Temporary reintroduction of visa requirement for Georgian diplomats and public officials
Update Explained
Starting from April 3, 2023, Georgian diplomats and public officials who hold a diplomatic, official, or service passport will be required to obtain a visa if they wish to enter Switzerland. This requirement arises from a decision made by the Swiss Federal Council on April 1, 2023, in response to recent changes in the European Union's visa suspension mechanism. The EU, citing legislative changes in Georgia affecting human rights, invoked the new provisions to temporarily suspend visa-free travel for these Georgian officials, a change that Switzerland, as a Schengen area member, is obligated to implement. This policy will be in effect for 12 months, and it involves amending the relevant Swiss ordinances and suspending parts of the visa facilitation agreement with Georgia. Notably, other Georgian citizens are not impacted by this change.
What changed
Georgian diplomats and public officials will now need a visa to enter Switzerland, suspending their previous visa-free status for 12 months.
Why it matters
Georgian diplomats and officials traveling to Switzerland will have to apply for a visa, which may involve additional documentation, time, and administrative procedures.
Who is affected
- Georgian diplomats
- Georgian public officials with diplomatic, official, or service passports
Key dates
Effective
Apr 3, 2023
Visa requirement for Georgian diplomats and public officials begins.
Key details
- Decision made due to new EU visa suspension provisions concerning human rights violations.
- Switzerland is obligated to adopt this change as part of the Schengen acquis.
- Part of the Swiss-Georgian visa facilitation agreement is suspended.
Important notes
The change only affects Georgian diplomats and public officials, not ordinary Georgian citizens.