EU likely to vet British travelers after Brexit
British citizens might be required to buy permits and undergo tough grilling before being allowed into the European Union (EU) countries after Brexit, according to a new report, citing the newly proposed European travel instructions.
Under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), Brits would be treated as “visa-exempt third country nationals” when traveling to the EU, the Express reported Monday.
This means they would need to first buy £5 online permits and divulge personal details to prove their “identity, travel document, residence information, contact details, education and current occupation.”
The proposed ETIAS regulations would also require travelers to answer questions about their previous convictions, including for “racism and xenophobia.” They would also be required to explain any previous presence in war or conflict zones.
The scheme is supposed to identify individuals thought to pose “a security, or irregular illegal immigration or public health risk,” the report added.
The regulations were expected to increase the cost and complexity of trips to the Schengen Area, which includes 22 EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Experts say the new regulations could drive Britons’ interest to non-Schengen nations, such as Montenegro, Albania and Serbia.
If adopted, the new regulations are expected to further complicate the ongoing debate between the UK and the EU over the future of free movement policies after the divorce.
In late July, UK Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis told BBC that EU free movement rules would not apply after 2019.
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Home Secretary Amber Rudd said after March 2019, EU workers moving to Britain will have to register, at least until a permanent post-Brexit immigration policy is implemented.
“We will ensure we continue to attract those who benefit us economically, socially and culturally,” she added.
The EU has demanded an early agreement on three issues: the rights of EU nationals living in the UK; Britain’s “exit” payment to the EU; and the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has made it clear that the bloc would only proceed to future ties with the UK when "sufficient progress has been made" in these areas.
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