Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 8 July 20201 to Question 25865 on Overseas Visitors: EEA Nationals, what the reciprocal arrangements are for UK citizens travelling to the EU; and if he will make a statement.

The EU has legislated to allow British Citizens visa-free travel in the Schengen area for short-stays, such as for tourism, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is the standard length of stay the EU offers to nationals of eligible third countries, in line with existing EU legislation.

The EU’s Schengen Borders Code governs the rules for entry and exit in the Schengen area.

The arrangements outlined in the Answer of 8 July 20201 to Question 25865 apply to those arriving in the UK under the Visitor Route regardless of their nationality. The only difference between visa and non-visa nationals being where the assessment against the rules takes place.

The generosity of these arrangements reflects the UK Government’s desire to welcome visitors who are key to Scotland’s hospitality and cultural sector, students taking short courses and those wishing to make visits of up to 6 months in length to see relatives here in the UK.