Prepared by Messenger Staff
Switzerland Imposes Visa Requirement on Georgian Diplomatic Passport Holders
Switzerland will require visas for holders of Georgian diplomatic, official, and service passports starting April 3, aligning its policy with a recent EU decision.
The Federal Council of Switzerland approved the measure on April 1, saying it follows changes to Schengen rules that the country is required to implement as part of its participation in the passport-free area.
The move mirrors the European Union's earlier decision to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders. That suspension took effect on March 6 under a new mechanism designed to ensure coordinated action across member states.
Brussels had warned of possible measures in response to what it described as democratic backsliding in Georgia.
The new Swiss requirement will remain in force for one year.
The restrictions apply only to diplomatic, official, and service passports. Georgian citizens holding regular passports are not affected and will continue to travel visa-free to both the EU and Switzerland.
EU officials have said the suspension could be extended or broadened if the situation worsens.
Ananidze Elected Chair of Adjara Supreme Council
Tsotne Ananidze has been elected chair of the Supreme Council of Adjara Autonomous Republic, replacing Davit Gabaidze, who stepped down on March 30 after nearly a decade in the role.
Ananidze, 38, was the only candidate. He was backed by 12 members of the 21-seat council, with no votes cast against him. Before the vote, he chaired the council's Human Rights Issues Committee.
Addressing lawmakers after his election, Ananidze said the position carries responsibility rather than status. "This is not a privilege - it is a responsibility, both to each one of you and to our shared goals and objectives, which encompasses, first and foremost, service to the people and the state," he said.
He added that he hoped the council would achieve "significant successes" working alongside what he described as a "wise" and "educated" prime minister.
The Supreme Council is Adjara's legislative body. Following the 2024 elections, the ruling Georgian Dream party holds a majority of seats, while part of the opposition continues to boycott the assembly.
