Georgia offers no explanation for refusals of Kazakhstani tourists

Georgia has not provided an official explanation for a recent spike in entry refusals for Kazakhstani citizens, according to Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov.

Kuantyrov acknowledged that every country has the right to control its borders and restrict entry. However, he said Kazakhstani diplomats remain unaware of the reasons for the rise in entry refusals. Georgian officials have not disclosed any specifics.

«We are in close contact with Georgia. Once we actively raised the issue, the number of refusals dropped significantly,» Kuantyrov said. «So, the Georgian side is responsive, and we are maintaining our working relationship with them.»

In mid-May, media outlets reported that Georgian border officials had begun turning away more Kazakhstani citizens. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by voicing concern and stressing to Georgian counterparts that most Kazakhstanis visit Georgia for tourism and comply with local laws.

Just days later, reports indicated that Georgia had begun refusing entry to Kazakhstani travelers less frequently.