day! Thank you to the European Parliament for conferring visa-free connections to Europe upon Georgian citizens.”
EU member states must endorse the agreement, but that is expected to be a formality.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.