Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to support coach drivers required to travel for work to the Schengen area for longer than 90 days in any 180 day period.

The Schengen 90 days in any 180-day period (“90/180”) immigration rule has applied since 2021 to all UK nationals (including coach drivers) undertaking short stays for leisure and work in the Schengen area. The Schengen 90/180 limit is a fundamental part of the EU’s conditions of entry for third country nationals to its territory. As such it is not UK Government policy.

The Department wrote to all holders of public service vehicle operator licences for national and international operations on 31 July 2025 to remind them about the implementation of the EU’s Entry / Exit System (EES). The letter advised UK operators to review the schedules of UK national drivers travelling regularly into the Schengen area to ensure compliance with the 90/180 Schengen limit, brief staff on the upcoming EES system, and monitor updates from the Government regarding EES.

The Government will continue to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by these rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad.