One of the biggest questions that have loomed over UK citizens following the possibility of a no-deal Brexit is whether or not a visa would be necessary to visit other EU countries. Amidst the complicated debates and the ongoing deals, the EU Parliament has at least addressed this issue and has decided against requiring a visa for EU visits.
In a recent voting session, the EU Parliament has decided to approve the visa exemption proposal with a majority 502-81 vote. Under the exemption, the UK will be placed under the same category as 60 other countries, which are not required to present visas for short-term visits.
There are still, of course, some conditions under the policy, which doesn't allow visiting citizens the right to work in EU countries. The policy also makes it a bit tougher for visiting citizens to bring along their pets and other wildlife under the new controls implemented by EU's borders with the UK.
Under the visa exemption policy, the EU is requiring full reciprocation from the UK government. This means that the UK will not be allowed to require a visa for any visiting citizen from EU countries. If the UK decides against it, the EU will immediately reinstate the visa requirement policies for all UK visitors to EU countries.
The policy was put in place as part of a number of measures that will prepare the EU for a number of possible outcomes of the ongoing Brexit negotiations. Parliament members have mentioned that the new policy will be an important step to guarantee a visa-free travel environment for all parties immediately after Brexit. It is also particularly important if the worst case scenario of a no-deal Brexit is going to happen. The legislation will immediately take effect once the UK officially withdraws from the EU. After that, UK citizens will be allowed to visit EU countries without a visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Apart from the visa exemption policy, the EU is also preparing a number of measures to ensure the continued flow of essential goods to and from the EU and the UK. This includes policies for food safety, agricultural standards, and logistical measures for the transportation of vital goods such as medicine and food items.
As of the moment, the EU's new policy will still need the official approval of the EU Council. However, analysts believe that the new policy should be put in place before a Brexit decision is reached.
