Brexit could mean Britons will have to pay for visas to visit Europe

Shake-up: The proposals could mean UK passports alone will no longer be enough
PA
Sebastian Mann10 September 2016
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Britons may be forced to apply for visas and pay a fee before travelling to Europe if EU plans go ahead, it has been reported.

European Commission officials are said to be drawing up proposals aimed at tightening security in the bloc’s borderless Schengen zone, of which the UK is not a part.

According to the Guardian, this may include the introduction of a visa programme similar to the US waiver for all countries not signed up to the Schengen agreement.

Currently British passport holders can travel in member states without having to apply for visas, but the issue is likely to feature in Brexit negotiations once Article 50 has been triggered.

The possible scheme is said to feature in draft legislation for the EU travel information and authorisation system (Etias) – which is set to be unveiled later this year, the Guardian said.

It may mean Britons will have to apply online 72 hours in advance of travelling and pay a fee of £10.

EU law expert Camino Mortera-Martinez, from the Centre for European Reform, told the Guardian: “In theory UK citizens, as third-country nationals, would certainly be subject to the obligations [of such a scheme]."

“This will have to be part of the Brexit talks. It will all have to be negotiated.”

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