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Written question asked by Lord Mawson (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 15 January 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 January 2020. It was answered by Lord Callanan (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 January 2020 on behalf of the Department for Exiting the European Union.

Visas: EU Countries

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, if any, with the European Council about extending the period of time that UK citizens will be granted visa free travel in the Schengen area after Brexit.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of mobility for economic, social and cultural cooperation. This includes the value of visa-free travel arrangements for UK nationals and EU citizens traveling to each other's territories for short-term visits. ONS figures show that in 2018, UK residents made c.54 million visits to the EU of which c.87% lasted for a period of 13 nights or fewer.

The EU has already legislated such that UK nationals will not need a visa when travelling to the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in every 180-day period. This will apply once free movement ends and after the end of the implementation period.


The Political Declaration sets out the aspects of mobility that the UK and the EU have committed to discuss in the negotiations on the future relationship. This includes providing for visa-free travel for short-term visits. Any provisions agreed in the negotiations would benefit all UK nationals, including those who own property in the EU. The detail of future mobility arrangements with the EU will be subject to negotiation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL461
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
British nationals abroad EU countries Visas Brexit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk