EU Eases up on Travel Restrictions Between Member States

With the passing of a new regulation on March 9, 2010, the European Parliament has made it easier for non-EU nationals to move around member states more fluidly. The new regulation will allow non-EU nationals staying in any member state of the EU with a long-term visa to travel between many of the other member states for periods of three to six months at a time.

Whilst travelling, non-EU nationals will be allowed to remain under the condition of the residence permit for the country they are staying in long term.

MEPS approved the new ruling in a 562 to 29 vote with 51 members abstaining. The new regulation will become active on April 5, 2010, however it will not apply to Ireland, Denmark, or the UK. The newly allowed freedom is not expected to pose any new security risks, said the European Parliament in a statement to the press.

Examples of long-stay visa holders include students, academics, family members of EU citizens, and other academics. At current these individuals are not allowed to move about other member states during their stay in an EU country, but the new regulation will lift this ban.

MEP Carlos Coelho, centre right MEP from Portugal, said that it was unacceptable that a student studying in one member of the EU could not spend a weekend trip in another EU member state for research purposes or holiday.

Currently long-stay visas are granted for up to one year, and at the time of expiration visitors to any EU state must extend or leave the country. Travellers will still be required to present a valid passport and must show proof of a long-stay visa in one of the member EU states.