EU threatens to cut Georgia's visa-free access: Will it hurt your travel plans?

UAE travellers may not be impacted directly, but can still benefit in surprising ways

Last updated: July 22, 2025 | 17:44

2 MIN READ

Tblisi is a popular weekend destination from the UAE owing to low costs of travel and a complete change of scenery.

Shutterstock

Dubai: The European Union is warning Georgia that it could soon suspend visa-free travel for its citizens. While this might sound like a distant geopolitical squabble, it has interesting knock-on effects that UAE travelers should know about—especially if Georgia is on your travel radar.

What’s happening?

The EU is considering suspending its visa waiver for Georgian citizens due to growing concerns over the country’s democratic backsliding and human rights record. If the move goes ahead, Georgian passport holders will need to apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to any EU country.

For Georgians, this would be a major setback—more paperwork, higher costs, and longer wait times to visit Europe for tourism, business, or family reunions. But for UAE travelers? Not much changes—at least, not directly.

Also Read: Is Georgia still an easy trip for UAE residents? Travel agents say yes, with a catch

UAE travellers to benefit?

If you’re a UAE resident, the EU’s move won’t impact your visa process for Georgia or Europe. Georgia remains a visa-free destination for UAE passport holders, and for many residents with other nationalities, visa-on-arrival or e-visas still apply.

But what might change is how Georgia gets positioned on your travel list.

Georgia to charm others

With Georgian citizens possibly facing restrictions in Europe, the country might double down on attracting non-EU tourists—including those from the UAE.

In other words, you can expect more flight options, better travel deals, and curated experiences aimed at regional travelers.

Plus, with fewer Georgians traveling to Europe, domestic tourism could rise—meaning more vibrant festivals, local events, and bustling cities for visitors to enjoy.

So, what to watch out for?

Rising demand: If Georgia becomes a more popular alternative for budget-conscious or short-haul travelers, prices for flights and hotels could creep up.
More connections: Airlines may expand routes between the UAE and Georgia as the country focuses on non-EU markets.
Airport transits: If you’re traveling with Georgian friends or family via EU airports, they might face new visa hurdles for transits—something to plan around.

Also Read: Why are Europe, Georgia and Malaysia the new opportunities for medical education abroad?

What’s next?

The EU hasn’t made the suspension official yet, but the pressure is mounting. Some EU countries have already restricted access for Georgian diplomatic passport holders, signaling that individual member states may act even before a bloc-wide decision is made.

For now, UAE travelers can sit tight—but keep an eye on developments, especially if Georgia is part of your upcoming travel plans.

Justin VargheseYour Money Editor

Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.