On February 27, the Council of the European Union (Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council) adopted a regulation on visa liberalization for Georgians travelling to the EU for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period.

The adopted regulation will now be signed by the Council and the European Parliament. The text will then be published in the EU Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days later, once the suspension mechanism, which allows the EU member states to temporary reintroduce visa requirements for reasons of public security, is in place.

"This agreement will bring the people of Georgia and the EU closer together and will strengthen tourism and business ties. It follows the completion of the necessary reforms by Georgia, addressing document security, border management, migration and asylum. In addition, the recent adaptation of the suspension mechanism has made this agreement possible," Carmelo Abela, Maltese Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, stated after the Council meeting.

According to the new regulation, Georgian citizens with a biometric passport travelling to the Schengen area for up to 90 days for business, tourist or family purposes will no longer need a visa.