Georgia unilaterally cancels visa-free travel with Iran
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 3 July 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Georgia unilaterally cancels visa-free travel with Iran, 3 July 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/51e79b8211.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 03, 2013
TBILISI – Georgia's Foreign Ministry says Tbilisi has revoked visa-free entry for Iranians.
The ministry announced on July 2 that, effective the previous day, Iranian citizens must obtain visas to enter Georgian territory.
Georgia and Iran agreed in 2010 to visa-free travel for short visits in a move that saw trade flourish and the number of Iranians flocking to Georgia grow fourfold.
In recent months, two delegations from the U.S. Treasury have visited Georgia to discuss escalating fears that Iran may be using its growing business links with Georgia to skip international sanctions.
Georgian Justice Minister Tea Tsulukani responded at the time by saying that Iranian businesses operating in Georgia are under "strict control," promising to investigate the claims.
Tehran has not yet revoked visa-free rules for the Georgian citizens.
Based on reporting by AFP and RFE/RL's Georgian Service
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
