VISA RECIPROCITY Not for everyone

Posted on 04/15/2016 | About Europe

The European Union has a visa policy based on reciprocity. Canada, the USA and Brunei require visas for citizens of some EU Member States, despite their own nationals benefiting from travel to all 28 EU member states without a visa. The European Union wants visa requirements lifted but has delayed action for a three month reprieve so members and the European Parliament can discuss their stance.

Canada demands visas for travellers from Romania and Bulgaria. The US requires visas for travellers from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania. 

The EU said in a statement "The Commission is ... today inviting the European Parliament and the (European) Council (of member states) to urgently launch discussions and to take a position on the most appropriate way forward... and to inform the Commission on their respective positions by 12 July 2016 at the latest." 

It is not believed that Canadians or Americans will be forced to apply for visas to enter countries in the EU in the future, given that both countries contribute to high tourism numbers in Europe. 

"It is important that the European economy does not become a victim," European Tourism Association ETOA said in a statement. 

"The business of accommodating US and Canadian visitors is an enormously important industry for Europe. We effectively sell them services worth approximately €50 ($72.3) billion... Millions of jobs are dependent on it." Forcing visas for citizens of the two countries is estimated to cut a third of leisure travels to Europe, which make up more than 80 percent of all trips. 

Britain, which will decide through a referendum if it will continue to be a member of the EU in June, has an opt-out from the EU's common visa policy. 

Ireland is also outside the common policy and perhaps Canada can be too. 

Immigration Minister John McCallum said "We have not offered full visa lift but we have offered something called Canada plus, which is easier access for regular travellers." 

Top EU interior affairs official Dimitris Avramopoulos is in discussions with Canada, the US and Brunei. 

"Full visa reciprocity will stay high on the agenda of our bilateral relations with these countries and we will continue pursuing a balanced and fair outcome," he said. 

McCallum said, "There are various processes that are complex within the European Union. I don't know for sure how close we are on that. 

" At the end of the day, we'll find a resolution, but we are not there yet." 

In the meantime Canada and the EU hope to finally ratify a landmark free-trade deal.