UK Nationals Get Visa-free Access to EU Post-Brexit

British nationals wishing to travel to EU countries will be able to do so without a visa after the UK leaves the Union even in a no-deal scenario, European lawmakers decided on Thursday, allowing stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

However, the European Parliament decision – endorsed by 502 votes, 81 against, and 29 abstentions – will apply only if the UK reciprocates, allowing EU travelers to enter the country visa free.

The next step will require ratification by the Council of Ministries and publication in the EU’s Official Journal before April 12.

The law is “an important step for guaranteeing visa-free travel between EU and UK after Brexit, especially in case of a no deal,” said rapporteur MEP Sergei Stanislav.

Britain is expected to depart from the European Union as early as next week.

The visa waiver concerns all EU member states as well as Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland, non-EU countries that belong to the border-free travel zone – apart from Ireland, which already has a free movement agreement in place.

Meanwhile, the EU parliament decision created controversy in Brussels, over Gibraltar’s status.