Changes to visa law simplifies entrance into Georgia
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Alterations to the country’s recently introduced visa law will make it easier for a select group of foreigners to enter Georgia.
Since the new visa law was implemented in September 2014, foreigners wishing to visit and work in Georgia faced challenges. However new amendments to the law will make this process easier and more simplified, said Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Kvirikashvili.
Specifically, the regulations for investors and tourists entering Georgia will be simplified, he said.
Amendments to the law concerning foreigners and those who do not hold Georgian citizenship was introduced at a Governmental meeting today.
"The Government will establish a list of countries whose citizens will be able to easily enter Georgia,” the Minister said.
The amendment noted that if a person owned real estate in Georgia, it will be far easier for him/her to receive a visa and a residence permit.
Meanwhile, the Georgian Government is preparing to launch the country's first electronic visa (e-visa) facility - a move officials say will give "a major boost" to the country's tourism sector.
Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced the new e-visa facility would open in February 2015.
The European Union (EU) is offering vital support to Georgia as the country improves its border and migration management policies so they become aligned with EU standards.
The sustainable implementation of the second stage of Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP), a set of detailed requirements that Georgia should meet in order to be granted by the EU short-term visa-free regime has been discussed at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
A group of experts are on their way to Georgia to observe the country as it implements the second stage of Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP), which will ensure visa free travel for Georgian citizens to European Union (EU) countries.
Georgia’s Parliament has approved a package of legislative amendments to ease the country's visa and immigration regulations, which were tightened nine months ago.