Lithuania imposes visa requirements on Georgian diplomats

Lithuania has introduced new visa requirements for Georgian citizens holding diplomatic and service passports, following a decision by the Council of the European Union earlier this year.

According to Lithuanian media outlet Delfi, the Lithuanian government has formally adopted a resolution implementing the EU’s January decision to suspend the visa-free travel arrangement for Georgian diplomats and government officials.

The new measures mean that holders of diplomatic and service passports -  along with their family members - will no longer enjoy simplified visa procedures or exemptions when entering Lithuania. They will now be required to obtain standard visas, including for long-term stays.

The decision aligns with similar steps taken by Estonia, which also suspended visa-free privileges for Georgian officials earlier this year.

The EU’s move comes amid growing concerns in Brussels over Georgia’s political trajectory and recent tensions regarding democratic governance and rule of law in the country.