Asked by: Mary Glindon (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government plans to hold discussions with the EU on enabling UK citizens to extend their stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in a 180 day period; and if he has made an assessment of the potential merits of a six month visa waiver for UK citizens in the Schengen Area.
Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The UK and the EU allow for visa-free short-term travel in line with their respective arrangements for third country nationals. The UK allows EU citizens short-term visa-free travel for up to six months. Meanwhile, the EU allows for travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period; this is standard for third countries travelling visa-free to the EU. UK nationals planning to stay longer will need permission from the relevant Member State. This may require a visa and/or permit.The UK Government will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals.