Georgian citizens might have Visa Free Travel with European Union (Schengen area) by end of 2015 or at start of 2016 - told Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs - Maia Panjikidze on live translations on Imedi TV station, Wednesday, August 20, according to NewsGeorgia
I have a assumption based on realistic data that by the end of 2015 - beginning of 2016 we will have visa-free travel with the member countries of the Schengen Agreement
- told Panjikidze
According to the official Tbilisi - visa free travel between Georgia and European Union will boost process of the Georgia's Euro integration, as well the development of political and business cooperation with the European Union.
Update: Visa-Free Travel For Georgian Citizens Entering European Union has been in force since the late 2015
Georgian citizens might get up to 90 days Visa Free stay in EU.
Some time ago EU gave Visa Free travel to EU for another ex-Soviet country Moldova.
For me it seems just logical move that Georgia is next on the list, in that article I wrote
I guess it's not long time to wait to see Visa Free travel to EU for Georgian citizens as well.
One thing to note - the lift of the Visa requirements, doesn't mean it offers legal stay and job opportunities in EU. It does what it does - it offers Visa Free Travel.
Visa requirements for Georgian citizens
Visa requirements for Georgian citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Georgia. In 2014, Georgian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 62 countries and territories, ranking the Georgian passport 68th in the world (tied with Philippines).
Visa requirements for Georgian citizens
List of countries Georgian citizens don't need Visa
| Antigua and Barbuda | 1 month |
| Armenia | |
| Azerbaijan | 90 days |
| Bahamas | 4 weeks |
| Barbados | 28 days |
| Belarus | |
| Colombia | 180 days |
| Dominica | 21 days |
| Ecuador | 90 days |
| Grenada | 3 months |
| Haiti | 3 months |
| Israel | 3 months |
| Kazakhstan | 90 days |
| Kyrgyzstan | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 30 days |
| Micronesia | 30 days |
| Moldova | 90 days |
| Mongolia | 30 days |
| Panama | 180 days |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 1 month |
| Tajikistan | |
| Turkey | |
| Ukraine | |
| Uzbekistan |
Data source: Visa requirements for Georgian citizens
As you can see from the list above Georgia have Visa Free Travel mainly to some exotic Central and Latin American states, as well with many former Soviet Union states.
Georgia even doesn't have Visa Free Travel with Russia. Taking in account that - the question arises - what will be emigration effect to more wealthier Western European states if Visa requirements will be lifted?
For now there is not many attractive countries Georgians could semi-legally migrate and stay for a better life. But in case of Visa lift with Schengen area - I believe there will be a huge emigration wave. Well it will be pretty hard to find a job, without a legal stay (I mean Visa Free Travel still doesn't mean a permit residence e.t.c.)
At the end of 2013 Israel lifted Visa requirements for Georgian citizens - month latter Israeli ambassador to Georgia - told - Dear Georgians, Visa list still exclusively means Visa Free Travel..
So that's is the question concerning me.
Speaking of next moves of Georgia's Euro integration path - I have already written an article about Georgia's aim to became a full European Union member country in next 5-10 years. Will it happen? I guess it could happen - but doubt it will happen in next 5 years.