Brussels, 17/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 17 June, the EU and Georgia signed an agreement facilitating the granting of visas, which thus paves the way for further simplification of travel between Georgia and the Union. The signing of the readmission agreement negotiated at the same time by the two parties will be organised very soon. The visa facilitation agreement is expected to enable Georgian citizens, particularly those who travel on a very regular basis, to obtain short stay visas for travelling to the EU more easily. Visas will be reduced to €35 (instead of €60) for all Georgian citizens and will be totally free for certain categories of those seeking visas (children under 12, pensioners, the disabled, students, close relatives and representatives from civil society organisations). Identification requirements when applying for visas will be simplified for certain people (particularly business leaders, students and journalists). Bona fide regular travellers will be granted visas for multiple entry points and for long periods. Finally, diplomatic passport holders will no longer be obliged to have a visa. This agreement means that consulates are now obliged to make a decision on whether to award a visa or not within ten days. Citizens of the European Union travelling to Georgia do now not need visas. (B.C./transl.fl)