Brits won't need visas to visit EU member states in event of no deal : EU

Wednesday 14th November 2018 03:43 EST
 
 

The European Commission has announced that British travellers will not need visas to visit the European Union for short stays even if the Brexit negotiations end up in a no-deal. The recommendation was made by commissioners to put the UK on the visa-exempt list at a meeting in Strasbourg. The policy is dependent on the UK continuing to offer reciprocal visa-free access for EU citizens. Travel advice issued by the commission said, “The European Commission has proposed to do the EU legislator to exempt UK nationals from visa requirements for short-term stays.”

However, Brexit could still be an inconvenience to the Britishers as the EU plans to bring in a system where countries outside the bloc will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation in advance, even if they are visa-exempt. The EU Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), modelled on the US Esta system, is currently being introduced on security grounds. Questions like to what extent British citizens will have the right to work in the EU, or move there long-term are separate to the question of travel visas, will be settled in future negotiations between the EU and the UK. In a statement, the European Commission said, “The European Commission has today proposed to grant UK citizens visa-free travel to the EU after the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European union. It would mean that UK citizens would not need a visa when travelling to the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. In the scenario where the UK leaves the EU without a deal, this would apply as of 30 March 2019. If a deal is reached, however, it would apply as of the end of the transition period, as outlined in the withdrawal agreement.”

The statement also added, “This proposal is entirely conditional upon the UK also granting reciprocal and non-discriminatory visa-free travel for all EU member states, in line with the principle of visa reciprocity. The UK government has declared its intention not to require a visa from citizens of the EU27 member states for short stays for the purposes of tourism and business.”

The visa-free policy covers the 22 EU member countries that are members of the Schengen area and the four Schengen-associated states- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. While the decision is still technically subject to confirmation by member states, chances of it being overturned is minimal.


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