Visa requirements have been lifted for citizens of Georgia and Pakistan holding diplomatic and official/service passports. The agreement facilitates the movement of citizens between the two countries without the need for visas.
The visa-free agreement officially came into effect on April 2, 2024. Citizens of each Party State holding valid diplomatic and official/service passports have the right to enter, transit through, leave, and stay in the territory of the other Party State without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180 days, VisaGuide.World reports.
As local media reports, these citizens can enter and exit the host country through all international border crossing points. The move comes after, previously, on September 2023, the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed the visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.
Data provided by GEOSTAT revealed that the trade turnover between Georgia and Pakistan reached $1.516 million in January-February 2024. Exports totaled $169.460, while imports stood at $1.346 million.
Georgia Welcomes Chinese Visitors Visa-Free to Boost Tourism & Investment
Last year, Georgia extended a similar visa-free travel privilege to Chinese visitors. As of September 11, Chinese citizens can travel to Georgia without requiring a visa.
According to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, the decision aimed to boost tourism and encourage reciprocal economic investments between the two countries. At the same time, Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili added that Chinese visitors can stay in Georgia for up to 30 days visa-free.
Prime Minister Garibashvili also revealed that tourism brought $3.5 billion in direct revenue to Georgia’s state budget 2022 and expressed optimism for even greater earnings in 2023.
In July 2023, Tbilisi and Beijing announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. This move in Georgia’s foreign policy comes amid rising tensions with the United States and the European Union, mainly due to Georgia’s nuanced approach towards Russia, which has been involved in an intensified invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.
Based on the VisaGuide Passport Index, the Georgian passport holds the 78th position globally as of September this year. This ranking grants Georgian citizens visa-free access to 83 countries. Nonetheless, for entry into other countries, Georgian passport holders are required to apply for a visa in advance.
Furthermore, introducing an electronic visa system in Georgia has streamlined the application process for those intending to make short-term visits to the country.