Schengen Agreement: Borders

(asked on 18th January 2021) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with (a) the European Commission and (b) Governments of EU member states on UK nationals with residence rights in the EU protected by the Withdrawal Agreement being refused entry at the Schengen border since 1 January 2021.


Answered by
Wendy Morton Portrait
Wendy Morton
This question was answered on 26th January 2021

The Government is aware of disruption at the Schengen border experienced by a relatively small number of UK nationals living in the EU since 1 January 2021. The Government is monitoring the situation closely and actively working with the European Commission, Member States and carriers to ensure the correct rules are applied. The EU has also confirmed that UK nationals protected by the Withdrawal Agreement and their family members are exempt from the EU's temporary restrictions on non-essential travel due to Covid-19 and have a right to enter, exit and transit within the EU.

We have raised concerns with the European Commission who have reminded border authorities across EU Member States that are part of Schengen to comply with the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement and guidance in the Schengen handbook. An English version of the guidance was made available to border authorities in Member States on 4 December 2020 and in all other languages on 23 December 2020. The handbook lists the documents that should be accepted as proof of status under the Withdrawal Agreement and includes guidance on other evidence that can be accepted, provided it credibly evidences residence in the EU before the end of the transition period.

We are also actively engaging bilaterally with Member States via our network of Embassies and High Commissions, and through their missions in London, reiterating the need for compliance and clear communication with their carriers. Since 1 January, less than 200 UK nationals have contacted our European network of Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates regarding this disruption and the steps taken by the Government have resulted in a reduction in enquiries.

Reticulating Splines