The following example of a regular passport holder who obtained a residence permit in Spain as part of a bilateral agreement shows how the agreement works: however, on 5 April 2010, the European Union introduced a common visa requirement for airport transit. [83] Nationals of the following 12 countries must hold an airport transit visa (ATV) when transiting through an airport in the Schengen area, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus or Romania, even if they remain in the air:[84] This article contains information on visa-free agreements between the EU and third countries and on how third-country nationals can benefit from an extended stay in Europe. The answers to most of the questions relating to the new visa-free regime are included in the FAQs of the EU delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Although all Annex II nationals may travel without a visa for reasons of pleasure or employment, some countries may decide to impose a visa requirement on those wishing to travel to work (i.e. to engage in “paid” activity). The table at the end of the article shows which countries allow Schedule II nationals to work while visa-free. A visa or residence permit is required for the country concerned for a stay that exceeds this period, in accordance with the regulations. The public is reminded that the Schengen area does not cover French overseas territories, so entry into these territories may still require a visa depending on the applicant`s nationality. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, on March 16, 2020, The European Commission has recommended that all EU and Schengen Member States introduce a temporary restriction on the entry of third-country nationals (i.e. non-EU/EEA/Swiss/Swiss travellers and family members with the right to move freely) into the Schengen area for a non-essential journey for an initial period of 30 days (with a possible extension of this period to be assessed on the basis of further developments). However, third-country nationals who hold a long-term visa or residence permit or who are members of the EU/EEA/Swiss/Brite family are exempt from this restriction. In addition, third-country nationals who have a basic function or need (such as health workers, transportation personnel, development personnel, military personnel, seasonal agricultural workers) who travel “for compelling family reasons” and those who “need international protection or other humanitarian reasons” are excluded from this restriction.
Nevertheless, the European Commission reaffirmed that “coordinated and strengthened health checks” should be carried out on all travellers allowed to enter the EU and the Schengen area. [12] All EU Member States (except Ireland) and Schengen Member States now apply this travel restriction. [13] Like Japan, Canada is a strategic partner of the European Union. There are 14 visa waiver agreements between 60 and 90 days between Canada and Schengen or the associated Schengen countries. In this sense, changes to bilateral visa waiver agreements can only be made by both parties. In other words, the current bilateral agreements between an EU Member State and a third country, which provide more favourable entry conditions for both countries, are subject to changes, observations and/or improvements, provided that the two sides are coordinated in their decision. Here are some of the reciprocal agreements currently in force between EU and non-European countries, as follows. The British overseas territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia has open borders with Cyprus and follows the Schengen visa policy, but requires authorisations for stays of more than 28 days per 12-month period.
[186] [187] Please note that the list includes countries where free visas are granted only in possession of a diplomatic or service passport.