Diplomatic contact in Tbilisi
I observe Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attempting to "restore" the strategic partnership with the USA from a "clean sheet" following his meeting with newly appointed US Charge d’Affaires Courtney Austrian on Thursday. This meeting, which the US Embassy describes as "introductory", follows a yearslong freeze in relations that began under Joe Biden and persists during the term of President Donald Trump. I see the diplomatic situation as difficult because former ambassador Robin Dunnigan reported that Georgian Dream sent a private letter to Trump that was "threatening, insulting, [and] unserious" before she retired in July 2025. While Kobakhidze met interim US charge Amy Diaz in August to discuss relations, the September 2026 appointment of Austrian represents the latest diplomatic contact. The US has had no ambassador in Georgia since Dunnigan left her post.
Escalating sanctions and restrictions
Washington suspended the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership mechanism in November 2024 after the Georgian Dream party announced it would suspend the EU accession process for Georgia until 2028. The US State Department said at the time that the actions of Georgian Dream violated the core principles of the strategic partnership and condemned the excessive use of force against protesters. The US also suspended more than $95 million in assistance and imposed visa restrictions on individuals accused of undermining democracy last year. In December 2024, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili under an executive order targeting Russia-related activities. I find these sanctions unyielding despite Georgian Dream leaders’ claims that Trump’s return to the White House would change US policy.
The visa bond program
The US decided in August to make its visa bond programme for Georgians permanent. These rules, which the US introduced at the start of the year, oblige Georgians to post a bond of up to $20,000 to obtain a tourist or business visa. Georgia is the only European country subject to this scheme and is the only state in the region included in a US list of "high-risk" countries associated with overstays. I find this specific targeting of Georgia a harsh development in the bilateral relationship.
| Visa Program Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum bond amount | $20,000 |
| Visa categories | Tourist or business |
| Geographic status | Only European country in scheme |
The US identifies Georgia as a "high-risk" country regarding visa overstays.
