Post-Brexit Britons Could Face Fee Prior to Travel Within the EU
Jackie Reddy November 14, 2016
The implementation of a potential charge for British travelers heading into the bloc is also considered to be an effective safeguard against terrorism.
It has been revealed that Britons hoping to travel to the Continent post-Brexit may be charged a fee to visit any of the 26 countries that comprise the European Union’s (EU) Schengen Area.
The idea, which bears resemblance to America’s visa waiver program, would see applicants pay a charge of £10 ($12.48) per visit.
While the fee will be formally discussed by interior ministers this week, it is already supported by diplomat Sir Julian King, European Commissioner for the Security Union, which is responsible for monitoring threats to EU member states. Speaking to the Press Association, King was quoted by The Guardian as saying that the implementation of this fee is “a valuable additional piece of the jigsaw” in the fight against the threat of global terrorism.
He added that the charge “will allow us to know more about the people who are planning to come to the EU in advance so that if necessary they raise questions about either security or in some cases migration.”
While British passport holders can currently travel freely through the EU without visas, the implementation of this fee could see travelers register and pay online prior to their arrival within the bloc.
In addition to preparing for a post-Brexit world, this move is also viewed as a necessary counter-terror measure.
“There are a number of elements at the heart of this task – tackling terrorism is one but not the only part of it,” explained King.
He also added that, “There’s work that needs to be done on cybercrime and attacks, and serious and organized crime. On terrorism there were a number of things already in hand.”
Amber Rudd, Britain’s Home Secretary, will be considering the possible implementation of the fee later this week.
She told the paper, “My reaction to that is it’s a reminder that this is a two-way negotiation … They [the EU] will be considering their negotiations with us, just as we are with them. But I’m going to make sure that what we do get is in the best interests of the UK.”
[Photo: Diane Phillips]
And Sydneyberlin you have just demonstrated why I mentioned it as spite. Nothing in the plan will increase safety. Europe is where the problem lies as demonstrated in the attacks there. But if the plan is reciprocal it will probably make the UK even safer than it is already. So we may be thanking you for the plan.
They wanted it so badly, no they're getting it! Meanwhile, it's a joy to sit back, relax and watch all the self-inflicted drama unfold- over there, on that Island called Little England. And besides a possible fee, something tells me that French or Italian customs officers will not be in too much urgency to man those immigration counters when that one flight full of pommies arrives at their shores. But they're pros at queuing so no not a big deal! :-)
it wont happen, itll be the same as US/Canada where there is no fee for citizens from the 2 countries to visit each other, otherwise itll kill business. Me personally travel to EU a few times a month, which will gradually increase company spending if it effects all
If this a counter-terror measure, then those in mainland Europe need to ask themselves where most of the acts of terrorism have been carried out in recent times. Can't they see that if the EU place trade tariffs and fees to travellers post Brexit, we in the UK are within our rights to implement reciprocal measures.
"In addition to preparing for a post-Brexit world, this move is also viewed as a necessary counter-terror measure " As if anyone couldn't see through that one. It's called spite in any language.