Georgia will begin additional border checks at Georgian border crossings for Georgians traveling to Schengen-countries on 1 January 2021 to ensure they meet the existing Schengen criteria.
EU Ambassador Carl Hartzell inspected Tbilisi Airport to see how these checks would be implemented and what Georgians can expect.
“Visa free travel is one the most visible achievements in EU-Georgia relationships. It is important that we prevent abuses and make sure it works as well as it can. This effort includes the new departure checks that will be implemented upon departure from Georgia into the EU/Schengen region. These are not new conditions or restrictions. The only difference will be that, starting 1 January 2021 the checks will begin before leaving Georgia and not just when you arrive in EU/Schengen. We are in constant communication with the relevant Georgian and EU officials to ensure that these controls will be carried out as smoothly as possible, and in accordance with international standards and regulations. I look forward to seeing continued, strong growth of visa-free travel between the EU and Georgia over the next few years,” said Ambassador Hartzell.
By Ana Dumbadze
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