The Czech Republic is officially introducing a visa regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports for stays of up to 90 days within six months. The new restrictions are a response to human rights violations and the Georgian authorities' pressure on civil society and the opposition.

Earlier, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed amendments to the visa-free regime, citing Georgia's failure to uphold democratic principles, the brutal suppression of protests, and actions against civil society organizations.

"On my proposal, the Czech government has agreed to introduce a visa regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports. This decision was made in response to human rights violations, the suppression of protests, and the weakening of civil society in Georgia. This means that Georgian officials will no longer enjoy visa-free travel," Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky wrote on the X social network.

Czech media note that the restrictions are being introduced amid ongoing repression in Georgia against members of the pro-European opposition. The situation has escalated following the disputed 2024 parliamentary elections and the government's decision to suspend negotiations on the country's European integration.