Introduction

As the Brexit negotiations continue to unfold, many British citizens are concerned about the potential impact on travel to and from the European Union (EU) and Schengen countries. This article aims to clarify the visa requirements and potential changes following a no-deal Brexit scenario.

Current Visa Requirements for British Citizens

Currently, British citizens do not require a visa for short-term trips to the EU or Schengen countries. However, this is subject to change in a no-deal Brexit scenario. For tourism, a visa is usually obtained upon arrival at the first Schengen member country, which can lead to longer delays for UK travelers.

Travel Scenarios in the Event of No-Deal Brexit

Should a no-deal Brexit occur, the situation for British citizens traveling to the EU and Schengen areas will differ from EU and Swiss citizens who enjoy easier travel. Specifically:

British citizens may require a no-deal Brexit visa for any trips longer than 90 days, including for study, business, or extended travel. Non-EU citizens visiting the EU are likely to need to apply for a similar system to the USA's ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). EU citizens, including British nationals, will continue to be able to travel visa-free to the UK and Schengen countries for short trips, such as tourism.

EU's Position and Potential Changes

The EU has not directly indicated a visa requirement for British citizens in a no-deal Brexit scenario. However, the EU might implement a system similar to the ESTA to manage visa-free travel. This is feasible given the number of UK tourists who visit EU countries like Spain and the economic sense it makes for both parties.

Legal Basis: Amendments to EU Regulations

The UK deemed to be a "visa-exempt" country for EU citizens up until the introduction of a visa requirement by the UK. This classification is backed by EU regulations:

REGULATION EU 2018/1806 amended as follows: Article 1: The regulation is amended to include 'the United Kingdom excluding British nationals as referred to in Part 3,' recognizing the historical visa-free regime. Article 2: If the UK introduces a visa requirement for EU citizens, the EU will reciprocate, applying the reciprocity mechanism as per Article 7 of Regulation EU 2018/1806. Article 3: The newly amended regulation comes into effect on the day following the end of the transition period when EU law ceases to apply to the UK.

Future Implications and Reciprocity Mechanism

With Brexit, British citizens may face more stringent entry requirements, especially for longer stays and for activities that involve work or extended presence. The EU’s position is clear: they aim to facilitate travel but also to ensure reciprocal conditions.

Conclusion

While the exact nature of future travel regulations is uncertain, the EU appears to prioritize maintaining the flow of tourists and visitors. British citizens should remain aware of any changes and consider obtaining necessary documentation ahead of travel to avoid delays or complications. As always, staying informed through official channels and diplomatic announcements is crucial.