Next Steps on Decision on Visa-Free Travel for U.S. Citizens Expected in May
April 19, 2017
European Union
Following the adoption of a resolution by the European Parliament in March, the European Commission will meet at the beginning of May, earlier than previously announced, to either issue a report explaining the progress that has been made toward full visa reciprocity with the United States or to adopt an act proposing to suspend short-term visa free-travel for U.S. nationals to the European Union.
The European Commission has expressed that it is reluctant to adopt such an act because of the significant consequences of a visa waiver suspension. If the European Commission proposes such a decision, the Council of the European Union or the European Parliament (although unlikely given that the European Parliament adopted the March resolution) could object to it, which would mean that the suspension would not enter into force.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Negotiations between EU and U.S. officials are ongoing. It is unlikely that any changes will be announced before May.
Fragomen is communicating with EU and U.S. stakeholders regarding the developments and will continue to report on the progress.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.
Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.
Video
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.
Blog post
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.
Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.
Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.
Video
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.
Blog post
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.
Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".