Visa rules might change, says Economy Minister
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The country's new visa regulations might be changed, says Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Kvirikashvili.
"It is possible that the law on legal status of foreign citizens be amended," Kvirkashvili told journalists while commenting on the topic today.
"The decision on visas was largely induced by the visa liberalisation issue with the European Union. For almost a year and a half we have had an action plan in this direction.”
"Some changes might be introduced so that we keep an appropriate balance between the EU requirements and the liberal requirements which we need for the development of tourism. So, first of all, we will try to launch electronic visa applications that do not require foreigners to arrive at our embassies and consulates." Kvirikashvili said.
He also noted that all new legislation and regulations were accompanied with certain difficulties.
"This is a normal process and the Government is actively working to correct the deficiencies,” he added.
The new law on "Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons" came into effect on September 1, 2014. Visa free travel with Georgia was revoked for 24 countries however citizens from 94 countries were eligible to enter Georgia without a visa for a 90 day period.
Under the old rules, citizens from 118 countries were able to enter Georgia without a visa and stay for a maximum of 360 days. But from September, citizens from 94 countries were now able to enter Georgia without a visa for a maximum of 90 days in a 180 day period.
The Government is offering foreigners a period of grace to get their visa documents in order with the new regulations even though the law came into effect last month.
Georgian authorities are discussing ways to assist foreign people adjust to the country’s new visa regulations.
International guests wanting to enter Georgian territory must comply with the country’s new visa regulations, which came into effect today.
Georgia has revealed more details of the country’s new visa regulations and announced which countries do and do not need a visa to enter Georgia.
Stricter visa rules for foreign visitors wanting to spend time in Georgia will come into effect this autumn.
Georgia’s open-door policy for foreigners is being reviewed and amended as the country prepares to implement a migration and visa policy for the first time.
Georgia’s Prime Minister has apologized to the foreign citizens who faced problems related to the country’s implementation of its new visa policy.
Georgia is preparing to launch an electronic visa (e-visa) facility in the near future, allowing tourists from 102 countries the possibility to apply for a Georgian visa in simple steps, say official Tbilisi.