EU considers travel restrictions for US and Canadian citizens
The European Commission is considering a one-year suspension of its Schengen visa waiver for visitors from the US and Canada.
The Council of Ministers and the European Parliament are considering the move in retaliation for the US denying citizens of newer EU members Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania entry to its visa waiver programme.
Canada doesn’t allow visa-free travel for citizens of two of the above states, Bulgaria and Romania.
The European Parliament is expected to take a decision on whether to impose restrictions on US and Canadian citizens travelling to the 26 Schengen member states by July 12.
Michael W. McCormick, executive director of the US-based Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), said the move would ‘create a lasting, negative impact on EU relations with the United States and Canada’.
He added: "GBTA strongly discourages European policy makers from considering a suspension of its visa waiver agreement with the United States and Canada.
"The agreement facilitates travel, spurring job creation and economic growth and is a vital tool for promoting international trade.
"A suspension would have a negative impact on business travel, which accounted for an estimated $1.2 trillion dollars in global spending last year.
"A suspension would also create a backlog of visa applications for travel to Europe, decrease international travel and create a lasting, negative impact on EU relations with the United States and Canada.
"In a time where the global economy already faces many uncertainties, this move could deal a devastating blow to further economic growth."
The UK has opted out of the Schengen agreement and has separate visa-waiver agreements with the US and Canada.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season