Visa Free Travel For Schengen Area Expected
Opposition MP Walton Brown said if there are no further complications the amended list of countries which have visa-free travel to the EU will be made into law in March 2014, and Bermuda will be included.
The Schengen Area comprises the territories of over 20 European countries, and operates like a single state for international travel with external border controls for those travelling in and out of the area, but with no internal border controls when travelling between Schengen countries.
The Schengen Area consists of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Mr Brown said, “Between 2009-2011, I was contracted by the Bermuda Government to lobby the European Union to include Bermuda — and indirectly other British Overseas Territories– on the list of countries which have visa-free access to the 26 Schengen member countries of the European Union. Successful lobbying concluded in November 2011, when I was informed Bermuda would be included on the visa free list.
“It took the EU another year [November 2012] to publish the document which included Bermuda and the other British Overseas Territories. Over the past year I have maintained contact with the Visa Section of the European Union to determine when the formal vote in the European Parliament would take place so that Bermudians can travel freely on their Bermuda passport.
“Today I was informed that negotiations were complicated this year when a proposal by Peru and Colombia was added. After considerable discussion, I am informed, the European Parliament and Council will recommence their dialogue immediately following Christmas and they are expected to reach an agreement very quickly.
“If there are no further complications the amended list of countries which have visa-free travel to the EU will be made into law in March 2014. Once the amendment is published in the Official Journal of the European Union, Bermudians, and other OTCs, will be able to travel visa-free to the area within 20 days,” concluded Mr Brown.
No disrespect to Mr Brown, but why is he announcing something like this? Shouldn’t this be by the Immigration Minister?
I think this is once again the PLP stealing the OBA’s thunder.
If you would your ill feelings aside and do some real research, you would find that Walton Browne Jr. has been pounding the pavement harder then any government minister both past and present in this regard.
Mr. Brownes involvement goes a lot deeper then just someone who is informing us that these changes are coming about, and the fact that we already have U.K. passport did not just automatically include us as Bermuda, and if you dig a little deeper you would find that there is a contingent in the U.K that is fighting very hard to deny Bermudians of many rights that that we presently enjoy, but I guess your simple mindedness won’t know that.
So no the minister of immigration can not come tooted his horn on a issue that he has not been directly involved in making happen, all he can do is report to us that it has,and accept the fact he had the previous administration to thank.
Who is that group then?
Well that’s why I said, “no disrespect to Mr. Brown”. I know he is a very competent man but my question was asking why wasn’t the relevant Govt minister speaking to something that falls under his remit. I think it’s a pretty valid question.
But thanks for the insult. Says more about you than me
Not so fast! You must have forgotten that you said,
“I think this is once again the PLP stealing the OBA’s thunder”.
Why the relevant Govt. minister is not speaking on the issue is a question for that minister. I would say it’s because he is IR-relevant in this report. As for stealing thunder, lightning comes first and the lightning was MP Walton Brown. Now why do you want to steal HIS THUNDER? Oh because he is PLP? I get it. This is the OUBPA (UBP/OBA) mindset.
We’re already there. Its called a UK passport and every Bermudian is entitled to one. Works like a magic charm.
read above and note you are not totally correct on your submission.
Can you point out what where the reference is in the article? I see none myself.
What are you talking about? He’s absolutely correct…
The problem is you cannot travel freely in those areas on a BERMUDA passport and require a visa.
You can, however, travel freely in those areas on a UK passport, to which all Bermudians are entitled. You just have to apply.
What say you about Bermudians who don’t want a UK passport family man? I already know what people like you would say. You don’t see any difference between being a Bermudian and being a Brit do you?
1. The reason Mr. Brown is announcing this is that he believes in an independent Bermuda and wishes to show that there would not be any significant travel restrictions for Bermudians if that should transpire. I respectfully suggest that that might be the initial case but over time very severe visa restrictions could be implemented, so why take the chance.
2. Mr. Brown is on the record stating his admiration and respect for Fidel Castro, Raul Castro and the Cuban regime. I trust he might use his influence so that Bermudians can reside in Cuba too and see what it is really like beyond the tourist hotels – for those Bermudians who try this experience, I imagine their understanding of PLP long term policies, especially those on independence and what type of political system they think best for an independent Bermuda, will be much clearer.
1. Ask him what happens if I want to work in Europe and not just travel. An independent Bermuda would mean what for this?
This is good. Slipped into France without a visa once but got one recently to be safe. UK passport en-route.
@Girl on Fire, that is not true and as I was reading the article I was asking myself what is he (Walton Browne)on about because I personally from 2005 to present(last trip was October 2013) have traveled to Italy, Germany, Spain and France on my Bermuda passport with no problem and not just once.
I actually lived in Italy off and on for 3 years and in one year traveled there 13 times, all on my Bermuda Passport with no visa, just the passport.
I have never been stopped or detained, they look at it, stamp it or sometimes look at it and look at me and wave me on.
Maybe because your passport says BRITISH PASSPORT emblazoned across the top. Also consider that requirements for visas may be introduced; it was for Bermudians traveling to the US.
You only need to have “right to abode in UK” to be allowed entry..in your Bermuda passport ..but still can be difficult when flying into some of the countries. For easier access just apply for a UK passport. The right to abode is not in the older Bermuda Passports in my experience. A
It is shameful that all the governments of the last two decades have not consistently advertised the fact that all Bermudians are entitle to a UK/EU passport. Like our silly dollar, “Bermuda” passports are almost completely useless, without visas, and both should be abolished.
If Bermuda were to go independent, which might please many with one foot in the grave, it would be a crime against the young people of this island, who would lose the freedom to travel, study and work, at will in the European Union and most of the Schengen countries, WITHOUT VISAS.
Without UK/EU passports in these terrorism times, people from an independent Bermuda would be required to have visas for most countries and we would be at the back of the Immigration cattle lines at most ports of entry, along with the citizens of most non-EU countries.
No one, one might suggest, to Walton Brown MP, could care less about the small population of some 50,000 Bermudians and we are not exactly a super-power that could demand any special privileges whatsoever.