Brussels, 31/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 1 April, European Commissioner for Industry Antonio Tajani and Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström, will propose amendments to European rules on visas (2010 visa code) to facilitate visits for foreign tourists and other “bone fide” travellers. These visitors will be able to obtain their visas for the Schengen Area more easily and also benefit from more flexible arrangements, such as one-year visas (that can be renewed once). The current system only allows for leave to remain for three months (renewable every 180 days).
In August 2012, Tajani launched the idea of adapting visas for tourists who frequently travelled the EU and who brought so much wealth into the EU economy. At the time, the commissioner indicated that he was targeting rich Russians, Chinese and Indians who frequently travel to the EU and spent substantial sums of money there. This would bring a €130 billion boost to the European economy over the next few years.
On Tuesday, the Commission will put forward three proposals: reducing the amount of time required in visa requests, awarding multi-entry visas and visas for more than 90 days. According to Commission studies, facilitated visa procedures for these “reliable” travellers could increase the number of Schengen area visas issued by between 30% and 60% a year. (SP)