The European Parliament has approved legal changes to ensure that UK citizens will not need a visa to travel to the EU for short stays after Brexit – even in the event of a no-deal exit.

The European Commission announced in November its intention that, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK citizens will still be able to travel to the EU for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without needing a visa. 

Today’s vote of the full European Parliament, in Brussels, is the last stage in approving the necessary legislation. 

It follows on from the confirmation a few weeks ago that flights will continue to operate, even in a no deal. This means that two of the most important concerns for UK tourists and business travellers visiting the EU have been addressed and will provide a further boost to confidence about travel to the EU after Brexit.

While it is encouraging that these issues have been addressed and there is wider Government contingency planning in place in the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal, securing a deal is very much the preferred outcome, and we encourage parliamentarians to explore all options to avoid a no-deal.

We still don’t know how and when the UK will leave the EU so it is important Members continue to plan and prepare for any eventuality. ABTA has updated its Brexit contingency planning guidance for Members to reflect the latest development on visas. 

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive