Visa-free regime to change September 1
By Mariam Mchedlidze
Wednesday, August 27
Visa-free travel to Georgia was abolished for 24 countries and is still in force for 94. The list of the countries, which can enjoy with visa free regime with Georgia, is available on the web-page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at mfa.gov.ge.
The Law of Georgia on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons enters into force on September 1st 2014. The Consular Department Director of Georgia’s Foreign Ministry, Giorgi Tabatadze, stated that among the visa-free regime include NATO countries, the European Union, Schengen, CIS and other ally unions along with neighbors from where tourists enter every year.
According to the new law the stay duration for visitors was reduced from 360 days to 90. Before the amendment, visitors from 118 countries were able to remain in Georgia for 360 days without a visa.
The universal cost of a visa has also been published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From September 1st, it will cost $50 USD (86 GEL).
Other amendments in the Law of Aliens and those without Georgian citizenship were made. Before the change, visas were issued upon entrance to the country. But from next month,
entrance visas on the border will be given out only in special occasions set by the Georgian government.
A statement concerning the issue was made by the Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani. According to the minister, foreigners who have lived in Georgia for 6 years without violating any law might be granted permanent residency. The minister also admitted that those Georgians, who had Georgian citizenship and lost it based on various reasons, will be able to regain the right of permanent residency in Georgia through simplified manners.
Member of the United National Movement, Giga Bokeria claims, that the new regulations and restrictions will seriously affect the country’s economic and tourism fields.
The Georgian Dream coalition MP Irakli Sesiashvili states that the regulations are required for the country legislation to meet European standards.
