European Parliament show of hands urges imposition of visas for Americans to member states, where no reciprocity exists, reports Reuters on March 2, 2017.
Just when there was some great momentum in the important North American market discovering tourism in Croatia…
American visitors to Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Croatia could soon be facing visa applications to visit, after a show of hands by the European Parliament showed that MEPs were in favour of visa restrictions from citizens of the United States, a move which would mirror the requirements of citizens of those requirements to the US.
Washington includes the other 23 EU member states in its visa-waiver programme, but EU rules call for equal treatment for all EU citizens.
A diplomatic solution is being sought to the issue, which could have a significant effect on tourism to those countries this summer, as Americans do not need a Schengen visa (Croatia is not yet a member of the Schengen zone) to enter many countries in Europe. That economic disincentive will surely be a factor in the ensuing discussions.
“We will report on further progress made before the end of June and continue to work closely with both the European Parliament and the Council,” a Commission spokeswoman said, referring to the council which groups the governments of the 28 EU member states.
It is an issue we will be following on TCN, as it will obviously affect thousands of American tourists this summer. We will bring you the latest as soon as we have it.
