Zviad Skhvitaridze, founder of U.S.-based ZTN Consulting, says Georgia’s inclusion in the U.S. visa deposit pilot program is not about visa overstays but a direct result of sharply deteriorated political relations between the two countries. Speaking on BMGTV, he noted that despite a decline in visa violations by Georgians, the U.S. added Georgia to a list requiring a $5,000–$15,000 deposit for B1/B2 visas - a sign of a “strategic trust deficit.”
Zviad Skhvitaridze argues that comparing overstay data shows Georgia is treated differently for political reasons: Armenia has similar statistics but was not added to the list, while some countries with almost no violations were included. He says the decision reflects damaged U.S.-Georgia ties, worsened rhetoric toward American officials, and the absence of a U.S. ambassador in Tbilisi.
He warns the new policy will significantly complicate travel and business for Georgians. Even those with existing visas now face shorter permitted stays and stricter questioning at the border. Meanwhile, U.S. immigrant visa processing has slowed to a near halt since January.
According to Skhvitaridze, the program harms Georgia’s international image and risks discouraging investors: “This affects not only citizens’ mobility but the overall perception of our business environment.”
